At nearly 12 years old, Dixie has earned the title of the oldest dog currently in the care of the Humane Society. Anyone who meets her quickly understands why she deserves something truly special though.

Dixie is a sweet senior shepherd with a calm presence and a heart full of quiet affection. She enjoys taking gentle strolls where there’s no rush, and walks beautifully on leash as if she knows that life is best savored slowly. More than anything, she treasures peaceful companionship: being near her person, sharing space, and enjoying the simple comfort of togetherness.

She was returned to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County after struggling to adjust to a busy home with children. It wasn’t anyone’s fault; Dixie simply thrives in a calm, predictable environment. For that reason her ideal home is a child-free, low-key household where she can relax, feel safe, and enjoy her golden years without stress.

Dixie is currently thriving in foster care, and meet-and-greets can be arranged by submitting an adoption application. If you’re looking for a sensitive gentle soul to share peaceful days, soft walks, and quiet moments, Dixie may be the perfect match. She’s ready to spend the rest of her days being cherished, just as she deserves.

Thanks to the generous support of the Grey Muzzle Foundation, Dixie’s adoption fee has been fully sponsored. Her hope now is simple — to find a family who will open their heart and home to a senior dog who still has so much love to give.

Pets are available for adoption through:

• Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka. Phone: 574-255-4726. Website: www.HSSJC.org.

• Second Chance Small Dog Rescue, P.O. Box 2403, Elkhart, IN 46515. Email: 2ndchancesmalldogrescue@gmail.com. Websites: secondchancesmalldogs.org.

• Heartland Small Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 6033, South Bend, IN 46660. Phone: 574-400-5633. Website: www.heartlandsmallanimalrescue.org.

• South Bend Animal Resource Center, 521 Eclipse Place, South Bend. Phone: 574-235-9303. Website: sbacc.petfinder.org.

• Pet Refuge Inc., 4626 Burnett Drive, South Bend. Phone: 574-231-1122. Website: www.petrefuge.com.

• PetsConnect Inc., P.O. Box 8104, South Bend, IN 46660-8140. Phone 574-282-1225. Website: www.petsconnect.org.

• Homeward Bound Animal Welfare Group, Website: www.homewardboundawg.com. Email: homewardboundawg@aol.com.

• Elkhart Humane Society, 54687 County Road 19, Bristol. Phone: 574-475-4732. Website: elkharthumanesociety.org.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Pet of the Week: Dixie, 12, is available for adoption at Humane Society