Senior dog goes marching toward new life

Sarge is on a mission. Every day, he wakes up determined to live life to the fullest — from chowing down on yummy meals to inspecting every bush on his neighborhood walks. And he does it all while looking sharp, his glossy black coat gleaming like freshly polished shoes. But this stately senior wasn’t in top form when he first reported for duty.

Sarge came to the Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Bentonville, Arkansas, from an Oklahoma shelter. The little dog had arrived at the shelter dangerously thin and missing most of the fur on his legs, ears, and face due to mange, a painful skin disease caused by mites. His eyes were downcast, and his spirit seemed broken.

[Dog with mange goes from stray to snuggle buddy]

Sarge is a pet who could have easily been at risk of being killed in a shelter, especially if that shelter were already full and struggling to save younger, healthy dogs and cats. Best Friends’ goal is for all shelters to reach no-kill, and that means supporting them with programs and partnerships that help pets and their people. In Sarge’s case, he needed veterinary care and a foster home where he could heal and find his confidence. So that’s exactly what he got.

With marching orders in hand, Best Friends staff rallied to help Sarge. The vet team gave him fluids and antibiotics, while the foster crew placed him in temporary homes where he received medicated baths and lots of TLC. This is where he truly transformed. With food in his belly and love in his heart, Sarge started showing his true self: a quiet, calm lapdog who loves the occasional game of tug.

One month later, the formerly scrappy Sarge was healthy, handsome, and ready to take on the world. Before you could say “ten-hut,” he was adopted by a family who is just as devoted to him as he is to them.

[Skinny, sick dog finds new hope, new life]

These days, Sarge is getting a little “basic training” and endless cuddles on the couch. He even enjoys being held like a baby and gazing up at his people with complete trust — a look that says mission complete.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.