Our thoughts are with the Bryan family today as they mourn the passing of Poochie, the 18-year-old dog they adopted from a no-kill animal rescue shelter in Tennessee. Caroline Bryan shared the sad update via Instagram this morning.
Her post begins with a lovely tribute and a quote that's made me cry on more than one occasion: "If the kindest souls were rewarded with the longest lives, dogs would outlive us all." Be still, my heart! She continued, writing "My kids especially loved to hear him snore when he slept!"
It's with heavy hearts that we mourn Poochie, but the lesson the Bryans taught us is a valuable one. Senior dogs deserve just as much (if not more!) love and affection as they received when they were younger and sprightlier. Most of all, hug your senior dogs a little closer tonight. You never know when the rainbow bridge will appear.
Original article was posted on February 13, 2019 at 12:30 p.m.
There is a famous quote you often see from Sydney Jeanne Seward that sums it all up for anyone that lives with a senior dog,
"Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog." -Sydney Jeanne Seward
Clearly, American country music singer-songwriter, Luke Bryan understands this since he adopted an 18-year-old dog with his wife from Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue! This sweet senior, Poochie, now has a second chance thanks to Luke Bryan!
"Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue is committed to 'Helping His Helpless' through quality care and healing, adoptions, and population control awareness."
Luke Bryan and his wife read about Poochie on the rescue's social feeds and instantly fell in love.
Before Luke and his wife saw Poochie online, the senior dog was living in a foster home due to an owner surrender. Poochie was surrendered to the rescue because a member of his family became allergic which is a common reason dogs are taken to shelters across the country.
Poochie is now enjoying his time on Luke's farm and resting comfortably!
"The new dog of an animal-loving family, Poochie now lives with other dogs, cats, chickens, goats and more at the Bryans' Tennessee farm."
People.com interviewed the rescue's director and founder, Lavonne Redferrin, and she shares,
"We pulled 18-year-old Poochie from a shelter after his family surrendered him due to becoming allergic. We often step in and pull seniors, sickly and injured animals who are likely to be overlooked."
No wonder the Bryan's adoption application was impeccable! They also run the family farm Brett's Barn.
"The Bryan family is no stranger to animals, as they already have several animals of their own. The family also runs the animal farm Brett's Barn, which Caroline started after her niece, Sadie Brett Boyer, passed away at just seven months old from multiple health problems.
To honor Sadie Brett, Caroline created the barn, which is full of adorable farm animals assembled to keep the little one's memory alive. Brett's Barn includes two goats, two mini horses, two kangaroos, a llama, chickens and a pig, along with a few more animal friends that Caroline often shares on her Instagram account."
Poochie may be the inspiration for another one of Luke Bryan's hits like "What Makes You Country", "Farm Tour, "Crash My Party", "Fast", "Kill the Lights", "Doin' My Thing", "Drink a Beer" and "Country Girl (shake it for me)."
The son of a peanut farmer certainly knows how to embrace animal welfare with this latest adoption! We all vote Luke as entertainer of the year for bringing a senior dog into his home! His beautiful wife, Caroline Byan, also gets our vote for choosing to adopt Poochie! Poochie will spend the rest of his life as a social media rockstar and perhaps the inspiration for a Spotify hit. You don't need to be a former American Idol judge either to win the hearts of animal lovers everywhere.
This past Saturday, Poochie's dreams came true!
Have you adopted a senior dog? Do you have any stories you'd like to share? Please leave us a comment below.
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