Inside the Retirement Home for Rescued Senior Dogs: ‘Loved to the End’

Nestled in North Yarmouth, Maine, Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue was founded by Laurie Dorr and her husband in 2019 with one aim—to help senior dogs who have ended up without a home.

“I turn around and see the faces of the seniors who still need me, and I know I am doing the right thing,” Dorr told Newsweek.

Today the rescue consists of Dorr, her husband, 15 senior dogs and a handful of volunteers and supporters who all have the same goal—to help senior dogs in need.

“Our dogs come mainly from owners here in Maine who can no longer care for their pups due to unforeseen circumstances,” Dorr explained. “The dogs are adopted into our home, and remain here until it is their time to pass on.”

Each year 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 in January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet “Shelter Watch Report” found. Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

There is evidence that older animals are among those of greatest risk for euthanasia in a shelter, while a 2020 paper found that the adoption rate for senior dogs—defined as seven years or older—is lower than that of all other ages combined.

Senior dogs are also more likely to be passed over by potential adopters than puppies and younger dogs, meaning that they spend longer waiting for the perfect home.

Unlike other rescue centers, Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue doesn’t adopt out any of their animals, instead giving them their very own “retirement” home.

“The dogs are adopted into our home, and remain here until it is their time to pass on,” said Dorr. “We provide them with excellent veterinary care, food, treats, bedding, and everything else that they so desperately need, including our love and the love of all the awesome friends and volunteers who help to keep them happy and healthy.”

In heartwarming footage, one of the volunteers Lauren Smith Kennedy, who also does photography work with senior dogs, shared how they took 13 of the dogs on a trip to the beach.

“We take the dogs for car rides and to local trails and parks, and recently took the dogs to Range Pond State Park for some fun in the water,” Dorr said. “The dogs loved the beach and wooded trails and had some special snacks there as well.”

The is currently caring for two blind cocker spaniels that are being fostered for another rescue, and one older dog who is being fostered by a local couple.

“I have always loved animals and wanted to help senior dogs by taking them in if needed, and caring for them. It was one of those things where I said ‘one day’ or ‘someday’ I will do it,” said Dorr. “Finally, I decided that I had to do it while I was still young and healthy enough, so I would not miss out on my dream. I am so glad that I decided to do this.”

Four-and-a-half years later, Dorr could not be happier that she took the plunge to give senior dogs in need love and support.

“We’ve lost many who we’ve loved to the end of their days,” she said. “It is heartbreaking, but then I turn around and see the faces of the seniors left who still need me and love me and who I love, and I know I am doing the right thing, and it is so worth it.”

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