An 11-year-old senior dog named Lori is back in a shelter in Austin, Texas, after her owner passed away, leaving her in need of a new forever home. Adopted in 2015, Lori had spent nearly nine years in a loving home before her owner’s death led to her return to the Austin Pets Alive (APA!) shelter on December 22. Struggling emotionally in the shelter environment, Lori is physically healthy but misses the comfort and companionship she had in her previous home, often seen “crying softly” at her kennel door by volunteers.
Unfortunately, Lori’s situation is not uncommon, as millions of animals enter U.S. shelters each year, with rising intake and euthanasia rates. In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered shelters, up 4 percent from the previous year, with around 850,000 animals being euthanized. Shelters are working to reduce these rates through adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation efforts. Despite these challenges, volunteers like Karen Hardwick at APA! are dedicated to helping animals like Lori find new loving homes where they can thrive.
Karen described Lori as “super sweet,” affectionate, and cuddly, enjoying the company of people and exploring her surroundings. During APA!’s “Home for the Holiday” adoption promotion, Lori had the chance to spend a week with a temporary family for a sleepover, providing her with a break from the shelter environment. While this experience was positive, the shelter staff emphasized that Lori needs a stable and loving forever home where she can spend her twilight years in comfort and happiness.
Lori’s story highlights the importance of adoption and providing senior pets with a second chance at finding a loving family. While she has enjoyed some home comforts during her temporary stay, Lori is eagerly waiting for the right person to come along and offer her a permanent home. Those interested in adopting Lori or other pets in need can contact APA! for more information on the adoption process and how to provide a forever home to an animal in need. The love and care that Lori and other shelter animals receive from their new families can make a world of difference in their lives.
As shelters work to address the challenges of overcrowding and limited resources, finding forever homes for animals like Lori becomes increasingly crucial. By raising awareness of pets in need and promoting adoption as a compassionate choice, individuals can help make a positive impact on the lives of homeless animals. Whether through volunteering, donating, or adopting, everyone can play a role in giving animals like Lori the chance to experience love, security, and happiness in a forever home.
