Kids Helping Canines: Orono Boys Join Forces to Find Homes for Senior Dogs

Two 12-year-olds, Lukas and Nena, played together at an Orono home recently. They get along great. The main difference between them? 

Lukas is a boy and Nena is a dog.

Lukas van Dyck and classmate Scott Gorsuch are joining forces to help senior dogs like Nena.

“I love dogs, and I want to help them find a home,” says Gorsuch, who was looking for a way to satisfy a community service requirement for his social studies class at Orono Middle School.

He persuaded van Dyck to join him.

This fall, the boys approached John Bradford, director of programs and development at Top Dog Foundation. Top Dog Foundation provides homes for older dogs that have been passed by for adoption due to age or medical issues. 

“In most shelters, folks aren’t adopting senior dogs,” explained Bradford, who says that senior dogs represent over 25 percent of the dogs turned over to shelters. “They are basically doomed there. They’re not adopted, so they tend to be euthanized.”

Bradford was happy to help the duo with their project.

“Kids their age are typically not allowed to volunteer at animal shelters due to liability issues,” says Bradford. “That’s too bad, because kids like dogs as much as video games.”

Gorsuch and van Dyck are spreading the word about the perks of adopting an older dog. “

These dogs are much calmer and are already trained,” says Gorsuch.

“A puppy needs more attention and care than a senior dog,” adds van Dyck.

The boys are visiting some of the volunteer foster homes in order to get acquainted with the dogs. 

Dogs like Nena.

Despite her slow gait, the black Labrador mix likes to fetch tennis balls.

And Liddy, a sheltie who is fond of herding.

Then there’s Hannah, a German shepherd mix who landed with Top Dog Foundation after her owner was transferred overseas. They are all waiting for a permanent home.

“We get to know these dogs by spending a little time with them,” says van Dyck. “We find out what the dog is like, any medical conditions and their likes and dislikes.”

Although anyone may apply to adopt a dog, the boys are targeting senior citizens and empty nesters, who may not have considered getting a four-legged companion.

Bobbi Gruman, a retiree, adopted Daisy Mae when the dog was 8 years old.

“At adoption events, it broke my heart to see people pass by beautiful dogs just because they were older or needed minor medical attention,” Gruman says. “Daisy Mae was a puppy mill rescue. She had been in a cage her whole life and she had eye and knee problems. I saw myself in her.”

Gruman says that Daisy Mae gives her companionship and a sense of purpose.

“Her need of me has reawakened a feeling of importance I’d lost since retiring,” she said.

“Dogs can help senior people because sometimes they are lonely and need someone to be with,” says van Dyck. “I have a special place in my heart for older people like my Oma (grandmother) so this is important to me.”

To get the word out, the boys are going to businesses in Wayzata and Excelsior asking permission to place flyers stores and talk about the dogs.

“We give information on how to find them,” explained Gorsuch.

The sixth grader is an example of the positive effect a pet can have on a person.

“My dog, Sienna, makes me happier and she makes me more responsible because I have to take care of her,” he says.

Click here to learn more about senior dogs available for adoption.