Two Senior Dogs Seek Loving Retirement Homes In St. Mary’s County

CALIFORNIA, Md. — One wandered through a neighborhood for days, waiting for someone to recognize him. The other spent nearly his entire life with one family before unexpected changes left him without a permanent home.

Now, Wonderer and Bandit — two senior dogs available through St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption and Resource Center — are searching for families willing to give them the peaceful retirement years they deserve.

Both dogs have known uncertainty, but shelter staff say they still have plenty of affection to share with the people who give them another chance.

Wonderer Is Ready To Stop Wandering

Wonderer received his name after he was found roaming through a neighborhood for several days.

It remains unclear whether the older dog became lost or had been left behind. Despite efforts to locate his family, no owner came forward to claim him.

Wonderer is a 9-year-old, neutered German shepherd mix who arrived at St. Mary’s County Animal Services on July 9. Although little is known about his life before entering the shelter, staff members have come to know him as a kind and sweet dog.

The uncertainty of shelter life can sometimes make Wanderer anxious. When he becomes stressed, he tends to vocalize — using his bark to share his opinion about the world around him.

Because of his frequent barking, Wonderer may not be the best fit for an apartment or another home where noise could become a concern. A patient family and a quieter environment may help him feel secure as he adjusts to his new surroundings.

Wonderer appears friendly with other dogs, but shelter staff recommend slow, supervised introductions to any dogs already living in a prospective home.

After spending days wandering without a family in sight, Wonderer is now hoping to find a place where he will never have to wonder where he belongs again.

Bandit’s Life Takes An Unexpected Turn

Bandit’s path to the shelter began differently.

The 11-year-old Siberian husky mix was adopted from another shelter nearly a decade ago and spent almost his entire life with one family. When that family experienced unexpected changes, they were faced with the difficult decision to rehome him.

His placement in another home ultimately did not work out, and Bandit was surrendered to St. Mary’s County Animal Services through no fault of his own. He arrived at the shelter July 29.

Despite the upheaval, Bandit remains an affectionate senior who enjoys walks, cuddling with his people and giving hugs.

Bandit is reportedly housebroken and crate-trained. Although he is an older dog, he still has an active mind and body and may find ways to get into trouble when left unattended.

His future family should provide toys, puzzles and other forms of mental enrichment to keep him engaged. Shelter staff also recommend crating him when he is home alone.

Bandit is obedient and responds well to commands, though he pulls hard while walking on a leash. Consistent handling and continued leash training may help make his walks more manageable.

The Right Home For Bandit

Bandit previously lived with children and other dogs and was reported to do well with both.

However, he has not lived with cats or other small animals and appears to become fixated on them. For that reason, shelter staff do not recommend placing him in a home with cats or small pets.

Bandit also has several small growths on his body and a larger growth inside his mouth. The cause of the growths is unknown, and his adopter should arrange for a veterinarian to examine them after he leaves the shelter. The shelter partners with Animal Rescue Outreach Organization (AROO), which is looking into covering the cost of the surgery.

What Bandit needs most is a calm and loving home where he can spend his remaining years taking walks, receiving plenty of cuddles and staying close to his people.

A Second Chance In Their Golden Years

Senior dogs can find themselves overlooked in shelters as families gravitate toward puppies and younger animals. Yet older dogs often arrive with established personalities and, in Bandit’s case, experience living in a home.

Wonderer needs patience and reassurance as he learns that he is safe. Bandit needs stability after losing the family and routine he knew for most of his life.

Neither dog chose the circumstances that brought him to the shelter. Both are simply waiting for someone willing to look beyond their age and offer them a comfortable place to call home.

Those interested in Wanderer or Bandit can visit St. Mary’s County Animal Services to meet them and learn more about the adoption process. Below is the shelter information to schedule a meet and greet if you feel you are the right fit for either.

Watch the video below to see Bandit and Wonderer enjoying time outdoors with volunteers from the St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption and Resource Center.

Interested In Fostering?

The St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption and Resource Center offers foster opportunities for neonatal and adult animals. Foster homes can give animals like Buttas a quieter place to decompress, build confidence and show their personalities while awaiting adoption.

Animal Adoption & Resource Center
22975 FDR Blvd.
California, Md. 20619

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