To some the idea of adopting a senior dog may not sound appealing. But to Steve Greig that’s the only kind of dog he wants in his home.
When Steve’s beloved dog, Wolfgang, was struck and killed by a car he experienced grief like no other.
“I was just so distraught about [that death],” he told The Dodo in 2016. “A month or two went by and I still felt so horrible about it. I decided that the only way I would feel better was if something something good happened that probably wouldn’t have happened if he had not died.”
Steve visited a shelter and adopted their oldest dog, a 12-year-old Chihuahua who he named Eeyore.
“I named him Eeyore and he was 12 years old with four bad knees and a heart murmur,” Steve told Parade. “Today, he’s 19 years old with four bad knees and a heart murmur.”
Currently, Steve has nine senior dogs, a pig, a rabbit, and three chickens. Some of the animals were adopted locally in Denver, while others traveled as far as Florida to get to their forever home with Steve.
While his house is full of animals, Steve wouldn’t have it any other way.
“If they weren’t senior dogs, there’s no way I could manage this many animals in my house,” he said. “I think that’s the biggest thing people don’t understand about rescuing seniors—they are so easygoing and laidback, and just love to spend the day relaxing.”
While one may think that adopting so many animals may lead Steve to develop an even deeper love for our four-legged friends, he said it’s actually helped him have more of an appreciation for humans.
Oddly, they have taught me to love people more. I’m instinctually an animal person—I feel some kind of connection to all animals, but I don’t always feel that connection to all people. If I can instantly love an old homeless, beat-up-by-life dog, why can’t I do the same for people in those same circumstances?
Are you interested in adopting a senior pet? While they may require a little more care, they are just as loving, if not more, than an adorable puppy.
“Love has no time limit. If you love something for a few months or a few years, it’s still love, and it always matters.”
Thank you, Steve for giving all of these precious senior dogs a loving home. You have inspired me to consider adopting.
Share this to thank Steve for adopting senior dogs when no one else would.
