At 101, She Said Yes to an 11-Year-Old Dog Nobody Expected Her to Adopt

When Johanna Carrington lost her beloved dog at the age of 100, her family faced a question they had never expected to ask: would any shelter let a 100-year-old woman adopt a dog?

Johanna, who lives in Moss Beach, California, had always had a dog by her side. Her family knew how much a companion meant to her. But they also worried that her age would close every door.

A neighbor with an idea

The answer came from close to home. A neighbor who volunteered with Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a San Francisco nonprofit that focuses on older dogs, suggested the family get in touch. Muttville runs a program that matches senior dogs with senior people, on the belief that the two can be a perfect fit.

That is how the family met Gucci.

Meet Gucci

Gucci, whose name had originally been Gnocchi, was an 11-year-old Chihuahua mix. He had been rescued from a hoarding situation involving 22 dogs. He had no teeth left, but he was already house-trained and had a gentle, easy-going nature.

Would a little dog with such a hard past feel comfortable with someone new? The family soon found out.

The moment he chose her

Johanna was sitting in her chair when Gucci saw her. He jumped straight up onto her lap, settled in and made himself completely at home. As Johanna later described it, he became the family’s baby right away.

Gucci now shares her home, her recliner and her quiet days. Her family has said that having him around has lifted her mood and brought new joy into her daily routine.

Why this match works

Stories like Gucci’s show why many rescues now pair older pets with older adults. Senior dogs are usually calmer and need less exercise than puppies, which can suit people who spend more time at home. And for a dog who has waited a long time, a peaceful lap may be exactly what he needs.

At 101, Johanna proved that it is never too late to welcome a new friend, and Gucci proved that it is never too late to find a home.

Thinking about adopting a senior pet?

Older dogs and cats are often calm, gentle and already house-trained. If you are curious whether a senior pet could fit your life, our Adopting an Older Pet guides are a good place to start.