These 9 Dogs Are Just What a Senior Home Needs—And They Need One Too
Finding the perfect canine companion as a senior can be life-changing. Dogs provide unconditional love, companionship, and even health benefits like reduced stress and increased physical activity. But not all dogs suit a senior’s lifestyle—some require high energy, while others thrive in calm, relaxed environments.
This carefully curated list features nine wonderful dogs that are ideal for seniors. The best part? They’re all looking for their forever homes! Whether you’re seeking a gentle lap dog or a loyal walking buddy, one of these pups could be the perfect fit. Open your heart and home to a loving companion today!
1. Sammy: 10-year-old Maltese
Sammy is a sweet, affectionate, and quiet little lap dog who just wants to be loved! He adores curling up with his foster mom and prefers human companionship over playing with other pets. If you’re looking for a cozy cuddle buddy, Sammy is your perfect match!
When Sammy was first rescued, he was in rough shape—severely underweight, suffering from infections, and missing most of his teeth. With proper vet care and lots of love, he has gained weight, healed, and is feeling great! Learn More
2. Molly: 15-year-old Cuddly Pug
Molly is a 15-year-old sweet, cuddly pug who has a spunky attitude and loves to give the two big dogs in her foster home a hard time! Molly likes to be held and be around her humans at all time. She does have some back issues, that cause some issues with mobility and bladder control struggles, so she wears a diaper during the day and a washable potty pad at bedtime. When Molly’s foster siblings start rough housing, she lets them know they need to knock it off!
Molly resource guards when her food is being made in the kitchen and will also guard her human from other dogs when sitting on the couch, but this is all manageable with proper training and steps to keep everyone safe! Her foster reports that she can have quite the attitude! Molly would benefit from being in a home with other pets who can handle her feisty disposition or be an only dog. Learn More
3. Buttercup: 10-year-old Shih Tzu-Poodle Mix
Buttercup is a 10-year-old 10 lbs. Shih Tzu poodle mix (Shi-Poo). She is partially blind, but otherwise very healthy. She was found tied to a fence at a dog park one morning in September. She has adjusted very well to life with her foster family. Buttercup is a complete and total lap dog. If you’re looking for a dog that will stay on your lap and enjoy spending time with you, this is the dog for you. She absolutely loves sitting next to you on the couch or sitting on your lap while you’re looking at your phone or working on your computer or paying bills. She is also the perfect nap buddy…. she loves to take naps with her person. She loves to go on walks, and is great on a leash, and she’s completely housebroken.
She gets along well with other dogs, and I have not seen her with cats, but I would imagine that she would be fine she stays by herself and doesn’t bother anyone. She’s a great eater, and loves mealtime. She is a little bit on the needy side. That comes from being abandoned by her family. However, in the month that she has been with her foster family, she has begun to relax and trust that when we leave in the morning, we always come back and later on in the day. She will need some adjustment time to trust her new forever family. Because of her neediness and her past trauma I would recommend a home where someone works from home, or a retired couple who are home most of the time, as she is the happiest when she is with her people. Learn More
4. Gina: 15-year-old Shy Italian Greyhound
Gina is a 15-year-old girl looking for a quiet place to spend her retirement. Gina is very skittish and shy with strangers but has started to come out of her shell with her foster family, playing with the other iggies, and becoming friends with an older child in the home. Gina did not have vet care most of her life and had multiple litters of puppies. As a result, she has lost most of her teeth to dental disease and had mammary tumors removed during her spay. She is blind, but her eyes have been checked and are not causing her any pain. Gina learned to use the dog door at her home, but she will likely never be potty trained, so she needs someone who can be patient and understanding. Learn More
5. Milo: 12-year-old Golden Retriever Mix
Milo is a 12-year-old male Retriever mix that was turned in by his owners. It’s suspected he was turned in due to a divorce, and apparently, the owner took selfies with Milo before leaving him at the shelter. What makes Milo’s situation all the more tragic is that he was adopted as a young puppy 12 years earlier at Animal Friends of the Valleys, back in 2012, when he was just a few months old, as part of a stray litter.
Milo is extremely friendly and personable with everyone he meets, and did exceptionally well with his grooming while at the shelter. Shortly after being groomed and featured with Rocky during his livestream, Milo got accepted into a rescue. Learn More
6. Harley: Golden Retriever-Collie Mix
This sweet boy is looking for a loving home where he can be the only dog. He is a gentle, affectionate companion who adores people of all ages!
If you’re looking for a faithful, loving companion and can provide a dog-free home, this boy will reward you with endless love and loyalty! Learn More
7. Ryan Philip: Adorable Shih Tzu Mix
Ryan Phillip is an adorable and amazingly resilient little boy who came from horrible neglect. His joy and gratitude after being rescued were shared by us all, as we watched him roll around for joy in his new, soft bed, all clean, groomed and well fed. This joy continues each day as he warmly embraces all the love and care he is receiving. Ryan Phillip is a friendly, gentle, sweet boy, who enjoys cuddling in a cozy lap, affection, exploring in the yard, and just hanging out with people.
Ryan Phillip is a Shih Tzu mix and about 7-8 pounds. His age is unknown, but he is a senior, at least 12 years old. His left eye is blind, but he does have vision in the right eye (he has been evaluated by an opthomologist), and he gets around just fine. Ryan Phillip certainly deserves his angel, who will give him the best possible senior years ahead. If he is tugging at your heart, please consider adopting him and put in an application today. Please watch the video at the end of the photos to see more of Ryan Phillip. He is a sweetheart! Learn More
8. Whiskey: 10-year-old Purebred Dachshund
Whiskey is a beautiful dapple-coated Dachshund with a confident, charming personality! At 10 years young and 13 lbs, she still has plenty of love to give and is looking for a forever home where she can share her affectionate nature.
Whiskey is a loyal, loving companion who would thrive in a home where she can soak up affection and enjoy her golden years. If you’re looking for a sweet, confident Dachshund to brighten your days, apply today to meet Whiskey! 🐾❤️ Learn More
9. Bobo: 8-year-old Pomeranian Mix
Bobo is an 8-year-old, 9-pound Pomeranian mix who has been through a lot but is finally ready for a loving home! This little guy was found in California, and after receiving much-needed medical care, he’s transformed into a happy, affectionate companion.
Bobo is precious, affectionate, and ready to find his forever lap. If you’re looking for a loving, easygoing companion, Bobo is your perfect match! 🏡💙Learn More