A woman who was waiting to adopt a puppy falls in love with an elderly golden retriever.

When senior dogs wind up in shelters, it always makes me sad. Older dogs, particularly those with health issues, are frequently overlooked in favor of younger canines.

The odds looked stacked against an elderly dog who had to find a new home following the death of his owner, but when she met him, a woman felt it was meant to be.

Mickey, a 13-year-old golden retriever, was left homeless when his owner passed away from a protracted illness. This was the “heartbreaking story” that Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida posted in November.

They made a desperate plea for a senior golden to be placed in foster care or adopted. They wrote, “Mickey is deaf and partially blind, but very sweet.”

Mickey also had infections in his eyes and skin, and the rescue reported that he had a big, benign lump that needed to be removed. Thankfully, a veterinarian advised that he be saved rather than put down despite his elderly age and medical conditions.

Mickey soon had a foster mother, Marianne, thanks to the rescue.

Marianne had lost her two pets, Scout and Sophie, not too long ago. She was on a waiting list to get a young dog or puppy and wasn’t really interested in adopting an older dog because she didn’t want to go through the heartbreak again so quickly.

However, after hearing Mickey’s tale, she made the decision to temporarily foster him; she had no intention of permanently adopting him.

Mickey did well in his new foster home, according to GRRSWF, who said, “He loved his new mom and home, comfy dog beds and lots of good food.” His eyes and skin recovered, and he charmed his new family by being the cutest, most charming boy. He enjoys hikes, travels to the cottage in Georgia, and expresses thanks every day.

Despite not having planned on it, Marianne was so enamored with little Mickey that she made the decision to adopt him permanently!

She not only got Mickey, but she also got the dog that she had been waiting for. “Mickey needs to learn from and be kept young by his new sister.”

We love Marianne so much for adopting lovely old Mickey, and we think senior dogs deserve so much love!

Please tell this endearing tale! ❤️