If you follow Pawsome Senior Dogs on Instagram or Facebook, you’ve already met my dear Bambi. But I wanted to formally introduce her and share her background in this post, which I hope will inspire others considering adopting a senior dog. 

How Bambi Came Into My Life

Bambi came to me in March 2024, aged 15 years and 10 months. I was already caring for my parents’ senior dog, Nipper, a 16-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, who’s a very snoozy boy. He clocks in his required 18 hours of sleep a day, making him the perfect work-from-home companion. Wanting to make my own house feel more like home, I thought another senior dog would be a great option.

I started my search at local shelters and found a few potential matches, but they were quickly adopted. It can be heartbreaking to miss out on a dog you’ve set your heart on, but at the same time, it’s heartwarming to know that these golden boys and girls are finding their forever homes.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Senior Dog Adoption

During my search, I met a 12-year-old Labrador who had an appalling background. My heart broke for her, but unfortunately, she wasn’t the right fit for my home. The guilt of meeting a dog you can’t bring home is tough, but I trusted she would find the right family.

Then I found Bambi at the Dogs Trust. She was older than I originally intended to adopt and located three hours away, but her bio (and her little face) spoke to me. I called the Dogs Trust, who, in this case, allowed me to apply specifically for Bambi due to her age (usually you can’t apply for a specific dog). We arranged a meet-and-greet.

Meeting Bambi: First Impressions

Bambi was in foster care because kennels had been too traumatic for her. On the day we met, she arrived at the centre wearing a big padded coat, hobbling in with her foster dad. She was clearly stressed about being back at the centre and was panting heavily. My heart went out to her.

At first glance, Bambi didn’t look like the typical Jack Russell I was expecting. She was larger, with long legs that seemed out of place under her bulky coat. We took a short two-minute walk due to her fragile condition, and the staff explained that we might not have much time together if I adopted her, because of her age and health.

Bambi’s Health Issues

Bambi had been surrendered when her previous owner went into care, and it was clear she hadn’t been receiving proper care for a long time. Her health problems included:

• Untreated arthritis
• Neurological tremor
• Overgrown toenails
• Wasted back leg muscles
• ‘Slight’ incontinence
• Ear infection
• Deafness
• Dental issues (numerous rotten teeth)
• Fatty lumps and growths
• Red, sore elbows

Despite all these ailments, Bambi just needed a calm retirement home where she could enjoy two gentle walks a day, a comfy bed, and love. She sounded like the perfect fit for me.

Making a Connection

As Bambi began to calm down, she came over to sniff me, then stood with her face inches from mine, panting heavily and showing her decaying teeth. She quickly turned around and offered her bottom for scratches, which I gladly obliged. It wasn’t exactly love at first sight—Bambi was too stressed for us to connect fully—but I knew I could offer her the love and care she deserved.

I called the shelter the next day and confirmed I would be adopting her.

Adoption Day: Bambi’s New Beginning

Bambi’s adoption day was scheduled a week later, after she had dental surgery to remove over half her teeth. Despite her many ailments, her blood work confirmed she was in relatively good shape for her age!

On adoption day, I made the three-hour drive through snowy countryside to collect her. Bambi arrived without her coat this time, and I could see just how wasted her back leg muscles were. She waddled around with a wide stance, clearly uncomfortable, but still my sweet girl.

Her foster mum handed me her only possession—a tennis ball. We spent a few minutes getting reacquainted, and once again, she presented me with her bottom for scratches. Our bond was re-established!

After finalising the paperwork and paying the £250 adoption fee, I was handed my new companion. The moment was overwhelming—suddenly, I was completely responsible for this little life, and it felt both terrifying and wonderful.

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for future posts, where I’ll share how Bambi settled into her new home, how her personality started to shine, and why she’s now lovingly nicknamed “Relentless.”