For 16 years, Tulip and Buffy knew nothing but the comfort of family life. The two senior sisters spent their days side by side, wrapped in the warmth of the only home they’d ever known.
Then, in an instant, it was all gone.
The pair were surrendered to Palmdale Animal Care Center, where they found themselves in a cold kennel, trembling with fear and confusion.
“Everything they knew and loved was ripped away from them in an instant,” the Northwest Dog Project shared on Instagram.
Adopted… Then Returned
At first, it seemed like hope had arrived. A family adopted Tulip and Buffy just days after they entered the shelter. Staff and volunteers were thrilled the sweet seniors had found a second chance.
But the joy didn’t last.
Within days, Tulip and Buffy were brought back. The reason? Their new family said the sisters “don’t do anything.”
For two dogs who had spent their lives in peace and routine, the rejection was crushing. They had no way of knowing why love kept slipping through their paws.
A Safe Haven
When the Northwest Dog Project learned of their story, they knew Tulip and Buffy belonged with them. The organization took the pair in and moved them to their senior dog sanctuary — a space designed for comfort, not cages.
“Senior dogs are some of the most vulnerable victims of the massive pet overpopulation problem,” the rescue explained. “They’re often deemed ‘unadoptable’ by most people’s standards.”
At the sanctuary, Tulip and Buffy no longer sleep on cold concrete. Instead, they roam freely, curl up on soft beds, and enjoy toys and affection at their own pace.
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A New Chapter
After a short foster stay, Tulip and Buffy have started to settle into their new surroundings. Here, no one expects them to “do more.” They’re free to nap, wander, and simply be themselves.
They’ll be available for adoption once their veterinary checks are complete, but there’s no rush. The sanctuary has promised them a safe, loving home for as long as they need.
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As volunteer Rita Earl Blackwell put it:
“Knowing they’re on the way to finding exactly where they’re supposed to be — while being cherished and adored — is heart-bursting.”
For Tulip and Buffy, the road to healing has begun — together, as always.
