Are you looking for a very small senior with a very big personality? You can’t go wrong with Dolson, a dreamy and sweet little guy who’s had too much shuffling in his life. It’s high time for this handsome devil to find his forever family.

Would you just look at that sweet, happy smile!?

Dolson, a tiny, little Chihuahua mix, is 11 years old. He originally found himself at the Norfolk SPCA in Norfolk, VA, because his owners could o longer afford to care for him, but sadly, he has since been in and out of their care. The last time he returned to the shelter, in fact, he was severely emaciated! But thanks to a grant from the senior dog lovers at the Grey Muzzle Organization, the SPCA was able to get him all the TLC and medical care necessary to bring him back to great health.

Staffers here feel like Dolson is consistently overlooked by adopters because of his age, but they know he still has a lifetime of love to give.

Little big man Dolson, say his caretakers, has a huge heart. He loves to be the center of attention, but if you’re not around, he’s happy to do his own thing (much of which consists of napping in comfy beds!).

He is looking for an adults-only home in which to live out his days and dole out his love. Everyone, they believe, would be happier with a little sidekick like Dolson around to brighten their days!

The Norfolk SPCA is located at 917 Ballantine Blvd. in Norfolk, VA. Adoption hours are 1-6 p.m. every day but Tuesdays (on which they are closed). Want more info? Visit the Norfolk SPCA website!

ALL Norfolk SPCA adoptions include:

• The pet’s spay or neuter surgery
• Vaccinations appropriate to age & heartworm test
• Microchip and registration
• General health exam
• Behavior evaluation
• 1st month’s flea & heartworm preventative
• Free 30-day offer of pet health insurance
• Care-A-Lot adoption kit valued up to $200

What’s more, after adoption, all alumni receive lifetime perks!

• 10% off vaccine clinic services
• 10% off dental cleanings
• 10% off merchandise (including over-the counter veterinary products)

When Miami-Fire Rescue got a call about a tired dog in a Southwest Miami-Dade canal, they headed to the scene and found what appeared to be a Rottweiler-mix struggling to stay afloat.

“They quickly went in and pulled the tired dog out,” said Lt. Kirsten Miller, a spokeswoman for the department.

Video of the rescue shows three firefighters in the water, getting the dog to shore. The dog is then placed on a yellow tarp, clearly relieved.

The department said the dog’s rescuer, whose heart-strings were tugged by the sweet-faced pup, “will be taking the dog to nurse it back to health and try and find it’s owner.”

Did you know…?

Dalmatians, of course, are these days a mascot-dog of sorts to firefighters, but back in the early days of professional firefighting, this breed served a vital role that pre-dates even their time serving alongside these brave heroes.

It was discovered, much earlier on, that Dalmatians not only did a good job keeping pace with horses as they pulled carriages in the days before engines, but even protected them and kept them calm. British aristocrats used them for this purpose in the 1700s and the dogs even became something of a status symbol, according to Trevor J. Orsinger’s book, “The Firefighter’s Best Friend: Lives and Legends of Chicago Firehouse Dogs.; the more Dalmatians you had running along side your carriage, the higher your social standing.

This became far more important when it came to fire, which of course, naturally frightens horses. The Dalmatians’ presence would keep them calmer during blazes, allowing the firefighters to better do their job. And so they became the breed of the profession.

For awhile, even after the invention of the automobile, the dogs were kept around for tradition, instead guarding the fire house and all that was in it while the firefighters were out battling a blaze. Though few stations still maintain the tradition of Dalmatians in fire houses (those who do have dogs have them in all shapes, breeds, mixes and sizes these day), they do remain a fun, spotted symbol of this noble profession.

Each of us likely knows one of those parents who longs for, or has, a champion athlete child — one who racks up the trophies and titles and medals and perhaps has a wall dedicated to his or her feats in the house.

Spitfire’s family may need to build him a room.

This whippet is a super-champion, who breaks world records like dishes at a Greek wedding. Case in point: this video below, a 31-foot long jump that, you guessed it, set the world record for longest-ever jump by a dog.

