Old dogs are the best. Of course, you know this already. That’s why you’re here! But please brace yourself: Spending time here is likely to make you fall more deeply in love with calm, sweet, white-muzzled pooches than ever before.

We’re launching this blog to accompany the upcoming release of our book, “My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts,” which is due out in early October 2015. We want this to be a place where you can get your senior dog fix through gorgeous photographs, happy stories, cool videos and helpful links. You’ll learn about ways to help senior dogs in need — even if you can’t adopt one yourself right now. And best of all, you’ll get to sing the praises of the older dogs, past and present, who have made your life immeasurably better. (More on that in a minute!)

We just got a huge infusion of senior sweetness — and amazing stories — at Old Dog Haven’s recent Walk for Old Dogs in Shoreline, Washington. The walk itself was leisurely and short (just a third of a mile), but the love of older dogs was intense.

This senior pug named Bree rode in comfort during Old Dog Haven’s Walk for Old Dogs in Shoreline, Washington on July 19, 2015. (Photo credit: Laura T. Coffey)

So was the cuteness level: Some senior dogs rocked glamorous costumes; others traveled in style in strollers and wagons; and still others hammed it up for the “best begging face” contest. Many of the pooches present at the event enjoy stable, happy lives in permanent foster homes with volunteers for Old Dog Haven, the largest senior-dog rescue group of its kind in the United States. Old Dog Haven covers all veterinary costs for these “final refuge” foster dogs.

“You know you want to give me that dog-friendly cupcake topped with bacon.” This dog goes for the gold during the “best begging face” contest at the Walk for Old Dogs. (Photo credit: Dawn Browne)

“The really good thing is that there is a huge amount of awareness of old dogs — people are realizing that they end up being homeless at an age where that shouldn’t happen,” Old Dog Haven co-founder Judith Piper said at the Walk for Old Dogs. “The direction this is going is all positive.”

Old Dog Haven co-founder Judith Piper, left, and “My Old Dog” author Laura T. Coffey, right, visit together during the Walk for Old Dogs in Shoreline, Washington on July 19, 2015. “My Old Dog” includes an entire chapter about the work of Old Dog Haven. (Photo credit: Dawn Browne)

Why do you love old dogs? What do you think makes this stage of a dog’s life so special? How has your life been touched, and improved, by a furry, faithful senior friend? We want to hear your stories! We’ll be sharing plenty of them in our new “I love my old dog because …” series. Stay tuned for astonishing tails (get it??) of lovability and loyalty!

Love your old dog? Tell us why! Send your thoughts, observations and photos to stories@myolddogbook.com with “I love my old dog because” in the subject line. Your dog may be featured in a future post!

Love stories and photos of wonderful senior dogs? The book “My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts” by Laura T. Coffey and Lori Fusaro is due out on Oct. 6. (Pssst … it’s available for pre-order now at Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com!)