The Heartfelt Journey of Adopting Senior Dogs

In the summer of 2020, my wife Delilah and I welcomed Cosmo and Hook into our lives. She discovered these senior dogs on the website of Frosted Faces Foundation in Ramona, a nonprofit organization in northern San Diego County dedicated to rescuing older pets. While Delilah felt an immediate connection to the furry Yorkie and skinny Chihuahua, I hesitated. I argued that adopting senior dogs might lead to quick heartbreak and additional financial burdens. Cosmo and Hook were both 10 years old at the time and faced various health issues. Cosmo had recently lost an eye, and Hook was born with a clubfoot. Both required immediate dental surgery.

Despite my reservations, Delilah insisted that we needed to provide them with love in their remaining years. When we first met them, Cosmo approached us, accepting pets. Hook, however, lunged at Cosmo, who remained unfazed. Despite this odd introduction, we took them home the same day.

Over time, caring for Cosmo and Hook became increasingly challenging. Cosmo suffered from severe allergies, causing constant itching and howling whenever left alone. Our neighbor mistook Cosmo’s cries for a siren. Hook often ignored his food in favor of cat waste he found in our backyard. Hook seemed to always want to bite Cosmo with his few remaining teeth, which Delilah likened to candy corn, while Cosmo constantly looked for opportunities to escape.

I often voiced my frustrations, but Delilah fell in love with them instantly. As months passed, these quirky companions found their way into my heart. Cosmo revealed his gentle nature, and Hook proved loyal despite his grumpy demeanor. They continually kept me company during pandemic-era Zoom calls. At night, both dogs joined us in bed, with Cosmo at our feet and Hook nestled between us. Our nurturing appeared to reverse their aging process. Cosmo transitioned from a timid, corner-hiding dog to a lively one who leaped onto our furniture with youthful energy. Hook’s coat turned from patchy to luscious and golden.

Our days revolved around providing Cosmo and Hook with comfort and happiness. Despite my limited culinary skills, I prepared homemade meals for them, mixing chicken, turkey, brown rice, and sweet potatoes. I took special care when grabbing Cosmo, ensuring he could see me with his one eye to avoid startling him. Delilah insisted on carrying Hook in a baby carrier during walks to prevent him from feeling left behind.

Time didn’t grant us endless moments of bliss. Age-related issues soon emerged, such as upset stomachs, heart murmurs, and pancreatitis. Regular four-hour trips to Frosted Faces Foundation for veterinary care became part of our routine. This organization started in 2016 by Andy and Kelly Smíšek, serving as a haven for elderly pets. Volunteers and a newly established vet clinic supported the initiative.

Kelly’s inspiration to establish Frosted Faces stemmed from witnessing elderly pets being surrendered due to their care demands. She dedicated the facility to ensure senior animals find loving homes. Frosted Faces placed nearly 800 animals last year. During our visits, I encountered other adopters who shared the joy these senior animals brought into their lives. They shared stories of how these older pets offered companionship and gratitude.

Dr. Neil Russell, head veterinarian at Frosted Faces, once shared his perspective on senior pet adoption, highlighting the compassion and patience required in caring for them. He emphasized the short-lived but rewarding nature of the bond.

Hook passed away two summers ago at age 14, staying true to his grouchy nature until the end. Cosmo became noticeably affected, slowing down and secluding himself during bedtime. His health declined as he experienced hearing loss and developing cataracts in his remaining eye.

Despite these challenges, Cosmo continued eating well and enjoyed shorter, more frequent walks. His determination to savor his last days was evident. However, he eventually faced dementia, spinning in confusion and sleeplessness. Medication offered no improvement, and I often found myself exhausted from his erratic sleep cycles. In a moment of frustration, I vowed never to adopt senior dogs again, a statement I quickly regretted. Cosmo and Hook had taught us the value of selflessness and the importance of cherishing the time we have.

In June, we said goodbye to Cosmo in our living room. The night prior, he gifted us with uninterrupted sleep, his first full night in months. That morning, I carried him on a final walk, whispering my love for him and the hope of reuniting with Hook.

As the vet administered Cosmo’s euthanasia, I sang Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend” until his gentle paws rested. I repeated the song when collecting his ashes, now placed beside Hook’s on our mantelpiece. The house feels silent in their absence. The food bowls and beds, once the site of joyful chaos, lie cleared and empty.

Though we’ve lost pets before, four years with Hook and six with Cosmo felt far too brief. Yet, the lessons they imparted and the joy they provided remain. Delilah desires to adopt more senior dogs, and while we’ll eventually open our hearts again, we recognize the necessary emotional and financial commitment. Adopting senior pets is not for everyone, yet those willing to embrace it find it profoundly rewarding. Caring for animals in their twilight years is a privilege, teaching us about love, endurance, and the inevitability of aging.

Thank you, Cosmo and Hook, for enriching Delilah’s and my life during your final years. You may have left too soon, but your memory and the lessons we learned from you will stay with us forever.