Jill Karnicki was watching local news on a Saturday morning when she first learned about Ginger, a 14-year-old shepherd mix. Each week, the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals brings an adoptable pet to a local TV station to highlight as the “Pet of the Week.” The group brought Ginger with the hope of finding the older pet a home.

Karnicki already cared for two other dogs and had only been tempted to look for a shelter pet once before, but Ginger’s age struck her.

“I was like ‘there should not be a 14-year-old living in a shelter,’” Karnicki said. “That’s not a way to end a dog’s life.”

After watching the segment, Karnicki waited five hours before making a trip to the shelter, providing other viewers with the chance to adopt Ginger. With Ginger still available, Karn

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