Happiness at Leitrim animal shelter as senior dog finds forever home

A 16-year-old terrier surrendered to Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre last week has found a new home, bringing joy to the centre that the dog, Minnie, will now spend the rest of her life in a loving family.

Older dogs are often overlooked by adopters, but there was clearly something special about Minnie that caught attention. 

The centre launched an appeal on August 19, describing Minnie’s difficult circumstances. She had been surrendered along with five dogs and 20 cats after her previous owner was forced to emigrate. 

On top of that, Minnie has stage four heart failure and requires daily medication, but is “still bright, happy, and enjoying life.”

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Leitrim Animal Welfare stressed in their appeal that no senior dog should have to spend their final years in a kennel. Thankfully, Minnie will not face that fate.

In a Facebook post, the centre said that “so many people reached out” to offer Minnie a home, but the perfect adopter turned out to be Karen from Carlow, who has both experience with and a deep love for Jack Russell Terriers. Minnie was officially adopted on Monday, August 25.

“Minnie took the long trip from Leitrim to Carlow in her stride, and when she arrived, she marched straight into the shallow pond to say hi to the ducks,” Leitrim Animal Welfare shared in the post.

“That night she curled up all cozy with a look that said: “I can’t believe this is my life now!

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“Thank you so much to Karen and to everyone who opens their heart to senior dogs. They may not have forever, but they deserve the world for the time they do have,” the post continued.

Minnie has found her happy ending, and anyone wishing to offer another overlooked animal a second chance can visit Leitrim Animal Welfare's Facebook or website.