Adopt Senior

Ok I’m gonna tell you how this works…You willingly sign up for the worst day of your life to occur in the next 1-3 years, with certainty. It is never enough time, and that’s by design.

In return, you get a sweet perfect angel that reminds you what the true meaning of life is each and every day for those 1-3 years. You slow down, you soften, you love deeply and selflessly.

It is one of the most rewarding and beautiful and HARD experiences you can purposefully take. I recommend it to anyone who feels they can stomach it - it will change your life.

Good Ideas If I Do Say So Myself

3 months ago

Comments

Kara Duval

@rangebykaraduvalJul 18, 2026

Absolutely beautiful. I haven't done this myself but as a dog lover, the way you described that the grief AND joy can coexist in the same breath is just beautiful.

Hannah Quinlan

@hannah_quinlanJul 20, 2026

This may sound grim, but bear with me.. the imagery I always think of is inviting death inside my home. Getting comfortable sitting with it makes it less.. destructive(?) when it eventually knocks on the door. Adopting senior has turned anticipatory grief into a practice, which certainly doesn’t eliminate the grief when it actually comes, it just changes its texture if that makes sense? It’s human instinct to avoid thinking about death, but juxtaposed against the love of senior dogs has changed my relationship with mortality at large. People spend enormous amounts of energy keeping (the idea of) death outside. Adopting senior made me stop pretending the doors locked. Being brave enough to invite it inside has given me access to a version of life that I wouldn’t have been able to get to on my own. I’m a better friend, partner, granddaughter, etc. because of that. And besides that..gosh are they cute :,)

Kara Duval

@rangebykaraduvalJul 21, 2026

This is spectacular, Hannah. As I was reading your words, I couldn't believe the timing. I am cohosting a movement/conversation experience about our cultural relationship with grief + heartbreak tomorrow night and so much of what you just spoke to is EXACTLY what we will be moving with tomorrow. Thank you SO much for sharing in such a beautiful and refreshing way.

Kara Duval

@rangebykaraduvalJul 21, 2026

.....and most importantly, those senior babies are SO incredibly lucky to have you.

Hannah Quinlan

@hannah_quinlanJul 21, 2026

Kismet !!!!!!