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👋 Happy Thursday! Welcome to Cause for Paws, where we share the latest and greatest in the pet rescue world.

Last week, we asked you what was most important to you when considering adopting a rescue dog.

And one choice blew the others out of the water, with over 70% of the votes going to — Dog’s Temperament!

Thanks for participating!

This week, we want to know:

In today’s Cause for Paws:

• 🏡 Grieving grandma finds hope with her new adopted best friend

• 🧠 Easy tutorial to train your dog to fetch perfectly

• 🇺🇲 50 State Rescue Challenge: Tennessee Edition

• 🐾 Paw Profiles – 3 rescue dogs dreaming of adoption

🥲 Grieving grandma finds an unlikely bestie to grow old with

The adorable moment a grieving grandmother bonded with an unlikely new best friend is melting hearts.

Mary Lou, 77, lost her husband Leonard after 58 beautiful years of marriage.

"They were true soulmates," according to granddaughter Ally. "She was his caretaker for the last several months but before that, they were a perfect example of love."

After Leonard's tragic passing from esophageal cancer, Mary Lou knew she needed a new best friend to spend her days with.

"She knew she would need a protector and a companion," 21-year-old Ally said.

Despite her profound grief, she knew “almost immediately” that a shelter dog could help fill the void in her heart.

So just one week after saying goodbye to her beloved husband, Mary Lou, Ally, and grandson Zach all drove 2 hours to the Humane Society of Logan County.

There, she met Luna, a sweet rescue pup whose online photo had already captured Mary Lou's attention. But their first real-life meeting got off to a rocky start.

Luna reacted timidly to Mary Lou at first, backing away when she approached the kennel. But she wasn’t too concerned.

"[She] has a way with animals," Ally said. "As soon as we brought out treats, Luna plopped herself right up on my grandma and licked her face."

They signed the adoption papers on the spot, and couldn’t stop smiling.

The long ride home did present some challenges, like Luna getting carsick in Mary Lou's lap.

But she just laughed it off, getting the mess cleaned up before Luna snuggled into her lap again.

Now, just weeks later, Luna and Mary Lou are the best of friends, and do everything together on her idyllic 80-acre farm.

While still grieving her husband, Luna keeps Mary Lou active and brings much-needed comfort. As Ally shares, "Luna is living the dream."

This heartwarming adoption reminds us that pets can be powerful healing forces, with Luna giving Mary Lou purpose again after her big loss.

Despite a rocky start, this grandma's open heart transformed Luna's life. Their story shows the magic that happens when you take a chance on a shelter pet.

In honor of Mary Lou and Luna's unbreakable bond, consider adopting a rescue animal yourself. With patience and compassion, you may find your perfect match, too.

P.S. You can check out their adorable adoption video here, on Ally’s TikTok account!

🧠 Top Training Tip of the Week

Looking for a fun and engaging activity to enjoy with your pup?

Teaching your dog to fetch could be a fantastic choice!

While many dog owners excel at teaching basic commands like “sit” and “stay”, training your dog to fetch adds an exciting dynamic to playtime.

Not only is it a fun trick, but it also helps keep your dog active and mentally stimulated.

Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution has an excellent tutorial on how to perfect this trick with your dog.

Here’s his video tutorial on teaching your dog to fetch!

Grab your pup, a ball, and start practicing alongside Zak George to enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend!

🇺🇲 The 50 State Rescue Challenge: Tennessee Edition

At Cause for Paws, we’re on a mission:

Get a pet adopted in every state.

Every week, we cover a different state, and share resources on how you can help adopt in your own state.

This week, we’re heading to the heart of Tennessee! 🎶

In the charming city of Mount Juliet, you'll find the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary (OFSDS).

They’re a non-profit animal shelter in the area, working tirelessly to provide a haven for senior dogs.

One unique feature of OFSDS is their lifelong commitment to the dogs they rescue!

Many senior dogs face abandonment when their care becomes too challenging for their families.

OFSDS provides a loving home, medical care, and a community for these elderly dogs, ensuring their golden years are filled with comfort and love.

If you live near Mount Juliet, definitely check out the incredible crew at OFSDS to see the remarkable work they’re doing in their community!

Learn more about the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary here!

P.S. Not a Tennessee resident? No worries, we got you!

See this great site to find pets up for adoption in all U.S. states!

🐾 Paw Profiles: 3 remarkable rescues ready for adoption

Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary has some serious Tennessee treasures waiting to find their forever homes.

These 3 really caught our eye this week.

Could one of them be your perfect match?

Leonard

Leonard, a spirited tri-pawed senior, dashes through life with zeal. With a love for simple pleasures like delicious meals and big naps, he's on a quest for a Geezer Guardian to share his days with. 🐾🏃

Bluebell

Meet Bluebell, a shy yet loving Beagle. Once she warms up to you, she's your loyal companion. Despite needing some medical care, her gentle nature and love for other dogs make her a darling. 🐾💕

Jackson

Here's Jackson, a playful Hound mix with a heart full of love. A 'dog’s dog' through and through, he's eager for outdoor adventures and has a knack for goofy antics. Ready to be your loyal friend! 🐾🌞

Are you the right fit for one of these loving souls?

Check out all the pups waiting at Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary to find out!

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👋 That's all for now, Cause for Paws crew! Until next time!