When Alison first arrived at the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, D.C., rescuers could tell she’d lived a hard life. For ten years, she’d known struggle — she’d been shot in the shoulder, feared other dogs, and endured more than any gentle soul should. When her family finally surrendered her, all anyone wanted was for her to find peace in her golden years.
Around that same time, Cole Reifsnider was thinking about adopting a dog. At first, she thought she wanted a puppy — until her sister sent her a link to a gray-muzzled pittie named Alison.
“I vividly remember texting back, ‘Should I adopt a senior dog lol,’” Reifsnider said. “Then immediately, ‘Wait no — seriously, I think I love her.’”
When Cole met Alison, her heart decided for her. She adopted the sweet pittie on her eleventh birthday, giving her the best gift of all — a forever home.
Despite everything she’d survived, Alison radiated pure joy. She wagged, wiggled, and smiled her way into everyone’s heart — especially her mom’s.
“I had no idea I was capable of loving something with my whole being until I got her,” Reifsnider said.
Even as a senior, Alison still loved her little adventures. When Cole couldn’t take her out herself, she hired a local dog walker through the app Rover — a kind college student named Seth.
At first, it was just a job for Seth. But Alison had a way of changing hearts.
“Seth would spend anywhere from two to five hours with Alison,” Reifsnider said. “He’d take her to the roof for sunshine, lie on the floor to pet her, even share his lunch with her. It made both their days.”
The two became inseparable friends. Seth adored the gentle pittie, and Alison adored him right back. So when her health began to fade, Cole knew Seth would want to say goodbye.
“He had an exam that day,” Reifsnider said, “but as soon as it ended, he rushed to meet us outside the vet to say his final goodbye.”
After two beautiful years in her forever home, Alison passed away peacefully, surrounded by love. Later that day, Seth posted one last “review” of Alison on Rover — a tribute that brought everyone to tears.
“It is with a heavy heart, but great honor, that I get to write the last review for Alison,” he wrote.
“To know Al was a privilege — the happiest old lady who had every reason to be miserable.
When I took the job walking Alison, I thought it would just be a job. That didn’t last long. Her infectious personality melted my heart. She gave me countless tail wags and calm on my hardest days. A truly once-in-a-lifetime dog, she will be missed in the hearts of everyone who knew her. I loved Al and every second I got to spend with her.”
Cole cried when she read it. Alison was gone, but all the people she’d touched would help to keep her memory alive forever.
“He absolutely adored Alison, and she adored him back,” she said. “My relationship with Alison was once in a lifetime — but so was his.”
Through her gentle soul and endless love, Alison left pawprints on every heart she touched — a reminder that even the most broken beginnings can lead to the most beautiful endings.
