Life has a beautiful way of surprising us, and sometimes, those surprises come in the form of a furry, four-legged companion. Meet Johanna Carrington, a remarkable centenarian who, despite a life filled with challenges, has always carried a deep love for dogs.
Johanna’s journey began in war-torn Germany, where owning a dog was a distant dream. She and her late husband once shared their home with eight Pekingese dogs, a testament to their shared love for these loyal creatures. However, when her beloved dog Rocky passed away, Johanna was left feeling alone in her house, yearning for a furry friend.
One might think that, at the age of 100, adopting another dog could be a challenge. Johanna was uncertain if the shelter would allow someone of her age to adopt. Fortunately, a caring neighbor who supports Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco suggested that this organization might have the perfect solution.
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue recognized that Johanna Carrington and a senior dog would be an ideal match. After careful consideration, Johanna adopted Gnocchi, a charming 11-year-old Chihuahua, whom she lovingly renamed Gucci.
Gucci’s life had a rocky start; he was rescued from a hoarding situation where his previous owner had 22 dogs. Being the only pampered pooch in his new home brought him immense joy. Johanna’s caregiver, Eddie Martinez, and her daughter, Debbie Carrington, made a heartfelt commitment to ensure that Gucci’s golden years would be filled with love and care.
The moment Gucci entered his new home, he seemed to recognize that he belonged there. Johanna recalled the heartwarming first encounter, saying, “He approached the home as though he’d been here before. It was incredible. When he spotted me seated in my chair, he leapt up and perched on my lap. He made himself extremely at ease. Right away, he was just our kid.”
Now, Gucci enjoys a life fit for a pampered pup. He has “oodles and oodles” of toys to play fetch with, daily back massages while watching TV with his new mom, and even the privilege of burrowing under the covers in bed for extra comfort.
Debbie Carrington, Johanna’s daughter, shared how Gucci’s arrival transformed their home, saying, “It was sort of sad here after she lost her other dog. It was silent and melancholy until Gucci came in and brought excitement into the house. Laughing at him running around and doing silly things, and then him resting on her lap with her when she’s in her chair or bed, it’s just making her very happy.”
The heartwarming bond between Johanna and Gucci is a testament to the joy and companionship that animals bring into our lives, regardless of age. In fact, scientific research supports the positive impact of pet ownership on emotional and social well-being, particularly in older individuals.
As Johanna approaches her 101st birthday in December, she and Gucci plan to celebrate this special milestone together. For Johanna, dogs have played a significant role in her long and healthy life, proving that the love between a human and their furry friend knows no age limits.
In a world that often seems fast-paced and hectic, the story of Johanna and Gucci reminds us of the simple yet profound happiness that animals can bring into our homes and hearts.
Art for dogs? Mexico museum welcomes pets to new exhibition
Mexico City’s Museo Tamayo has put together a modern art exhibition for the enjoyment of humans and their furry friends.
Artists have always been inspired by the bond between humans and their canine companions.
Now, one Mexican museum wants to bring the art world to dogs themselves.
Mexico City’s Museo Tamayo has put together a modern art exhibition for the enjoyment of humans and their furry friends.
Lorenza Errasti, curatorial assistant for the museum’s collection, said the exhibition is a selection of works from the museum’s collection and was intended for the enjoyment of owners and their dogs alike.
“The readings of the exhibition are based on emotions,” according to Errasti. “And the affectionate relationship that exists between an owner and their dog is always there, and even more so now that we open this space for that.”
The exhibition, #ArteyPerros (“Art and Dogs”) includes pieces by Haris Epaminonda, Max Ernst, Mathias Goeritz, Pierre Huyghe, Danh Vo and Mario Garcia Torres as well as a poem by Luis Felipe Fabre. It is the exhibition’s second instalment, with the first held in 2020.
The response to the initiative so far has been positive, as many people enjoyed the chance to appreciate the artwork along with their furry friends.
“I like to take my dog everywhere,” said Mila Cohen, a sixth-grade student, near a Max Ernst painting.
“It would be incredible if there were more spaces like this, with art, where we could spend time with our dogs,” noted Manu Echeverria, a photographer.
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