Beluga, a senior dog with arthritis and neurological issues, spent over 700 days waiting for his forever home at Austin Pets Alive! (APA!). Despite his struggles, his rescuers never gave up hope, knowing his perfect match was out there.
In early 2024, Jeanette, a 75-year-old woman grieving the loss of her two senior dogs, came to APA! looking for a new companion. With years of experience caring for senior dogs, she knew the joy and fulfillment they bring. When she met Beluga, it was an instant connection.

Jeanette decided to take Beluga into her home through a foster care arrangement, but it didnโt take long for her to realize he was already part of her family. She renamed him Velcro, a fitting name for a dog who now refuses to leave her side, reports The Dodo.

Although Jeanette and Velcro are both seniors, their bond has rejuvenated them. Velcro, once a quiet shelter dog, now plays like a puppy, chasing Jeanette around the yard and enjoying their golden years together. Their relationship has brought new energy and joy to both of their lives.
Jeanette shares videos of their adventures, hoping to inspire others to consider adopting senior dogs. โThey deserve love and give it back in abundance,โ she said. โThey respond to care just as much, if not more, than younger dogs.โ
@austinpetsalive This video is just a snippet of a story of two souls looking for their perfect match. When you #AmplifyLifesaving, you pave the path for pets like Beluga and his new guardian to meet. Thereโs just 8 hours left to help us reach our $250,000 goal! Weโre 65% of the way thereโcan you help us get to 75% before noon? Find the link to donate in our bio and read on to learn how the stars aligned for this duo. Velcro, FKA Beluga, is a 10-year-old senior dog who had searched for a loving home since 2022. With his older age came some arthritis and an unknown background likely contributed to some trust issues and progressive neurological/musculoskeletal challenges. His ideal home would be slow paced, just like him! And come with a patient and understanding human. He wasnโt the only one looking for a companion; Jeanette recently lost her two senior pups and was ready to open her home to another senior pet in need. At 75 years young, she needed a low-energy dog to share her home with and spoil to her heart's content. Soon after meeting, Jeanette welcomed Velcro into her home under foster care with the intention of adopting. The foster-to-adopt process allows both APA! and the foster parent to help the dog acclimate to a new environment by providing at-home behavior consults and lifelong adoption support. Jeanette hopes her adoption story will encourage other people to not overlook special needs and senior dogs. โThey deserve love and they give as much as they get,โ she stated. โThey respond to love just as well, if not more than younger dogs. Velcro has adopted meโฆ he has chosen me.โ Each year, thousands of at-risk animals come into our care, many of which have been deemed โunadoptableโ due to behavioral or health challenges. We work to provide pets like Beluga with available resources to enhance their quality of life and prepare them for life outside of the shelterโbecause we know there are people out there that need them just as much. #austinpetsalive #austin #texas #austintx #shelterdog #dog #dogsoftiktok #happytail #adopt #adopted #adopteddogs #adopteddogsoftiktok #seniordog โฌ Little Things – Adrian Berenguer
At the shelter, Velcroโs age and health issues were more evident. But in his new home, he is thrivingโexploring, playing and embracing life with the enthusiasm of a puppy. Jeanette believes the transformation has been mutual.
โVelcro didnโt just find a home; he found me,โ Jeanette said. โI didnโt adopt him, he adopted me.โ ยป

Their heartwarming story is a testament to the power of love and second chances, showing that senior dogs, like Velcro, have a lot to offer.
Follow Pets Feed on Google News!