Emma, a 14-year-old Poodle, arrived at a shelter inside a crate with nothing but a fuzzy blanket and a couple of toys.
She weighed just four pounds.
When Adrian Lott and Spencer Erickson, from Seattle, Washington, saw her photo, they immediately knew she belonged with them.
Two weeks later, Emma finally walked into her forever home.
Emma’s Adoption Story
When Emma first set foot in her new home, she was hesitant and unsure. Terrified and fragile, she also needed urgent medical attention.
“We suspect she had suffered some pretty serious neglect prior to being taken to the shelter. Her spine was quite curved, and she was incredibly shaky on her back legs.” Lott said in an interview.
Weighing less than four pounds, Emma could hardly stand or walk. She also needed significant dental work.
But none of that mattered to her new family. They were determined to give her all the care she needed so she could stay with them for as long as possible.
“She developed a connection to me pretty quickly. As she healed and settled into our home, she started following me room to room, and really enjoyed cuddling on my lap,” Lott said.
During her first few days, Emma trembled constantly—likely from fear and the trauma of her past. But once she realized she was safe and loved, the shaking slowly faded away.
Watch the heartwarming moment here:
While most adopters seek out puppies, many senior dogs like Emma are overlooked, even though they have endless love to give. Adrian and Spencer’s story is proof of the incredible joy older dogs can bring.
In Her Forever Home
When they first adopted Emma, Adrian and Spencer thought she might only live a few more months because of her condition.
But Emma had other plans. Not only did she beat the odds—she recently celebrated two full years in her forever home.
“Knowing that she’s at two years, with no signs of being done yet… I’m so, so grateful. Our joke is that she’s never going to die – Emma’s amazing vet team said on Friday that ‘she’s basically pickled’,” Emma’s parents wrote on Instagram.
A little love truly goes a long way.
Now Emma enjoys her days alongside four other senior dogs.
She’s gained weight, undergone hip surgery, and found comfort in a life filled with love.
“When you have a senior dog and you don’t know how long you’re gonna get to spend with them, you enjoy every single second. She’s gonna be happy and safe with us for as long as she has. She’s never gonna wonder if she’s important again,” Emma’s mom told GeoBeats Animals.
Emma’s story is a reminder that senior dogs have just as much to give as any puppy. By opening your heart to them, you might just discover a bond unlike any other.