What’s not to adore about this big, sweet, gray-muzzled hunk of love? Huge thanks to Melinda Carver for telling us why she loves Riley so much! Here is her story:

My senior dog Riley is 11 1/2 years old and weighs 135 pounds. I love his gentleness, his playfulness and his quirky personality. He is the neighborhood “greeter” to all the new dogs. When we walk with our friends, he is like a Marine — no one left behind! He will herd any dog that is ambling along and help it catch up with the rest of the pack.

Riley is incredibly patient with all kids and puppies. He’s so gentle with my nephew and young cousins. They run their cars down his back and cover him in leaves, mulch and stuffed animals. He doesn’t mind at all.

Riley still greets me at the door with a toy when I come home. He gives hugs and kisses. He has been my loving companion through moves, upheavals and fun times.

He has arthritis in his hind legs now, but that doesn’t stop him from chasing rabbits and treeing squirrels. He isn’t as active as he once was, but his charm and personality are the same. I wouldn’t trade him in for anything — he can stay with me as long as he wants. He is my sweet, grumpy senior dog Riley. I love him!

Love your old dog? Tell us why! Send your thoughts, observations and dog 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 sweet senior pooches? The book “My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts” by Laura T. Coffey and Lori Fusaro is due out on Oct. 6. It’s available for pre-order now at Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com.