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Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue: Providing Love and Comfort to Senior Pups

In the picturesque town of North Yarmouth, Maine, a heartwarming story of compassion unfolds as Laurie Dorr and her husband established Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue in 2019. Their mission was clear—to provide a loving home for senior dogs who had, for various reasons, found themselves without one. This noble initiative has since grown to encompass not only the Dorr family but also 15 senior dogs and a supportive group of volunteers and supporters who share the same heartfelt goal—to offer solace to senior dogs in their twilight years.

Laurie Dorr, the founder of Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue, explained her motivation, stating, “I turn around and see the faces of the seniors who still need me, and I know I am doing the right thing.” This simple yet profound sentiment underlines the core of their mission: to care for senior dogs who may have been abandoned or whose humans can no longer provide for them.

@finallyhomemaine
It’s a rainy day here at Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue and Retirement Home! 🌧️🐶 So…what are our seniors up to? (We’ll give you a hint: not much! 😴) Music: “Singing in the Rain (Instrumental)” by The Las Vegas Players

♬ original sound – Finally Home Maine

The need for organizations like Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue becomes evident when we look at the staggering statistics related to pet surrenders in the United States. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 6.3 million pets are surrendered to shelters each year, averaging 17,260 pets every day. Among the most vulnerable in shelter environments are older animals, with a 2020 study revealing that senior dogs, typically defined as seven years or older, face lower adoption rates compared to their younger counterparts and are more likely to be euthanized.

What sets Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue apart from other rescue centers is its unique approach. Unlike traditional shelters that facilitate adoptions, this organization offers its senior dogs a place to call their “retirement” home. Laurie Dorr explained their philosophy, stating, “The dogs are adopted into our home, and remain here until it is their time to pass on.” In their care, these older dogs receive excellent veterinary attention, nourishing food, comforting treats, cozy bedding, and, most importantly, the love of their devoted human caregivers and the Support of kind-hearted volunteers and friends who work tirelessly to keep them happy and healthy.

@finallyhomemaine
Meet 12-year-old Bama, your next Chief Barketing Officer for Pet Meds! Bama is a rescue from Alabama and now lives here with us at Finally Home Maine, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides a forever home for homeless senior pets for the remainder of their lives. This sweet girl is filled with personality. No human she meets is a stranger, and will gladly give kisses to anyone- I mean, that counts as networking, right? And that’s a useful skill to have as Barketing Officer! Bama is a treat connoisseur. With a sugar face like hers, she’s the influencer you need. A bonus? Her 13 other rescues she lives with would GLADLY step in to help with “quality control” 😋 Now the real question: when can she begin her official role? 🧡 #petmedsCBO2023 @PetMeds®

♬ original sound – Finally Home Maine

While the organization’s primary focus is providing a permanent home to senior dogs, they also engage in foster care arrangements when needed. Currently, they are caring for two blind Cocker Spaniels, fostered for another rescue, and one older dog under the loving care of a local couple.

Laurie Dorr’s decision to establish Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue was rooted in her lifelong love for animals and her desire to provide care and comfort to senior dogs in their golden years. She shared, “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.” Eventually, she realized that the time had come to act on her dream. “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,” Laurie exclaimed.

Now, four-and-a-half years later, Laurie Dorr and her dedicated team continue to bring joy and comfort to the senior dogs under their care. Despite the heartbreak of saying goodbye to beloved companions, the knowledge that they are making a significant difference keeps them motivated. Laurie explained, “We’ve lost many who we’ve loved to the end of their days. 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.”

To find out more about Finally Home, click here.