Emma, a delicate 14-year-old Poodle, found herself in a shelter under sad circumstances, confined in a crate with just a fuzzy blanket and a few toys for comfort. She was astonishingly underweight at only four pounds, a mere shadow of what a dog her age should be.
In Seattle, Washington, a couple named Adrian Lott and Spencer Erickson stumbled upon Emma’s photo online. The sight of the small, frail dog stirred something in them, and they instantly decided that Emma deserved to be part of their family. After a couple of weeks filled with anticipation, Emma was finally ready to start her new life in what would be her forever home.
The Beginnings of a New Life
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Upon arriving in Seattle, Emma was understandably wary. The combination of her new environment and her traumatic past made her both scared and medically fragile. Adrian Lott shared with Newsweek that it was evident Emma had endured severe neglect. Her spine was misshapen, and her back legs trembled uncontrollably, barely supporting her light frame. She was in dire need of dental care and overall medical attention.
Despite her poor health, Adrian and Spencer’s love for her was immediate and unconditional. They were prepared to do whatever it took to ensure Emma could enjoy her remaining years in comfort and love.
Bonding and Healing
Source: @adoptolddogs
In the initial days at her new home, Emma was visibly shaken, a clear sign of the fear and trauma she had endured. However, her connection with Adrian developed swiftly. As she began to heal and adapt to her surroundings, she would follow him from room to room, finding solace and comfort in his presence.
“Emma quickly became attached to me,” Lott recounted. “She loved to cuddle on my lap, and it wasn’t long before she began to show signs of feeling safe and secure.” This bond was crucial for Emma’s emotional recovery, and soon, the trembling stopped. The realization that she was finally in a safe place where she was loved allowed her to relax and start enjoying her new life.
In Her Forever Home
Despite the initial assumption that Emma might only survive a few months due to her condition, she surpassed all expectations. Emma celebrated her two-year anniversary in her forever home, a milestone that her parents hadn’t dared to hope for when they first adopted her. Her resilience and the care provided by her amazing vet team—who humorously noted that “she’s basically pickled”—played a big part in her prolonged life.
“Knowing that she’s reached two years and shows no signs of stopping fills us with immense gratitude,” her parents shared on Instagram. They often joke about Emma’s indefatigable spirit, reflecting on the joy she continues to bring into their lives.
The Joy of Adopting Senior Dogs
Adrian and Spencer’s experience with Emma highlights a significant issue in pet adoption: older dogs are often overlooked in favor of puppies. Yet, senior dogs like Emma can bring immense joy and love into their new homes. Adopting a senior dog means understanding and embracing their potential health issues and appreciating the limited but precious time you have with them.
“When you adopt a senior dog, you learn to treasure every moment,” Emma’s mom expressed. “She’s going to be happy and safe with us for as long as she lives. She’ll never have to wonder about her place in our home again.”
A Testament to Love
Today, Emma lives with four other senior dogs, all of whom have found their forever home with Adrian and Spencer. Each of these dogs has a story marked by challenges and overcoming adversity, but united by the love and security they now share.
Emma has not only gained weight but also underwent hip surgery which significantly improved her quality of life. More importantly, she has experienced what true love feels like—a love that has transformed her from a terrified, shaky senior into a content, cherished family member.
The Power of Giving a Senior Dog a Home
Adopting a senior dog like Emma is a deeply rewarding experience that more potential pet owners should consider. These dogs often provide a level of companionship and gratitude that is uniquely profound. Their time might be shorter, but the warmth and love they offer in return are boundless.
Every dog, regardless of age, deserves a chance at a happy, loving life. By choosing to adopt a senior dog, you’re not just saving a life; you’re also gaining a loyal, loving friend who will cherish every moment spent with you.
