Sometimes, life hands us heartbreak we never saw coming. For Milla, a 15-year-old black Labrador retriever mix, that heartbreak came wrapped in something as ordinary—and as devastating—as a housing policy change.
Milla had spent her entire life in the same home, cherished and cared for by her owner.
But when her owner’s senior housing facility changed its rules, setting new weight limits for dogs, Milla suddenly found herself on the wrong side of the policy.
At 54 pounds, she no longer qualified. And just like that, her world was turned upside down.
Her devastated owner, left with no choice, had to surrender her to Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE).
“Her previous owner is absolutely devastated and has trusted us to find Milla the home she deserves,” the rescue explained.
“This situation is heartbreaking, given Milla is left looking for a new home in her senior years.”
And yet, through all of this, Milla remains the same—gentle, steady, and endlessly loving.
Her foster caregiver calls her “the gentlest of souls” with “the prettiest grey muzzle” and “the warmest heart and loving nature.”
She may be a senior, but she is far from finished. She still has so much love to give.
Milla’s days are slow and peaceful, filled with sunshine naps and quiet moments outdoors. She’s not one for roughhousing, but she does enjoy the company of other calm dogs.
She’s also been around children her entire life and adores them, though a home with older kids would suit her relaxed pace best.
This sweet girl is fully housebroken, polite, and well-mannered—no training needed. She does have one small quirk: she prefers to eat alone.
And like many seniors, she loves having her humans close by, thriving in a home where someone is around most of the time.
Her foster sums it up best: “Milla is truly a senior angel who deserves to be spoiled for her remaining years.
It would be a shame for her to end up alone when she has so much love left to give.”
Behind her calm eyes is a story of resilience.
Behind her greying face is a heart still eager for belly rubs, kind voices, and cozy evenings with people who care.
Milla isn’t asking for much—just a warm home where she can live out her golden years in comfort, surrounded by love.
For GDRNE, Milla is one of many dogs they work tirelessly to place.
A foster-based rescue operating without a physical shelter, they rely on a network of volunteers and donations to save dogs across New England and the South.
Each dog, including Milla, is cared for in a nurturing foster home until the right forever family comes along.
Milla has already lost the home she knew for 15 years.
Now, she deserves the gift of a new one—a family who will treasure her, not in spite of her age, but because of it.
Her story is a reminder that love doesn’t come with an expiration date.
