Senior Encore Pups: Every Dog Deserves a Grand Finale
At Luna Farms Rescue, we believe that every dog—especially our seniors—deserves a second act filled with comfort, dignity, and love. That’s why we created the Encore Pup Program, a dedicated effort to save senior dogs from overcrowded shelters and give them the happy endings they’ve always deserved.
WHY SENIORS?
Every day across the Southeast, shelters overflow with dogs in desperate need of homes—and senior dogs are among the most overlooked. Too often, they’re passed by for younger, more “adoptable” dogs. Left behind, these loyal companions are at high risk of euthanasia despite having so much love left to give.
Most of our Encore Pups are:
7 years and older
Larger breeds, often over 50 pounds
Black-coated (sadly, still the least adopted color in shelters)
Surrendered due to age, medical needs, or their owners passing away
Rescued from under-resourced shelters in rural Alabama and Tennessee
But here’s the truth: age is not a disease—and our Encore Pups are worth every effort.
A NEW CHAPTER, THANKS TO YOU
Our Encore Pup Program provides:
Life-saving medical care including dental work, arthritis support, and chronic illness management
Foster placement with compassionate homes that know how to care for seniors
Transport to forever homes—from the deep South all the way to loving adopters in New England and the Mid-Atlantic
Adoption support to match each dog with a home that understands the gift of an old soul
With your help, dogs like Topher, a black Lab mix left to fade away in a southern shelter, can get a second chance. Topher traveled over 1,000 miles to New Hampshire, thanks to our partners and fosters. Today, he naps in the sun, greets neighbors, and reminds us daily why this program matters.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Adopt an Encore Pup – Open your home to a dog who will love you for every single moment you give them.
Foster – Even a short-term stay gives our seniors the time they need to find the right home.
Sponsor a Senior – Cover medical costs or transport for a dog who deserves a soft bed and a happy heart.
Share Their Stories – Awareness saves lives. Tell your friends. Share our posts. Be their voice.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Many seniors have no health issues beyond what’s typical for their age
Our Encore dogs have adoption success rates equal to or better than younger dogs—because adopters often say “I wish I’d done this sooner.”
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
We believe in a world where no dog dies alone in a shelter simply because they’ve seen more sunsets. We believe in goodbyes that don’t come too soon. And we believe the final chapter should be the best one yet.
Luna Farms Rescue is a 100% volunteer-run organization. Every dollar, every hour, every heart helps us give senior dogs a future.
Every Dog Has A Story
Meet Tulip.
At 10 years young, Tulip was in a rural underfunded southern shelter where she stayed for almost four months before we found her and welcomed her to our Encore Pups Program.
MEET SOME OF OUR FAVROITE SENIOR ENCORE PUPS
“Bonita is a mature girl. With maturity comes wisdom”
Found as a stray, Bonita was in rough shape. Her skin was in horrible shape, she had bites and scars everywhere. Dedicated volunteers and shelter staff got her into our program and she has healed on the inside and out. Full of love, this seven year old pup lives a relaxed life as a cherished family member.
“Kobe has so much to give.”
Kobe picked out his foster. He walked up to her porch, skin and bones, not neutered, and dragging a chain around his neck and waited for her to come home. This 8 year pup turned out to be gem. Foster mom gave come much needed TLC and a new chance at life. Where is he know? Working as a therapy dog. With love and time this boy blew us away with how lunch life he had and his capacity for love and forgiveness.
“This 15 year old man should not be in the shelter ”
Meet Henry. He found himself in a rural Alabama shelter with little hope of adoption. The shelter staff feel in love and reached out and said please help. Their medical budget did not allow them to care for him as need. Working with them, We got Henry to the vet, got the right meds, and found Henry the perfect home. He is one LOVED pup!