Spitfire jumps a distance of over 31 feet to create a new world record for the farthest leap by a dog pic.twitter.com/00alb3lNYB

— viral viral (@xxlfunny1) October 10, 2018

One record is hardly enough for this world-class athlete, though. Spitfire is also the world record-holder in speed retrieval.

And while we’re showing him off like he’s ours, check out this 8-foot vertical!

In an interview with Outside Online earlier this year, Spitfire’s trainer, Kristi Baird explained what makes a legendary dog different from a regular dog.

“Any dog can do this,” Baird said. What makes the great ones, though? “Dogs that have drive. Dogs that love to chase things. And dogs that love the water — I mean, can’t stay out of mud puddles.”

Mud puddles?! Well, that means that on top of being a world champion, Spitfire’s also just a regular dog – which, amazing feats and athletic prowess notwithstanding – is his best quality, if you ask us.

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Do you have a DockDog in the making?

If your dog loves to run, jump and swim then DockDogs could be the answer to getting your dog the exercise and fun that he or she craves while you spend time doing things together. This organization welcomes any breed, any mix, any size to come out and join their Dock Diving family! In fact, dock diving is one of the fastest growing sports on four legs! Visit their website for all kinds of information on how to get started!

Rosco went missing on last week. His family was beside itself searching. They feared the worst, but days later got the call they’d been hoping for.

Bayonne, NJ, firefighters rescued the 11-year-old puggle from near drowning after workers at a water plant heard barking coming from somewhere in their facility.

“Responding units found a puggle, an older puggle, holding onto a pipe in an approximate 8-foot pit full of water. Basically holding on so it doesn’t drown,” ayonne Fire Chief Keith Weaver told CBS News.

Rosco is so special, that brothers Drew and Jeff Adelung were dreading the idea of telling their 84-year-old father, Ken, that his beloved companion had gone missing.

“I knew that I was going to have to tell him and it was breaking my heart,” said Jeff Adelung.

Their father had been taken to a rehab center last Friday after suffering a fall. When the brothers returned later that night, they discovered Rosco had escaped through the kitchen door.

“The dog’s a little rascal and he ended up getting away,” Drew said.

They worried the news would affect their father’s recovery, and so delayed telling him in the hope that Rosco would be found. They posted flyers, the hoped. When they heard the news that Rosco was safe, they felt so much gratitude and relief.

Water plant employees called the fire department upon hearing the barks in an unused portion of the plant. Rescuers were able to reach him, cuddling the pup in a blanket before bringing him to a vet for examination. Drew told CBS New York he raced to the vet when the Bayonne police called. His father, Ken, had gotten Rosco after his mother passed away.

“All I can tell you is it is a miracle,” Jeff said.

The brothers, with dread, had been planning to finally tell their dad on Wednesday that Rosco was missing. Now they can instead share a story with a wonderfully happy ending.

He’s a noun. He’s a verb. He’s a gorgeous, senior boy of about 8-and-a-half.

He’s DUCK!

And he needs a forever home.

This handsome gent is currently in the care of the Humane Society of Western Montana, a returning grantee of the Grey Muzzle Organization!

Duck is a distinguished fella with a heart of gold!

If you are looking for a best friend to stay by your side, he is the buddy for you.

Duck is the perfect dog to hang out in your office all day and would make a great shop dog for any business! His sweet demeanor and calm nature make him the perfect companion.

What’s even better? Duck is the Humane Society of Western Montana‘s “October Powder Hound,” so his adoption fee has been sponsored by Big Sky Brewing Company!

Visit the rescue’s website for more information on Duck!

About Grey Muzzle’s work with the Humane Society of Western Montana

The Humane Society of Western Montana is excited to partner with the Grey Muzzle Organization to help fund life-saving veterinary care for senior pets living with their forever families. A $3,000 Grey Muzzle grant to the Humane Society’s Nandi Wishcamper Senior Fund will award families funds to put towards expensive veterinary care for their dogs age 7+.

