I have a question. Why oh why can’t there be a Walk for Old Dogs every weekend of the year?

I had the chance to attend Old Dog Haven’s recent Walk for Old Dogs & Old Dog Pageant in Shoreline, Washington, and it was one of the happiest and most swoon-worthy events I’ve ever witnessed. So many adorable gray muzzles! So many smiling dogs in strollers! So many big-hearted people who care about the underdog (pun intended)!

Yes, your highness! Alice the dog got all dolled up as a “queen bee” for the Old Dog Pageant in Shoreline, Washington in July 2016. (Photo credit: Jane Sobel Klonsky / Project Unconditional)

Old Dog Haven is the largest senior dog rescue organization of its kind in the United States. It doesn’t have a facility; instead, it oversees a vast system of permanent foster homes in Washington state to care for the senior dogs it springs from shelters. To ensure that these dogs get the TLC they need, Old Dog Haven covers the costs of all their medical care and prescription diets. Foster families get to care for calm, content pets — sometimes for several years — without having to worry about a single vet bill.

“It can be very expensive to take care of an old dog — not always, but a lot of the time — so the idea is that we pay for all the vet visits to make this financially possible for people who are willing to do this,” Old Dog Haven co-founder Judith Piper explained in our book “My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts.”

Old Dog Haven co-founder Judith Piper is pictured with “My Old Dog” author Laura T. Coffey in 2015. (Photo credit: Dawn Browne)

That’s what makes the annual Walk for Old Dogs so special: All the money raised at the event goes toward caring for the more than 300 senior dogs in permanent foster homes. An event like this tends to draw some of the kindest people on the planet — and some of the sweetest dogs you’ll ever meet.

“You know what the event feels like to me?” wrote Ardeth De Vries, president of Old Dog Haven’s board of directors and author of the book “Old Dog Haven: Every Old Dog Has a Story to Tell.” “When I’m at the park surrounded by so many people who celebrate the value of senior dogs in our community, it feels like the positive energy is strong enough to create world peace — at the very least. The simplicity of the exchange between human and dog is a lesson to people everywhere because it’s real, positive and the energy is palpable.”

The “walk” part of the Walk for Old Dogs is a HOOT. It’s only one-third of a mile long, but humans and dogs get cheered on as if they were doing a full Ironman in Kona.

The event also includes an “Old Dog Pageant,” with categories like the “30-Yard Lollygag,” “Best Costume,” “Best Decorated Stroller” and “Best Trick — Because Old Dogs CAN Learn New Tricks.”

I was so honored to help judge this year’s pageant, and also to have “My Old Dog” books on hand at the event to benefit the work of Old Dog Haven. Can’t wait until next summer so we can do it again!!

Here are some more fun photos from the Walk for Old Dogs on July 17, 2016:

First place in the pageant’s “Best Costume Contest” went to Marvin the dog, who got decked out in a “Ghostbuster” costume with the help of his human pals. (Photo credit: Jane Sobel Klonsky / Project Unconditional)

Nico the dog, age 17, won the pageant’s “Best Stroller” competition in his Seahawks-themed stroller, which lights up. (Photo credit: Jane Sobel Klonsky / Project Unconditional)

Fred the corgi is such a skilled soccer player that he won first place in the Old Dog Pageant’s “Best Trick” category. (Photo credit: Denise Hazlick)

“You are my sunshine”: Otis the pug makes life so much brighter for his human mom. He took first place in the pageant’s “30-Yard Lollygag” category. (Photo credit: Laura T. Coffey)

Judging the Old Dog Pageant was TOUGH. So much cuteness! So little time! (Photo credit: Michael Wann)

Snoopy the dog dressed up as a mailman for the pageant and got some loving from Old Dog Haven’s Ardeth De Vries. (Photo credit: Laura T. Coffey)

Some dog parents went to great lengths to get their senior dogs to complete the pageant’s “30-Yard Lollygag.” (Photo credit: Laura T. Coffey)

The whole muttley crew: The dogs who got gussied for the Old Dog Pageant assemble for a photo and get ready to strike a pose. (Photo credit: Michael Wann)

“My Old Dog” author Laura Coffey, left, and “Project Unconditional” photographer Jane Sobel Klonsky got to spend time together at Old Dog Haven’s Walk for Old Dogs in July 2016. Klonsky’s book “Unconditional” is due out in October. (Photo credit: Kaitlin Magoon)

Nico the dog wore a pirate costume that included boots, a sword, an earring and a parrot! (Photo credit: Denise Hazlick)

Another highlight of this year’s Walk for Old Dogs: Getting to catch up with Julie Forbes, right, host and creator of the talk radio show “The Dog Show with Julie Forbes.” “My Old Dog” author Laura Coffey’s son, Tyler, and senior dog, Frida, happily joined the scene. (Photo courtesy of Julie Forbes)

To donate to Old Dog Haven and help cover veterinary bills for senior dogs in permanent foster homes, click here.

Love stories and photos of sweet senior pooches? The bestselling book “My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts,” written by Laura T. Coffey and with photographs by Lori Fusaro, shows that adopting a senior can be even more rewarding than choosing a younger dog. In its pages, you’ll meet endearing elders like Marnie, the irresistible shih tzu who has posed for selfies with Tina Fey, James Franco, and Betty White; Remy, a soulful 9-year-old dog adopted by elderly nuns; and George Clooney’s cocker spaniel, Einstein. (Fun fact: Stacie, the unforgettable dog on the cover of “My Old Dog,” is an Old Dog Haven rescue!) They may be slower moving and a tad less exuberant than puppies, but these dogs prove that adopting a senior brings immeasurable joy, earnest devotion, and unconditional love.

“My Old Dog” is available at book stores everywhere and at Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com.