When a 16-year-old dog named Princess was discovered in the parking lot of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, she wasn’t just left behind — she was left with every possession she owned stuffed into shopping bags, along with a heartbreaking request.
Her former family had asked that Princess be euthanized and that her belongings be donated to other dogs after her passing.
A Request Too Cruel To Honor
For shelter staff, the request was devastating. Princess had clearly been loved once — her bags were filled with toys, blankets, and items that suggested she had spent years as a cherished companion. Yet, somewhere along the way, her family had decided that her life was no longer worth continuing.
While her health was fragile, her spirit was not gone. “Whoever ditched this gorgeous girl asked [that] she be euthanized and all her belongings be donated to other dogs after her death,” said Georgia Dodson, director and cofounder of Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue. “Miri’s Haven doesn’t let fragile seniors die like that, and neither does the shelter that reached out.”
Because of her advanced age and ongoing kidney disease, the shelter knew Princess needed specialized care. That’s when they contacted Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue, an organization that specializes in giving elderly and medically fragile dogs a second chance.
When Princess first arrived, she was bewildered. She paced, cried, and seemed lost, as though waiting for the familiar faces who had walked away from her. But over time, with soft voices and patient hands, she began to relax.
Thriving With Tender Care
Her new caregivers quickly discovered that Princess still had a zest for life. She delighted in gentle petting, cozy blankets, and the simple joy of being near people who cared about her.Dodson explained. “We see her thrive more and more each day, with a little TLC.”
Each day brings small victories — the way she perks up at mealtime, how she leans in for cuddles, and the sparkle that has returned to her eyes. These little signs prove that she still wants to live, and more importantly, to love.
Living Out Her Days Surrounded By Love
Princess may never have decades ahead of her, but what she does have is priceless: a family that won’t abandon her again. She will now spend the rest of her days in a hospice foster home, where she’ll be cared for, cherished, and treated with dignity.
Her story is a reminder that senior dogs, even those with medical conditions, still have so much to give. They may not be with us for long, but the love they offer in their golden years is irreplaceable.
Thanks to the compassion of rescuers who refused to give up on her, Princess will not spend her final chapter in sadness or confusion. Instead, she will be surrounded by kindness, comfort, and unwavering devotion — exactly what every dog deserves.
Princess’s journey shows us that love should never come with an expiration date.