When senior pets end up in animal shelters or rescues, they often stay much longer than younger animals, hoping for a home of their own. To keep these older pets with their families, and to prevent them from entering a shelter, the Humane Society’s Nandi Wishcamper Fund provides funding to those in financial need to cover the cost of urgent veterinary care for their four-legged companions. Financial awards to families are often coupled with similar awards from Friends of the Shelter, Missoula Animal Control’s auxiliary 501(c)3 nonprofit fund.

While the Nandi Fund is available for both dogs and cats of all ages, the Grey Muzzle grant is dedicated to dogs age 7+.

The Nandi Fund originated in 2009 after Nandi, an 8 year-old German Shorthair Pointer, suddenly died. Her family set up this Fund in her memory to help people keep their pets.

An unidentified animal caused a stir recently, walking through KUTV reporter Morgan Saxton’s live shot as she discussed flooding in Utah Count.

Saxton, as you’ll see below, kept her cool as it sauntered through, wondering aloud whether it was a dog. Viewers piped in immediately, with many suspecting it could have been a mountain lion. There was much debate about it in the aftermath….

Terrifying ? A dog, maybe a mountain lion, made it’s TV debut during my morning live shot!!! What animal do you think this it is? pic.twitter.com/gklGAGHH5e

— Morgan Saxton (@KUTVMorgan) October 3, 2018

Biologists were called in to end the debate, and headed out to the area to assess, looking for tracks that would identify the creature, which no one could positively ID based on the video alone. Indeed, in places it was difficult to tell.

After investigating, Utah DWR determined that it was a dog that walked through the live shot, not a mountain lion. Reporter Saxton tweeted an update from her own account with a photo of the pup that the owner sent in, confirming that it was a domestic canine and not a feral feline!

Two weeks ago, staffers at Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) saw yet another heartbreaking case of the unthinkable; a little dog had been found in a trash bag, alone at the side of the road.

Generally, staffers told CBS 6, it’s usually too late for these animals – but little Annabelle was found alive.

And now, she’s got a forever family to give her all the love she was missing before.

(RACC) officials posted the good news on their Facebook page over the weekend.

“The day has come!” officials posted. “We are THRILLED to announce that Annabelle was just adopted. A thousand thanks to each of you for supporting her through this journey at RACC. We share our joy with YOU! Good luck, sweet little girl, and may your life be wonderful and filled with love and snuggles.”

Annabelle’s new mom was thrilled to have her home and later posted a photo of Annabelle,noting she was doing “awesome” in her new home.

“She and her big brother Jake are getting along great!” Magne wrote. “They’ve already eaten, and gone out, and had a visit and gotten presents! She’s sound asleep on my lap right now. Jake and I love her so much and can’t wait to give her the best life ever!!!”

Magne added that she was looking forward to seeing the dog “thrive and be happy.”

“I’ll try to start a FB and Instagram page for Annabelle and her brother Jake,” she shared.

The Shih Tzu mix was discovered in a garbage bag on the side of Midlothian Turnpike and was brought into the shelter late on Sept. 13, according to RACC Director Christie Peters.

“[The citizens] showed up here with a dog that had been found in a garbage bag that was still in the garbage bag in their car,” Peters explained.

Nearly 100 percent of the dog’s skin was infected including both of its eyes. The dog, that the shelter named Annabelle, is estimated to be five years old and also has poor teeth.

“She has been treated terribly in the past. Obviously, no one has cared for her in a very long time,” Peters stated. “This neglect has been months and months and months in the making.”

Annabelle is incredibly sweet and playful despite her appearance, Peters said.

Officials has asked anyone who recognized the dog or anyone who knows anything about the people connected to her to contact them, but at last check no one had come forward.

We are so thrilled for Annabelle and her new family; it’s a beautiful “happily ever after” story for this newly minted princess of a pup.

This lovely lady is Ms. Brynn, 7 years young. And the folks at the Little Shelter Animal Rescue in Huntington, NY (that’s on Long Island!) are sure you’re going to fall in love with her.

