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November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, so we thought it was only fitting that we have a movie night with our dogs and watch “Seniors – A Dogumentary”.
Now, if you know about us, you definitely know about the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary. An animal shelter and social media phenomenon, Old Friends has a cult following for being "The Last Pure Place Online”. I first discovered them in college, becoming part of the millions of others who had their days brightened by their posts. I was, and still am, a huge fan. So when I first reached out to Old Friends, to see if Lolamina could make a piece for them, I was starstruck when Susan responded.
And to have such warm and genuinely kind interactions with Susan? I was so touched. Compared to the rough world of starting a new business, every interaction was so refreshing and encouraging. They seemed too good to be true. Especially now, after watching their Dogumentary, I’m still so amazed that such a wonderful place can exist. But that is just who they are – goodness. For that, and for so many other reasons, Lolamina dedicated a necklace to them. It is an honor and a surreal experience to say that I have worked with them.
This is the most heartwarming hour you will ever spend watching a documentary. Directed by Gorman Bechard, the film follows Michael and Zina Goodin as they tell their story of how Old Friends became the success it is today. The documentary also tells stories of other animals and senior dog advocates along the way.
Izzy’s story, in particular, stuck with me most. She brings out the best in humanity, in a way that only man’s best friend can. She understands the residents of the senior living center and takes her job as caretaker very seriously.
And Chaser! Don’t even get me started on Chaser! She was absolutely brilliant in this. Dr. John W. Pilley Jr. said it perfectly - her demeanor proves the advanced “mental processes” and “strong emotions” dogs are blessed with. The bond that Jon and Chaser have in this film is so special and something that so many dog owners are lucky to understand.
However, this fact is often overlooked by others. Every dog at Old Friends, before finding the sanctuary, was left behind by someone. They have so much to offer, yet were discarded by their families because they were too old and wrongly assumed to be too much trouble.
But the people involved in this documentary don’t believe that, and the success of the sanctuary further proves that the world doesn’t believe that either. Having a video game, a documentary, and supporters from around the world – Old Friends has grown a massive following. And they deserve every ounce of success they get.
A beautiful quote in this film from Jane Sobel Klonsky, photographer and author of Unconditional, about senior dogs,
“They understand who they are, they’re more grounded. They have manners. They don’t need to go on 5 mile hikes, a leisurely stroll is nice. What they need is not that much, but yet what they’re willing to give you is that much more.”
And it is so true. Every single story, every single dog in this documentary is so special. Every person who spoke on the topic is so genuinely good. There is a positivity that radiates from Old Friends, that I was able to feel through the screen. This documentary was exactly that - warmth. It was kindness, it was playful, it was purely good - from start to finish. In short, it was Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary.
So we urge you to watch it, and to support them in any way you can. If by chance you didn’t hear of them before, you will be introduced to them in such a fantastic way. And I guarantee that, by the end, you will become a fan.