In an innovative move to encourage the adoption of senior dogs, Hill’s Pet Nutrition has partnered with Vanderpump Dogs in Los Angeles, California. The partnership promises free dog food for a year to families who adopt two specific senior dogs, Wilfred and Cody. This initiative addresses the challenge these older canines face in finding forever homes due to their age and color.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition made this announcement with the hope of increasing adoption rates for dogs like Wilfred, a 15-year-old pooch rescued from a high-kill shelter after his elderly owner passed away. Cody was returned to the shelter six months ago due to his previous owner’s financial issues and hasn’t had any adoption applications since. Both dogs have struggled significantly more than younger ones in finding new families.

Wilfred underwent considerable dental work after being rescued, having lost 12 teeth, while details about Cody’s specific age remain unspecified. Their stories reflect the usual skepticism surrounding senior pets in shelters. Natalie Phillips, an Adoption Coordinator at Vanderpump Dogs, highlighted this issue: “With seniors, a lot of people assume that because they’re older [and] in the shelter that they might have behavioral problems or there’s some reason that they ended up.”

The ASPCA has noted that only 25% of senior dogs in shelters ever find new owners—a stark comparison to their younger counterparts.

Celebrity endorsements have further helped highlight their plight. Cecily Strong, an advocate for adopting senior dogs, walked with Wilfred and Cody at a recent movie premiere on an orange carpet and later emphasized the joy of pet adoption on TikTok. She stated, “Adopting a pet is ‘a gift to dogs, who are such a gift to us.’” Similarly, actor Christ Pratt voiced support for aging animals during his promotional activities as Garfield in his latest film: “Offering a home to an animal, especially an aging one, is a really wonderful act”

Phillips also reassured prospective adopters about Vanderpump Dogs’ commitment: “Whenever we do adopt dogs out, it’s our policy that they always have a home here.” This reassurance aims at breaking down barriers potential adopters may feel towards adopting older or returned animals.

Background information reveals both involved entities are passionately dedicated to animal welfare — Hill’s Pet Nutrition often engages in similar initiatives promoting healthy and sustainable pet care practices; Vanderpump Dogs focuses on rescuing and supporting at-risk animals across regions such as Ohio and California. Together they amplify efforts towards compassionate pet adoption.