2026 Rescue Dog of the Year Finds a Home in Boulder Creek
Meet Teddy, the 2026 Pedigree Foundation Rescue Dog of the Year. Teddy is an older dog who found a loving Boulder Creek family through Muttville Senior Dog Rescue’s “Seniors for Seniors” program, which pairs mature dogs with golden-aged adopters.
Teddy came to Muttville from a Bakersfield shelter last fall. His adopter, Julie Kimball, and her husband Ralph, said that their other dog, Stella, a 12-year-old Golden Retriever, had been mopey since their last dog passed in 2024. Once Teddy arrived in their home, Stella went from depressed to active, full of vim and vigor, as the two quickly became canine best friends.
Teddy and Stella at home in Boulder Creek
Senior dogs are often overlooked in shelters, with lower adoption rates than younger pups. According to Muttville, Misconceptions about older dogs contribute to their longer waits for loving homes. Some think they don’t have the energy to go on walks, can’t learn new tricks or won’t bond with their new humans as easily as a younger pup. In reality, the more mature pups have often grown out of their high-energy, puppy behaviors and typically have some basic training.
Teddy was rescued from a pet hoarding case and arrived at Muttville in San Francisco with high anxiety, dental disease, a mild heart murmur, and dermatitis. Muttville provided medical care and a foster home, giving Teddy a stable environment to heal, both physically and emotionally. With time and care, he became such a healthier, happier, more outgoing dog that he became an ambassador for Muttville. As an ambassador pup, he represented Muttville at community events, which proved to be instrumental to his story. His future family met him at an event and were smitten.
Ralph and Julie Kimball with Teddy and Stella
“He is a remarkable dog who makes us laugh every day,” said Julie. “He’s polite, confident, eager to meet people and other dogs, and seems to love everybody of all ages.”
It’s not just the senior dogs that benefit from their adoption. Research shows that pets can have a positive impact on senior humans as well. In a study of adults over 50, pet parenthood and dog walking were found to support the maintenance of cognitive health, as those who walked their dogs showed slower cognitive deterioration than those who didn’t.
“According to the ASPCA, senior dogs tend to have a lower adoption rate – sometimes as low as only 25%, compared to 60% for younger dogs and puppies – but they have just as much love to give,” said Deb Fair, Executive Director of Pedigree Foundation. “Allowing senior dogs to live out their golden years in a loving, comforting environment is such a gift that these good dogs deserve. That’s why we love supporting organizations like Muttville that encourage senior dog adoption and help so many find their adoring families.”
Learn more: muttville.org and pedigreefoundation.org
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