90-Year-Old Man Breaks the Internet With Sweet Photos of His New Adopted Dog

Getting older isn’t always so easy.  Yes, we get wiser, but it can also be isolating as friends and relatives are no longer around or able to visit. However, sometimes, the perfect cure for a lonely heart can be found in a four-legged friend. Adopting an animal has been shown to help elderly people reduce stress, stay mentally stimulated, and increase social interactions and physical activity. In fact, having a pet, especially into old age, can even be good for your health. Studies show that people who have pets, have lower blood pressure, need fewer doctor visits, and even experience more overall happiness than those who do not. There’s certainly something to be said for simply scratching a cat’s ears, or taking a dog for a walk that can boost a person’s mood. Take this 90-year-old man, and his newly adopted dog, Penny, as an example.

Twitter user Jessica Amante shared some photos of her grandfather, who lives in an assisted living community, with Penny his pup, and the pictures have stolen the Internet’s heart.

It’s clear this pair has a very special bond and Twitter thinks so too as the photos have been shared more than 41,000 times! Some people have even started replying to the tweets with happy tears. 

Amante’s mother, Debbie, also shared photos of their sweet relationship, saying that the pair is inseparable.

Animals prove to us over and over that love is the most important thing in our lives, no matter how old we get. We’re so glad to see that retirement centers, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes are also catching on to the benefits of animals being a part of their residents’ lives. Looking for a four-legged friend for an older family member in your life?  Check out these organizations that match animals with older pet parents: Senior Dogs 4 Seniors, Mr. Mo Project, Pets for the Elderly, Purina Shelter Companions, and PAWS’ Seniors for Seniors.

All image source: Twitter