Louisiana Family Steps In After Seeing 16-Year-Old Dog Heartbroken In Shelter Kennel
When a 16-year-old dog named Sweet Pea arrived at Nina’s Road to Rescue in Louisiana earlier this month, her world had just been turned upside down.
After spending her entire life with the same owner, she suddenly found herself in an unfamiliar place, unsure what would happen next.
Sweet Pea came to the rescue with her best friend, a corgi named Tippie, after their owner could no longer care for them due to major life challenges.
It was a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved, and sadly, it’s something shelters see far too often. As Nina Lopez, founder and president of the Louisiana-based Nina’s Road to Rescue, explained:
“Sweet Pea came to our shelter with Tippie, It’s very common for seniors to enter shelters. It happens all the time, more so when someone passes away or enters a senior living facility.”
According to Lopez, senior dogs often find themselves homeless simply because they outlive their owners. “Most often, the ones entering shelters are small dogs,” she said.
“They live much longer than larger breeds and often outlive their human caretakers.”
While shelters across the country work tirelessly to find homes for every animal, senior dogs face a tougher road. Data from Shelter Animals Count, which tracks animal shelter statistics nationwide, shows that older dogs are among the least likely to be adopted.
In 2025, adoptions of senior dogs dropped by about 2 percent compared to the year before, even as adoptions of younger dogs went up.
Between January and June of this year, around 1.4 million dogs entered shelters across the U.S., a slight decrease from 2024. But for older dogs like Sweet Pea, those numbers still represent an uphill battle.
Small and young dogs are typically adopted quickly, while adult and senior dogs often wait much longer, sometimes months or even years, to find the right home.
At Nina’s Road to Rescue, Sweet Pea was just one of several older pups in need of love. “Currently, we have five other seniors who came to us, three because their owners passed away and two from a municipal shelter,” Lopez shared.
Despite her age, failing eyesight, and hearing loss, Sweet Pea didn’t have to wait long for her second chance. She arrived at the rescue on October 6, and by October 19, she had already found her forever home.
“Sweet Pea wasn’t with us long before finding her home. We do have a large audience for elderly dogs. That’s not to say some don’t stay with us a long time – and for some, we are their forever home.”
At 16, Sweet Pea was slow-moving and a bit confused at times, showing signs of dementia-like behavior. But what she lacked in energy, she made up for in sweetness.
“She was very sweet, quiet, and unassuming, typical of senior dogs. She moved slowly, slept most of the time, and was a little forgetful.”
Sweet Pea’s new beginning came thanks to a kind-hearted adopter who had previously adopted from the rescue. When they saw her, they knew she deserved to spend her golden years in peace and comfort.
And just a short time after settling in, Sweet Pea began to show signs of improvement. Her new family sent an update that melted everyone’s hearts:
“Seems like she’s getting a little stronger, doesn’t seem quite as frail. She’s walking more in a straight line rather than going in circles. She didn’t eat the first day but is now. Going to the bathroom well. She’s still sleeping a good bit but has started moving around more, getting used to the house.”
It’s a simple update, but it speaks volumes. Sweet Pea isn’t just surviving; she’s thriving again, surrounded by love and care in her new home.
A Reminder About Senior Dogs
Sweet Pea’s story is a beautiful reminder that senior dogs still have so much love to give. They might move a little slower or need a bit more care, but their loyalty and gentle hearts make them incredible companions.
As Nina Lopez puts it, every senior dog deserves a soft bed, a loving home, and a happy ending, just like Sweet Pea.
