Adopt a Senior Dog From One of These Organizations and Start Them on Fresh Food for Free

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There is just something about senior dogs. Often they’re more calm or peaceful than their younger compatriots. Stately even. And, while adopting any dog can be life-changing, those who care for seniors are often struck by how grateful these more-experienced dogs are for the love they receive.

Just ask the volunteers at Healthcare for Homeless Animals. HHA funds veterinary care for at-risk animals at the Agoura Animal Care Center in Los Angeles County. They have a special program for seniors called the Forever Young Senior Wellness Exam Program. The initiative provides older dogs with needed medical diagnostics and care, including dental work, before they are promoted for adoption. 

Tamy Rieder, the organization’s president, told Digest that the veterinary initiative has been crucial in getting so many seniors adopted. And she’s an evangelist for bringing home an older dog.

“People are so drawn to puppies,” Rieder acknowledges, but with seniors “it’s so nice because they’ve been in a home before, we presume, and they know their routine. They know that they do have to go outside to go potty.”

Rieder exclusively adopts seniors these days, and enjoys—yes—teaching those old dogs new tricks. She had one senior that she taught to smile, for example. “I say ‘smile’ or ‘do you want a treat’?”, she told us, and her senior gives her a big grin.

She’s particularly grateful to the potential adopters who come to HHA and say, “I want a senior. I want your oldest dog, or the one that’s been here the longest.”

If this sounds like something you would do, or if you’d even settle for a comparatively youthful 8-year-old senior, we have some dogs we’d love for you to meet. To anyone who adopts one of these dogs, or another dog at these rescues in the month of November, The Farmer’s Dog will supply a free first box of fresh, real food and a $350 credit toward a fresh-food plan (Scroll down for terms and conditions).

We’re particularly excited to feed older dogs because, thanks to our recently published metabolomics study, we know our fresh food can support healthier aging in senior dogs. Read more about the study here, and get to know some adoptable senior dogs below.

Kylo
Healthcare for Homeless Animals in Los Angeles

This 80-pound, almost-8-year-old dog has earned the nickname “Gentle Kylo” thanks to his “calm and soulful nature,” according to Tina Hobbs, strategy and marketing manager at HHA. Kylo came to the Agoura Animal Care Center showing signs of neglect. Allergies caused issues with his ears and eyes. But, despite his circumstances, he wagged his tail at all the humans around him. Kylo received the medical care he needed through the Forever Young Senior Wellness Exam Program.

“Kylo’s resilience makes him truly special,” Hobbs told Digest. “He has faced multiple medical challenges—ear infections, allergies, surgery, and pneumonia—yet he has remained gentle and trusting through it all.”

Like a lot of senior dogs, especially ones that have experienced neglect, he had dental issues and needed surgery. But this didn’t dim his shine. “After his dental surgery,” Hobbs said, “he came out of recovery and softly rested his head in a volunteer’s lap as if to say ‘thank you.’”

Through consistent care, he’s come out of his shell and regained his appetite. Now, he’s ready to take his affectionate personality to his forever home. 

Kylo would thrive in a calm home with someone who can take him on “gentle walks” and provide cozy places to rest. Anyone interested in meeting or adopting Kylo can visit the Agoura Animal Care Center, call (818) 483-4228, or email hhaagoura@gmail.com.

Diamond
Lowell Humane Society in Lowell, MA

Diamond, an 11-year-old Chihuahua mix, was an owner surrender who came to the Lowell Animal Society with an undiagnosed seizure disorder. 

“My first thought about her was, ‘Oh my goodness, what a beautiful pup,’” said Amanda Merrill, the rescue’s Animal Care Specialist. She then went about trying to figure out why Diamond startled so much when she poked her head out of her blankets.  

The team was able to diagnose Diamond, and got her on seizure medications with the help of a veterinarian. Merrill herself has been fostering her, and can walk any adopter through best practices to manage her medical needs. 

Her listing on the rescue’s site reads, “Diamond’s joy doesn’t come from zoomies or rough play; it comes from simple comforts: a blanket, a steady routine, and the presence of a person who sees past her diagnosis and recognizes the treasure she is.” 

Merrill reiterated that Diamond wants only to be close to her humans. “When she really wants to get my attention, she jumps straight up in the air as if she were on a pogo stick,” she said.

She’s a friend to the other animals in Merrill’s household, including a senior poodle mix and four cats—and a child under 10 as well. She’d be a low-key family dog. 

“Ideally, she’d love someone who is home most of the day,” Merrill said, “or at least someone who can stop in to check on her and give her meds on schedule.” 

Merrill brings Diamond to work with her, where she mostly curls up cozily in a blanket, and says she’s a big fan of The Farmer’s Dog turkey and pork recipes. 

If you’re interested in adopting sweet Diamond, email forms@lowellhumanesociety.org.

Tourmaline
Every Last One Rescue in New York City

Tourmaline is a darling 11-year-old mix who somehow looks and acts way younger than her years (what’s her secret?). Thanks to Every Last One Rescue,  she’s currently in foster care, where she’s been able to decompress and get her groove back. Francesca Bacardi, Every Last One Rescue’s manager, described Tourmaline as “goofy”—attributing the quality to her younger-than-her-years energy, her love of meeting new people, and her steadfast commitment to receiving so many belly rubs.