Thanks to a grant from The Grey Muzzle Organization, Little Shelter is able to help more senior dogs like Brynn.

A true Renaissance woman, Brynn is a worldly pit bull mix looking for someone who can appreciate all her fine qualities. She will gladly join you for a midday sun bathe or an evening stroll, made all the better if snacks are served…! Who doesn’t enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres?

Her friendly, sweet and outgoing personality makes her the perfect pup to complete your family. Once she is by your side, you’ll wonder how you ever binge-watched a series on Netflix without her!

This lovely girl is ready to meet you. Don’t keep her waiting! For more information, check out the Little Shelter’s website.

More about Little Shelter Animal Rescue in their own words….

Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter nestled on six wooded acres in Huntington, Long Island. Little Shelter has been dedicated to saving abandoned dogs and cats and placing them into loving homes since 1927. Age, physical condition, and socialization issues are never criteria for rescuing a dog or cat whose life is in jeopardy. Through rescue from kill facilities, rehabilitation of sick and unsocialized pets, and a 100% spay/neuter program, Little Shelter hopes to end pet overpopulation and place all dogs and cats into loving homes. All Little Shelter animals receive the highest quality medical care and are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Every potential adopter is interviewed and thoroughly screened to ensure the best quality homes. Included on the grounds is Sheltervale Pet Cemetery, which has been the final resting place for companion animals for more than 90 years. Little Shelter Animal Rescue has won Best of Long Island 9 straight years (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018) for Best Animal Shelter and Best Animal Rescue!

12-year-old Corey Allenby suffers with a genetic disorder called Retinitis Pigmentosa, in which the retinal cells at the back of the eye die.

Registered as partially blind, his sight has deteriorated to such an extent that he now has no peripheral vision and complete night blindness where he can no longer see after the daylight fades.

Undaunted, he’s been training at skills that will become essential as his vision continues to deteriorate: he’s mastered Level 5 braille and has been trained in using a cane. He also is working with buddy dogs from Guide Dogs for the Blind, an experience that inspired him to raise money for their cause.

Allenby was so impressed with the dogs – with their intelligence and the training that has changed the lives of his fellow visually impaired all across the U.K. – that he decided to help, staging all sorts of events with the help of family and friends.

Most recently, Corey – who attends the John Whitgift Academy in Grimsby – arranged for a special “Fun Day” which included a sponsored walk. His sister, Lola, took part in a similar charity dance-a-thon.

Together, they raised more than £2,866 (That’s $3,760 U.S.!) which will go to the guide dog charity.

“I am so pleased that we have managed to raise so much money for this amazing charity,” he told the Grimsby Telegraph. “It was a lot of work putting everything together, but my family, friends and even my school have been amazing in supporting me in everything that I have done.

“Nearly all of my teachers came down to the Fun Day to offer their support, which was amazing, and hopefully we will be able to make a difference in the lives of those who have lost or are losing their vision.”

The funds raised will be used to provide training for a young trainee guide dog; Corey will be able to keep track of the pup through updates of its progress.

Amy Petterson, community fundraiser for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association said: “The work that Corey has done is just fantastic and to raise such a large amount of money for us is a brilliant achievement.”

Corey’s work raising money for the guide dog charity is not the only way in which the young man has been helping others with visual impairments.

His mother, Rebecca Fytche, helped him set up a Facebook page: Seeing Through My Eyes By Corey Allenby. Now, via social media, Allenby speaks to the parents of children all around the world who have a similar condition, people with questions, who want to know what to expect.

It is estimated that Retinitis Pigmentosa, a genetic condition, affects one in every 4,000 people.

Followers on his page had many kind words for the inspirational tween following his Fun Day event – and he did for them, as well.

“I just want to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who helped in every moment of the event everyone who has participated you have helped lots of people and helped me so much and you guys have serious changed my life thank you everyone can’t wait for next year.”

Check out his page, and that of Guide Dogs for the Blind for more information or to help fund the cause.