Seniors Max & Sammy Know a Thing or Two About Aging Gracefully but Very Little About Second Acts

How do two elderly dogs smack dab in the middle of what was supposed to be their golden years transition from a forever situation to up-in-the-air lives not knowing where or when or even if they’ll ever know normalcy again? The best way they can, but it stinks just the same.

Meet Max and Sammy, two bonded senior gents who would very much like to stay together. Think of them as Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, only without the grumpy demeanors. Both of these fine fellas are at the Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson, and both would very much like to go home with you.

Here’s a bit of background on each of these sweet, lovable boys:

Adoptable Dog Sammy

Say hello to Sammy. Sammy is a neutered blue merle Pit Bull and Catahoula Leopard Hound mix who is believed to be about 9 years old and weighs approximately 63 pounds. He’s been at the shelter since December 29, 2022, and he’s desperate to find a home.

Shelter Staff made the following comments about him:

Sammy is a sweet senior who lived in one home with his brother Max since they were 6 weeks old. Sadly, at 9 years old, they were surrendered to the shelter and really need to find a new retirement home. No dog deserves to be in the shelter, but especially not sweet senior citizens!

Sammy has not had it easy since his arrival at PACC. He and Max both got very sick and spent time recovering in the clinic. He really deserves to live the rest of his life in luxury!

Sammy and Max’s former owner said that they love to cuddle and love attention, and Sammy has proved that to every volunteer he’s met (and that’s a lot of volunteers!). This boy walks well on a leash, loves pets and snuggles, and is an all-around happy-go-lucky old man with plenty of pep in his step.

Here’s what a couple of Sammy’s volunteer friends have said about him:

“Sammy was a wiggly, bouncy, happy guy today. I decided to take him to the play yard, since he seemed very energetic. Turns out that Sammy loves squeaky toys! He enjoyed playing fetch with a squeaky round ball and shaking it around. He happily came over for affection and sought out more pets.”

“I really love Max and Sammy. They are easy to handle and do well on walks. They are affectionate and enjoy attention, and they love to give kisses. Either of these handsome seniors will make a great addition to the right home!”

When meeting other dogs in playgroup, Sammy was a bit nervous, but was tolerant of the other pups and was an independent type of guy. He’s in Kennel D078, and his ID# is A793527.

Adoptable Dog Max

After Max and Sammy spent time recovering from their illness, poor Max then had to have his tail amputated (but the little nub he has these days is so cute), and then suffered an injury to his eye. He really deserves to live the rest of his life somewhere else.

These days Max can be found hanging around in the volunteer office soaking up attention from all the people coming and going each day. He loves to give kisses, share volunteers’ snacks, and nap on his cozy bed. He also has the cutest woo-woo-woo to show his excitement when someone comes into the office!

Here’s what his volunteer friends have said about him:

“Max currently has the pleasure of hanging in the volunteer office, and I spent some time snuggling with him yesterday. I entered his area and sat down on the ground. He immediately came over and gave me lots and lots of kisses. He was so sweet and sensitive about it, too. He sniffed me down thoroughly, trying to identify where I’d been and what I was doing. He eventually laid down next to me, and I gave him belly and neck rubs for a while. He was silly, calm, and so sweet. Max would make the perfect couch potato/snuggle buddy for someone lucky!!!”

“Max was curled up on his bed when I got to his kennel. He quickly came over and eagerly leashed up to go out. Very sweet and easy walking partner, and he loves having his hips scratched. Very enthusiastic for treats! A gentle, sweet guy who is waiting for a quiet home with a comfy bed for him. He has the sweetest face, and I’d love to see him in a happy home where he feels at ease and loved.”

When meeting other dogs in playgroup, Max was a bit nervous, but was tolerant of the other pups and was interested in playing.

Max’s ID# is A793526. Like his brother, he’s a neutered Pit Bull and Catahoula Leopard Hound mix, only a red merle rather than blue. He weighs approximately 47 pounds.

If you’re interested in adopting these boys, please email pacc.adopt@pima.gov for an adoption app or with additional questions.