Johanna Carrington grew up in war-torn Germany and never had the opportunity to own a dog. So the centenarian made a point of filling the rest of her days with lots of four-legged companions.

She and her late husband formerly had eight Pekingese dogs. Carrington was anxious when her most recent dog, Rocky, died, leaving her alone in her house without a buddy.

She didn’t know if the shelter would let someone her age adopt another dog. A neighbor who helps with Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco suggested that her organization might be able to assist.

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue thought Carrington would be an excellent match for one of their senior canines.Carrington eventually adopted Gnocchi, an 11-year-old dog that she renamed Gucci.

Gucci was saved from a hoarding scenario in which the owner had 22 dogs. So, Gucci was more than happy to be the only pampered pooch in his home.

Eddie Martinez, Carrington’s carer, and Debbie Carrington, her daughter, pledged to make sure Gucci gets daily walks and that all of his requirements are met.

“Johanna has always loved dogs, and this 100-year-old inspiration has recently adopted her latest lucky canine to the family.” Sweet GNOCCHI gets to spend his golden years with his mother in his magnificent new house on Moss Beach. We were happy to help match these two lovely seniors together, with a little help from her wonderful daughter Debbie and having came to Muttville on the suggestion of her friend and neighbor, Christine. “That grin says it all!” Muttville Senior Dog Rescue posted a message on Facebook.

Gucci apparently settled into his new home right away after his foster parents drove him to meet Carrington.

“He approached the home as though he’d been here before. “It was incredible,” Carrington remarked. “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.”

Gucci is now living the life of a spoiled puppy, with “oodles and oodles” of toys with which he enjoys playing fetch. Gucci receives back massages every day while watching TV with his new mum.

Mom doesn’t mind when Gucci burrows beneath her covers in bed to provide an extra comfy space to rest in.

“It was sort of sad here after she lost her other dog,” Debbie Carrington told TODAY. “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.”

Carrington and her loyal companion, Gucci, are planning something extraordinary this December to celebrate her 101st birthday. She believes that her love for dogs has been a key factor in her long and healthy life.

“Animals bring so much joy into our home,” she shares. “It’s truly remarkable.” And it’s not just Carrington’s belief—science backs it up.

“Research has shown that pet ownership and the human-animal bond offer vital social and emotional support, especially for older adults,” says Steven Feldman, president of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute.

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