Olive’s Journey: From Fear to Love

When Olive first arrived at Young at Heart in July, she was a shadow of the dog she was meant to be. Eleven years of neglect had left her shut down and afraid. Every step was painful, every touch frightening, and she was battling advanced cancer, severe arthritis, heartworm disease, and more.

Yet beneath that fear and darkness, there was a light in her eyes. A spark of hope.

Because of that spark, we refused to give up on her like so many had before.

In August, Olive stepped into her Sanctuary Home with our Medical Director, Jen, and her husband, Erik. Under their compassionate care and the companionship of other senior dogs and cats, Olive began to blossom into the loving dog we knew was in there – the one once forced into hiding.

Today, she dances when Jen walks through the door, paws for treats, wiggles her nubby little tail, and insists on kisses at every opportunity. She’s become a “champion beggar,” politely glued to Jen’s chair at mealtimes, her big, soulful eyes making sure she never misses a morsel.

Her heart has opened even wider alongside her Sanctuary pal, Susie. Together, the two golden gals explore, lounge, and simply enjoy being in the world.

Even medically, Olive is doing better than we dared hope. Her bloodwork has improved, she’s gained over 4 pounds, and she’s tolerating oral chemotherapy with grace.

We know her time will never be as long as we wish it could be, but every day she spends safe, spoiled, and deeply loved is a gift. Her care is now all about comfort and joy, and she’s showing us just how beautiful that can be.

Olive’s story is proof: no heart is too cautious to learn trust again, and no soul is too broken to be brightened by kindness.

It’s your big heart that allowed Olive this joyous final chapter.

And today, your gift can help write even more stories like hers for other senior pets. With a generous hero donor matching gifts up to $100,000, every dollar you give will go twice as far in bringing warmth, comfort, and love to those who need it most.

Thank you for giving Olive – and all our senior pets – the chance to feel safe, cherished, and wholly at home.