Senior pup finds her smile again

Britt may have a few gray whiskers, but don’t let that fool you. This senior pup has the heart of a mischievous youngster and the zoomies to match. Whether she’s darting after a stick or romping with her dog friends, Britt approaches life with boundless enthusiasm. When she first arrived at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, though, her exuberance was buried under a cloud of anxiety.

Britt was one of hundreds of adoptable animals Best Friends took in from Los Angeles-area shelters to help free up space and alleviate stress in the shelters during the wildfire crisis in January of this year. Best Friends’ goal is for shelters across the country to reach no-kill in 2025, and collaborating with our shelter partners to take in and place their pets in new homes is just one of the ways we work together toward that shared goal.

Britt's new home-between-homes at Dogtown was a fresh start — but for Britt, change felt overwhelming at first. Everything was new and unfamiliar.

At first, Britt stuck close to the edges of her new world, unsure of how to step into it. But little by little, she started to settle in, thanks to patient caregivers and a few four-legged friends who spoke her language: play.

[Senior dog regains pep in her step]

“Britt is a hoot,” says caregiver Landon Schobert. “She just needed a chance to relax and be herself. Playing with other dogs gives her companionship and an outlet to let loose. She just becomes a peppy, bouncy gal.”

And bounce she did. Once Britt realized the fun that was waiting for her, there was no stopping her.

Now, Britt thrives in her home-between-homes. Her daily routine is a delightful mix of zooming, lounging, and convincing every human she meets that she deserves extra treats. (She does.) Playgroups keep her social life lively, while long naps on the cushiest bed in Dogtown ensure she stays well rested for her next adventure.

[Older dog gets new lease on life]

“She has this giant bed that’s probably the cushiest one we have here,” says caregiver Kat Knauff with a laugh. “And she knows it. She knows she has every caregiver wrapped around her paw.”

Despite her senior status, Britt hasn’t slowed down one bit. She still chases sticks like they owe her money, her eyes lighting up with every toss. Britt’s making the most of every moment — zooming, playing, and showing everyone that fun has no age limit.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.