While some seniors opt for extravagant bucket list adventures, Gertie, a 14-year-old mixed-breed dog, has a simpler, more heartwarming mission: she aims to collect 1,000 hugs.
Gertie and her younger brother Pablo, a Chihuahua, were found abandoned in the sweltering 107-degree Arizona heat outside a McDonald’s. Despite a viral Facebook plea, no one initially came forward to adopt the pair. Pablo, not being particularly people-friendly, and Gertie’s age of 12 made their prospects bleak.
Their fortunes changed when Kate Goodhart saw Gertie’s charming face and imagined the two dogs enduring the heat in their fur coats. Without hesitation, she welcomed them into her home.
It’s true that Gertie is getting on in years, but anyone who has loved a senior dog understands that age doesn’t define them. In a world where potential adopters often overlook older pets in favor of younger, more energetic ones, Goodhart remarks on their Facebook page, “They see adorable, cuddly, and lively but ignore older, calmer, and loving.”
For those like Goodhart who appreciate Gertie’s wise and gentle nature, it’s a mystery why no one stepped up sooner. Perhaps they weren’t ready for the amount of love this senior dog offered.
Now settled with the Goodharts, Gertie and Pablo aren’t going anywhere. Although a vet once suggested that due to her health issues, Gertie might need to be put to sleep, her move to a loving home spurred a remarkable turn in her health, proving she still had plenty of fight left in her.
Gertie may be in her twilight years, but she is determined to share her love. She thrives on meeting new people and enjoys being embraced by everyone she encounters. Her mission of gathering 1,000 hugs is a fitting farewell for a dog so full of warmth and spirit.
While Gertie’s pursuit primarily aims to spread happiness, Goodhart hopes it also raises awareness about the beauty and companionship senior dogs can offer. As they visit areas around Arizona and Nevada, including Anthem, Cave Creek, and beyond, Gertie is bringing smiles wherever she goes. Sometimes, if she isn’t feeling up to it, Gertie takes a break from the hugs, prioritizing her comfort and joy.
If you see Gertie’s story online or happen to be in her neighborhood, consider stopping by to give her a big, affectionate hug. Good luck on your quest, Gertie—we’re virtually hugging you all the way to your goal of 1,000 embraces!
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