Jack is a senior dog who was experiencing severe depression after arriving at Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society in Virginia. Along with being depressed, he was also frightened and would often hide his face in the corner of the kennel.

“A German Shepherd/Labrador Retriever mix has recently come into our care through no fault of his own. He is an older gentleman, around 12+ years old and he is terrified,” wrote Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society. “Most dogs adjust slightly over time, and while they would still rather be anywhere else, they learn to trust staff and volunteers and open up. Jack is so dejected and scared that anytime we enter his kennel, he puts his face in the corner and we have to pick him up to take him outside.”

When Jack was allowed to go outside, they found he remained sedate but seemed to have more life inside of him. After the senior dog spent a month in the shelter, some kind people from Susie’s Senior Dogs came in and began looking for a home for Jack. “How anybody has passed by this sweetheart’s kennel and moved on is surprising to us,” they wrote on Facebook.

“Despite his fear of the shelter, he has never growled or acted aggressive toward staff or volunteers. We work with him each day, sitting with him and talking to him, but he is one depressed and lonely boy. It breaks my heart to think he may have lived with his loneliness for his whole life, but we would very much like to see his remaining time surrounded by love, compassion, and never-ending snuggles.”

Jack has his share of ailments because of his age. Like many other senior dogs, he suffers from bad hips, kidney disease and is heartworm positive.

When Susie’s Senior Dogs started looking for a home for Jack, someone stepped up to the plate. Only one day after the search began, the news from the shelter was all positive.

“Jack became an instant celebrity last night when Susie’s Senior Dogs kindly posted his story to their page,” the shelter wrote. “We received many inquiries but one lovely young lady came right away to meet him with her other canine companion in tow.”

“Jack warmed to them both right away and we swear he was smiling when he left!” The shelter has other loving senior dogs like Jack, who are just as sweet and loving. “If you had your eye set on Jack, please stop by and see another senior pet in need like Betsy or Dumplin,” they write. “They aren’t famous yet, but they are waiting for their forever family too!”

Susie’s Senior Dogs also was grateful for Jack’s adopter. “The shelter had many, many inquires come in for Jack, and we are so thankful to his new momma for hopping in her car and immediately coming to get him,” they posted. “If anyone else inquired about Jack, don’t stop there! Shelters need all the responsible adopters they can get. Jack’s homeless friends need you, too!”

Senior dogs often have a difficult time finding a forever home. As anyone with a senior dog can tell you, however, they have a lot to give. When you have the love of an older animal, there is nothing quite like it.