When Princess was abandoned at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, she arrived not with her family, but in a tiny crate left in the parking lot. Next to her sat bags stuffed with all of her belongings — toys, blankets, and food — along with a heartbreaking request.

Her former family had asked that she be euthanized, and that her possessions be donated to other dogs after her death.

A Senior Left Behind

At 16 years old, Princess was frail and dealing with advanced kidney disease. But the staff at the shelter didn’t see a dog ready to give up on life. Instead, they saw a confused senior who deserved compassion.

Knowing she needed more specialized care than they could provide, the shelter contacted Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue, where director and cofounder Georgia Dodson was stunned by the situation.

“Whoever ditched this gorgeous girl asked that she be euthanized and all her belongings be donated to other dogs after her death,” Dodson said.

“Miri’s Haven doesn’t let fragile seniors die like that, and neither does the shelter that reached out.”

A Gentle Revival

At first, Princess was understandably disoriented. After losing the only home she had likely ever known, she was anxious and shut down. But once placed in the care of Miri’s Haven, surrounded by kindness, she began to soften.

Her eyes grew brighter, her tail wagged again, and it was clear to everyone that while her body might be old, her spirit still had life left to live.

“Princess is most likely hospice given her age and advanced kidney disease,” Dodson explained. “But she is not in pain at present, other than the emotional upheaval of being dumped by her person. We see her thrive more and more each day, with a little TLC.”

Living With Love

Princess will spend the rest of her days with a devoted hospice foster, where she’ll know only gentleness, warm beds, and the security of being cherished.

She may not have years ahead of her, but what she does have will be filled with love.

Because while someone once left her behind, others chose to step in and show her she still matters.

✨ At 16 years old, Princess is proof that senior dogs don’t need pity — they need dignity, care, and the chance to live out their days surrounded by love.