Woman Saves Senior Dog And Sons Facing Euthanasia And Gives Them Hope
Guest Contributor
When a woman recently faced the heartbreaking decision of what to do with her late brother’s three elderly dogs, she almost made a choice she would later be grateful to avoid. Bella, a 15-year-old Chihuahua, and her 13-year-old sons Hudson and Ciroc were just hours away from being euthanized when a last-minute call to a senior pet sanctuary changed everything. This emotional rescue story highlights the importance of senior pet adoption, the power of community, and the life-saving work of organizations like House with a Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary.
Senior dog rescue is often overlooked in favor of adopting younger pets, but for Sher Polvinale, founder and director of House with a Heart, it’s a mission she lives every day. According to Polvinale, the sanctuary regularly receives calls from people seeking to surrender elderly pets. With limited space, the sanctuary can’t take in every animal, but they often assist by connecting pet owners with rescue partners. That was the original plan when Polvinale received a call about Bella and her sons.
The caller explained that her brother, the dogs’ owner, had recently passed away. She had taken the trio into her home, but they were not integrating well with her other pets. On top of that, she was managing a move and her husband’s health issues. It was clear she was overwhelmed and desperate. Polvinale began gathering information to help network the dogs to other rescues, but then the conversation took a devastating turn.
As Polvinale recounted, the woman broke down and confessed that she had scheduled the dogs to be euthanized that very afternoon, at 4:15 p.m. It was already close to noon. Her daughter had urged her to try one last search for a senior pet sanctuary, which led her to House with a Heart. The urgency and emotion in the woman’s voice made it clear she wasn’t making the decision lightly. Polvinale immediately urged her to cancel the appointment and bring the dogs to the sanctuary.
Despite living over an hour away, the woman agreed. Bella, Hudson, and Ciroc arrived at House with a Heart later that day. The sanctuary staff welcomed them with open arms, and the woman left reassured that her brother’s beloved pets would be in good hands. Though the dogs were understandably nervous at first, they began to settle in by the next morning, a testament to the sanctuary’s nurturing environment.
Providing care for senior dogs is no small task, and the trio arrived with numerous medical issues. Bella has a severely enlarged heart and significant dental disease. Hudson also suffers from a heart condition and gallstones, along with dental problems. Ciroc, the healthiest of the three, has dental disease and an ear infection. The sanctuary is relying on donations to provide the necessary treatment for all three dogs, ensuring they can live out their remaining years in comfort and care.
What stood out to me most was the sanctuary’s guiding philosophy: “Love lives here.” It’s a simple yet powerful motto that encapsulates the heart of their mission. Polvinale emphasized that they have no regrets about accepting Bella, Hudson, and Ciroc into their care. Their story serves as a poignant reminder that every life matters, especially those of senior pets who often face uncertain futures.
The rescue of this Chihuahua family is more than a feel-good story — it’s a call to recognize the value of senior dogs and the critical role sanctuaries play in providing them a second chance. The sanctuary’s dedication, combined with the last-minute decision of a grieving family member to seek help, ultimately saved three lives. It also underscores how a single act of compassion can ripple into a lifetime of difference for animals in need.
For those moved by this story, there are ways to support organizations like House with a Heart. Donations help cover the cost of medical care, food, and shelter for senior pets who might otherwise be forgotten. Bella, Hudson, and Ciroc now have the chance to live out their days surrounded by kindness, thanks to the quick thinking of a daughter, the compassion of a sanctuary, and the generosity of a caring community.
