My senior Dachshund is a little slower than she used to be. Still, at 15 years old, she can keep up with her little Puggie brother when the plush toys come out. Though she took some time to warm up to her peppy pooch sibling when he joined the family, his playfulness ignited her own youthful zest for life. Now she gives him a run for his money and loves every minute of it.
Ruby is a 10-year-old Labrador Retriever who got a new spring in her step when Gordie the puppy became a family member.
The TikTok from @rubyandgordie shows how the senior Lab got a new sense of vigor when her baby brother joined the fold. Several clips highlight the adorable siblings frolicking together, playing tug-of-war, and lightly roughhousing.
“When you get your senior dog a sibling and they start acting like a puppy again,” the onscreen text shared of Ruby. “Almost 11 years old and still playing hard.”
Outside of some differences in size and fur color, it was hard to tell who was the senior and who was the puppy. Ruby had no problem keeping up with Gordie and effortlessly matched his energy level. The two canine cuties clearly have a close bond.
Puppies and Senior Dogs Teach Each Other
Both a puppy and an older dog bring value to their relationship. Puppies exude that contagious vibrance and wonder to everyday life and seniors become role models for their younger siblings.
Followers shared their stories of seeing their older dogs get revitalized after getting a puppy sibling, and also noted how senior dogs are mentors for pups.
“Same thing happened with my Lab when we adopted a younger Jack Russell! They brought out the puppy in each other,” one posted.
“Our dog stopped playing as much… (she’s 8) and we felt sad for her,” another wrote. “We got her brother Border Collie and she absolutely adores him and plays with him ALL day long. It’s like she’s 1 again.”
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“I have a 20-year-old dog and I’m convinced it’s because of this reason,” a follower commented.
“Puppies make old dogs young again and [seniors] also teaches the young dog way more than you will ever. Best thing to do,” someone remarked.
Ruby and Gordie are obviously BFFs for life and bring out the best in each other.
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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Oct 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.