The sad reality is that many older dogs end up finding themselves abandoned and alone in their old age, either because their owners can no longer afford their care or they are no longer interested in caring for their aged pets.

 It happens everywhere, and there are shelters all over the country that have older dogs, or dogs with special needs coming into their care. And sadly, these are sometimes the pups who get overlooked in favor of the younger dogs.

Wanting to do something to help these dogs, the dog-loving couple has spent $55,000 on renovations in an effort to turn their home into the ideal retirement facility for these dogs to live out their golden years. 

Both Chris and Mariesa know that both elderly and special needs dogs require love and care as well, so they have taken it upon themselves to make sure that elderly and disabled dogs are able to have a safe place to live.

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What has quarantine provided us? Time well spent in the woods and peace. How about you? #naturetrail #paralzyedpups #letstakeawalk #peace #nature #rescuedogs #specialneedsdogs #happydogs #family #together #quarantinelife #staysafe #washyourhands #love @barks_n_barbells #sohandsome

A post shared by The Mr. Mo Project (@mrmoproject) on Mar 28, 2020 at 6:55pm PDT

In doing so, the couple found so much joy and love brought to them by the dogs that they take in. It’s a win-win! Chris and Mariesa were inspired to start their non-profit called Mr. Mo Project after they experienced their own problems with their elderly dog, Mo. They wanted to create the non-profit for the benefit of other elderly dogs, stating that they’re “determined to ensure that the elderly dog population nationwide is cared for.”

Sharing on their website, the couple noted that all senior dogs deserve to be happy and loved, just like any other dog. With their work, they have managed to save hundreds of dogs from being euthanized because they’re old or have health issues. 

After taking in many of these dogs, they’ve given them a second chance – with many of them getting adopted out to loving, forever homes. But just because they have helped to give many senior dogs a new lease on life, they have also taken in many dogs to their own home – 20 in total!

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We just want to share our pack of all rescued dogs, and what they live with and overcome...all combined to make one big, happy family ❤️ From left to right, top to bottom Money - 12 years old, laryngeal paralysis Fitzgibbons - 10 years old, hit by a car, hip dysplasia Delilah- 10 years old, cruelty case, front leg amputation and jaw correction. Pixie - 12 years old Lacie - 10 years old Vera - 15 years old, front limb contracture Mabel - 16 years old, tracheotomy, no lower jaw Mya Marie - 12 years old, diabetic, blind, liver cancer Major - 12 years old, no lower jaw Tejas - 12 years old, mast cell cancer, spindle cell cancer Frank - 18 years old, blind, deaf, hind end weakness Pesto - 18 years old, kidney disease, blind, daily Sub-Q fluids Gizmo - 20 years old, blind Tina - 21 years old, blind Meatball - 12 years old, anxiety and OCD, heart disease Quinn - 12 years old, mast cell cancer Stig - 13 years old, recurring mast cell cancer Sammy - 13 years old, TPLO surgery Phil - 7 months old, hydrocephalus, AA Luxation Mercury- 1 year old, hemivertibrea (rear leg paralysis) #multidoghousehold #rescuedogs #seniordogs #specialneedsdogs #rescuelife #senioreverything #20dogsandcounting #proud #dogs #love #perfectlyimperfect

A post shared by The Mr. Mo Project (@mrmoproject) on Jul 22, 2020 at 4:12pm PDT

In a post on Instagram, the couple happily showed off their big, furry family. They dedicated their post to their many senior fur babies that they love so dearly.

In order to accommodate their 20 elderly fur babies, the couple splashed out $55,000 in home renovations to make sure that all the dogs could comfortably live out their days. They even spent $30,000 of that money on a hydrotherapy pool – something that allows their senior dogs to enjoy some low-impact exercise! Sounds absolutely amazing. 

That is not the only treat that the dogs get to enjoy – they also were given a customized $5,000 king-sized bed for them to sleep on. Everything about the couple’s home is fitted to be senior dog friendly with ramps, floor mats, plastic sheets, etc. It’s the perfect doggie retirement home.

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Just waiting for the next beautiful day 🌞 #rescuedogs #shelter dogs #bondedpair #laceyandpixie #doubletrouble #mygirls #soakingupthesun☀️ #sunnydays #love #gomrmo

A post shared by The Mr. Mo Project (@mrmoproject) on May 7, 2020 at 6:00am PDT

And Chris and Mariesa are absolute angels for wanting to take in all the old dogs that they can. For ways to get involved with the Mr. Mo Project, click here.

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Mario, who also suffers from a mental disability had battled terminal cancer and was unable to go to work for some time. 

In 2014, having spent almost half of his life cleaning the animal cages and making friends with beasts of the wild, he had one request last to make – he wanted to see the zoo again.



Mario’s condition was greatly advanced and he was permanently confined to the bed, as the Independent reported. He struggled deeply with speech and was finding it difficult to make coherent sentences. 

However, the longing on his face was all the words anyone would have needed to be convinced. A charity organization known as the Ambulance Wish Foundation came to his service. He was transported to the hospital in a specially designed ambulance so he could his friends again.

The giraffes sensed his pain
When Mario was taken to the giraffe section, something incredible happened.

It was a heartbreaking sight to watch as the giraffes moved close to the ambulance carrying Mario, sticking their heads one after the other through the window. They could sense that he was in a lot of pain and was suffering greatly. They nuzzled him, kissed and comforted him with sad expressions in their eyes.

“These animals recognized him, and felt that things aren’t going well with him,” said Kees Veldboer, the founder of the Ambulance Wish Foundation.

The experience had a great impact on Mario. “It was a very special moment. You saw him beaming,” said Veldboer.

He had the opportunity to see the zoo that had been his home one last time. He also got a chance to say goodbye to his co-workers.

Love from around the world
The Ambulance Wish foundation is a charity that transports terminally ill patients to a place of personal significance as their last wish. The charity originated in the Netherlands and has already been established in the UK, with over 1506 volunteers.

Mario’s story went viral on social media in 2014 when the foundation uploaded his story on their Facebook page. It was picked up by several media companies and shared on popular websites and Twitter. The story left a lot of people heartbroken and awed at the giraffes’ ability to sense Mario’s pain.

One intuitive comment on Buzz Nick read:

“Animals are the most beautiful and ethereal beings. They see, feel and touch our souls in unimaginable ways. 

The depth of their senses is a gift to those who unconditionally love and respect these amazing creatures gifted to us by our magnificent Creator. Rest In Eternal Peace, Mario. You were their Hero.”


Even though the giraffes may not have been able to detect cancer in their friend’s body, they could certainly sense his pain and suffering. Many animals in general are amazing with many being able to express and feel emotions from not just their own, but humans as well.

Elephants for example, exhibit behaviors like this when they mourn when losing someone close to them. They stand around the body of the deceased animal for hours, caressing it with their trunks and looking deeply depressed.

Of course, there should always be a special mention to our ‘best friend,’ dogs are not only express emotion, but studies have even shown that they can detect cancer in patients.

Animals can be such amazing creatures. The story of Mario and his giraffe is truly one to remember.

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