It starts with an Instagram post: “Come with us to adopt the oldest boy at the shelter.” And it is as heartwarming as it sounds! A couple, Alanna and Keith, decided to give a senior 10-year-old Golden Retriever, Mulligan, a new chance to enjoy his life, safe and freedom to explore the garden.
The couple had another dog that passed away. It was Marley, a gentle giant of a St. Bernard dog. Sadly, Marley died unexpectedly while the couple was on vacation. This made them doublethink if they were ever going to get another dog.
It’s understandable; a heartbreak can be devastating. But, as we all know, it is not possible to shelter your heart from love. No matter how much you try, the flower blooms even when you thought there was absolute darkness.
Don’t get me wrong! We cannot “replace” a dog with another dog, but we can make sure we give another living being a chance for a proper life filled with love and belly rubs! And in the case of Alanna and Keith, who also had Dude, another dog before Marley, I am sure the desire to help and take care of dogs was too much.
The Happy Ending
So, the story ends happily for all three. Mulligan the Golden Retriever, Alanna, and Keith are happily living together and tackling everyday obstacles together. The latest story from their official profile mentioned Mulligan had an insect bite, possibly a wasp, but with their quick reaction and vet’s help, everything got under control quickly.
And while Mulligan is starting to show his personality more and more as he gets used to his new home, this story has more than just a happy ending for him and his new family. This story is a reminder that old dogs can be amazing pets too.
Yes, having an older pet often means unexpected health issues that go with the age. But you can say that about any dog, young or old! If that’s the case, we should never have any animals as a pet. If that’s the case, we should never do anything that could cause more pain.
Is that living? We’re only once, as we are right now, on this planet, no matter what you believe in. So why waste the years hiding from pain when you know it comes with a much bigger feeling – love and content.
Where Was Mulligan From?
The family adopted Mulligan from the Edmonton Humane Society. It’s in Canada, and if you are over there or close by, you can check their Animal Adoption Program. There are other animals too, not just dogs.
Cats, birds, bunnies… It’s sad that there are so many abandoned animals. But looking from the brighter point of view, at least there are good people out there doing the best they can to give these poor souls a new chance, a better life.
