If you ask Barrie A., an ASPCA foster caregiver, why she’s chosen to foster older dogs, she cites many good reasons.

“Older dogs seem to gain a good sense of self with age,” she says. "Being around older dogs challenges me to slow down and move more intentionally in this bustling city.

“I also appreciate the perspective on time that older dogs offer,” Barrie adds. “Seniors are mature and less work than puppies. I love their pace.” 

In July 2021 Barrie began fostering Hailey, an 11-year-old large mixed breed with chronic kidney disease. Her experience helped her realize she could care for a senior dog, and Barrie ultimately adopted Hailey, providing her with a loving home until her passing on December 10, 2022.

In May 2023, six months after the loss of Hailey, Barrie fostered another senior dog for the ASPCA, a nine-year-old Beagle/Jack Russel mix named Loki. Loki was with Barrie for six weeks until he was adopted by a family in the Bronx.

As she learned about each dog and shared her home with them, Barrie gained confidence as their caretaker.

“Senior animals are often overlooked in shelters and are just as deserving of loving homes,” says Eileen Hanavan, Director of Volunteer and Foster Engagement at the ASPCA. “Foster caregivers like Barrie make an impactful difference when they open their hearts and homes to provide care and comfort to shelter animals.”

Hailey’s story began on May 26, 2021, when she was transported to the ASPCA from Animal Care Centers (ACC) of NYC in Manhattan. At the ASPCA Animal Hospital, she was treated for kidney disease, a kidney infection and a bladder condition. Veterinarians also surgically removed several masses from her body.

Barrie provided a safe, quiet home for Hailey to heal. She ferried Hailey back and forth to the ASPCA for checkups. Their bond grew solid and reliable. When Hailey was declared stable and cleared for adoption, Barrie realized it was time for Hailey to come home for good. The pair joyously celebrated Hailey's adoption on November 29, 2021.

Hailey, lovingly known as “Big Mama” to neighbors, soon became the most popular dog on Barrie’s block. In July 2022, Barrie and Hailey drove across the country to live in Los Angeles—where Barrie had a business contract—for the summer. 

"At 85 lb., Hailey didn't qualify for a seat on the plane, so we took on the road adventure of a lifetime together,” says Barrie. “Hailey was my trusted co-pilot all 4,900 miles."

“We didn’t know it at the time, but that was Hailey’s golden summer,” she adds. 

The duo returned to New York City on September 3, 2022. Later that fall, Hailey’s mobility faltered. Even though Barrie’s first-floor apartment was ideal, Hailey had trouble navigating stairs and often fell. 

“She was frustrated her body didn’t work the way once did,” says Barrie. “And because she had made such a miraculous recovery, I forgot that she was sick; we had been able to do so much. But whatever she was up for we negotiated from there. We were in it together.”

But Hailey knew her limits.

“She could communicate and express what she needed from me,” Barrie says. “She had different tones of barks for different needs.”

By the end of November, Hailey was no longer herself.

“I knew I had to let go,” says Barrie. “I wasn’t prepared; I thought we had more time. But I wasn’t going to let her suffer.”

“Sure, the reality of adopting a senior is you have less time with them,” Barrie says. “But it doesn’t mean that time can’t be meaningful.”

After Hailey died, Barrie notified the ASPCA Foster team who had loved Hailey and supported Barrie through every step of her fostering journey.

“Hailey’s kidney disease progressed to renal failure, and we had to say goodbye,” Barrie wrote. “She is gone too soon. Yet, I am grateful for every moment we shared." 

In April 2023, Barrie reached out to the ASPCA expressing interest in fostering again. In early May she met nine-year-old Loki, another transfer from ACC. Barrie took Loki home on May 2.

At first, having Loki felt like dating when you’re not yet over your ex,” Barrie says. “But he helped me heal. He lived in my space differently than Hailey, but we still had a connection.” 

Six weeks later, ASPCA Adoptions staff and Barrie introduced Loki to Glenn C., a potential adopter, over Zoom. 

“Glenn’s home was an ideal fit for Loki, and I felt good about Glenn and his family,” Barrie says.

Glenn, whose Maltese died at 17 last year, never thought he’d get another dog.

“But something clicked when I saw Loki online,” he says. “It was love at first sight.”

Glenn, a Manhattan doorman who lives with his wife and sister in the Bronx, says Loki is rarely home alone, although Glenn makes sure he had his bases covered should he get stuck with an unexpected double shift, for example.

“Loki knows my schedule and is waiting for me 15 minutes before I get home,” Glenn says. “He follows me everywhere. He’s an expert at hide-and-seek; he always finds me!”

Glenn highly recommends adopting an older dog.

“Why would I want to start all over?” he asks, ticking off Loki’s good points, which include being housetrained, affectionate and a fetch expert, as well as being good with other dogs and kids. “Older dogs rock.”

For Barrie, relishing the moments with Hailey and Loki inspires her to continue to foster older dogs.

“Older dogs are a treasure,” she says. “Hailey and Loki both hold special significance for me. I can say with certainty that we made the very most of our time together, no matter the duration. My heart is stronger knowing love without condition or expectation."