“Tourmie will be your best friend, your sidekick, your everything,” Bacardi said. “She loves so much, and wants nothing but love and belly rubs in return. Even if you’re home alone with her, you’re never quite alone.”

Tourmaline tends not to be interested in other dogs, and does well with kids. “She loves a long walk,” Bicardi said, “and will even go for a run if you’re up for some cardio!”

If you’re ready to give Tourmaline a great home, submit an application with Every Last One Rescue.

Gregory
Vintage Pet Rescue in Foster, RI

Stick with us, because this one has a happy ending: Gregory was found earlier this year wandering in Connecticut. He was so emaciated, weak, and covered in sores and urine that the good people at Vintage Pet Rescue thought he was 12 years old and in need of hospice. 

The rescue bathed and cleaned Gregory, fed him steadily, and showed him immense kindness—and he went from 52 to 83 pounds. The team now believes he may only be 8 years old. 

In that time, he’s had “the freedom to just be a dog… [and] with the help of daily arthritis medication, he’s feeling so much better and has rediscovered his inner puppy.” He’s a huge dog who loves to show affection by leaning into you. 

Gregory will need someone committed to continued training and managing  his arthritis. He’d likely thrive in a home without small animals due to his size and the fact that he can be dog-selective. 

He loves a leisurely walk. “He gets the cutest zoomies and looks like a show pony hopping around the yard,” Larkin said. “And, since his first day with us, after all he’d endured, he’s chosen to trust us and accept all the love and affection shown to him. That’s pretty special.”

If you’d like to give Gregory a wonderful home, submit an adoption application at Vintage Pet Rescue.

Rocky
Vintage Pet Rescue in Foster, RI 

Rocky, an 11-year-old Chihuahua, is small, blind, and ready for his forever home. While in the care of Vintage Pet Rescue, Rocky’s quirky, playful personality has emerged. He’s often burrowed deep in blankets. When he’s awake, he’s sniffing around for a squeaky toy or crushing a puzzle. 

“When you call his name or approach him for pets, his whole face lights up, his tail wags, and he leans right in to cover you in kisses,” Larkin said. 

He needs daily eye drops, which he’s fairly used to receiving these days, along with an adopter who gets what a blind dog needs (someone who doesn’t rearrange their furniture often, for one). He also coexists well with other dogs, but does bark if they run into him. 

If you’d like to adopt Rocky, submit an application at Vintage Pet Rescue.

Terms & Conditions 

Anyone who begins or finalizes an adoption process with one of the listed partners between 11/10/2025 and 11/30/2025 and begins their trial for their new dog by 12/1/2025 at 11:59PM EST will be eligible to receive a free first box of The Farmer’s Dog and $300 in credits towards future orders. 

$300 credit is available to both current customers and new subscribers. Free box is only available to new subscribers. 

How to Redeem: Once you have applied to adopt a dog and have been approved by the organizations, they will send you specific information on how to redeem the free trial and $300 credit.

All adopters – current customers enrolled in a subscription, customers who previously had a subscription with The Farmer’s Dog and new subscribers – should email adoptions@thefarmersdog.com to confirm their adoption and redeem this offer. Offer limited to one offer per customer. 

What if my adoption isn’t final during the Freida’s Friends adoption event? We know that adoptions can take time! Anyone who starts the process and begins an active subscription by 12/1 can take advantage of this offer. 

Participating Organizations: 

  • Every Last One Rescue – 101 Wall Street, 14c, New York, NY 10005
  • Lowell Humane Society – 951 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA 01854
  • Vintage Pet Rescue – PO Box 194, Foster, RI, 02825
  • Agoura Animal Care Center – 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Sponsor: This offer is sponsored by The Farmer’s Dog, Inc. 

Questions: Contact adoptions@thefarmersdog.com for questions.

Eligibility: Offer only redeemable from November 10, 2025 at 12:00am ET to November 30, 2025 at 11:59pm ET. $300 and free box offer available to new customers in the contiguous 48 United States only, and requires subscription that automatically renews at full price after free box, to which $300 of credits can be applied. Subscription can be canceled, paused, or rescheduled anytime. Existing customers may redeem offer to receive credit, but not free box. Offer valid while supplies last in the contiguous 48 United States only. Limited quantities apply. Limit one per household; offer applicable to new and existing customers with an active auto-renewing subscription service. Pause, reschedule, or cancel anytime. Offer applies to The Farmer’s Dog fresh food products only, not to applicable taxes, shipping & handling charges. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers, credits or discounts. Offer is non-transferable and not valid for cash or cash equivalent. No adjustments on previous purchases. The Farmer’s Dog reserves the right to modify, terminate or cancel the offer at any time. The Farmer’s Dog reserves the right to confirm adoption with partner organization. Credit must be redeemed within twelve (12) months of receipt of Offer. Once credit is used per this Offer, the customer profile will remain the main account holder’s responsibility. For complete terms and conditions, please visit https://ift.tt/DEL24wq. For inquiries, contact adoptions@thefarmersdog.com.

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