At least his last years were happy ones. Sorry to hear this news, but that is the cycle of life. So sad that Courage had to spend so much time in an abusive situation.
One of my current 4 rescues was 8 when I got her 2 years ago. She wasn’t abused but she was kinda neglected as the outside dog while 3 other small dogs were allowed inside to keep the old person owner company. Why she wasn’t allow inside is a mystery because the owner died and that’s why I found her at the Humane Society pound. The other 3 had already been adopted out and they were worried about this old girl because people don’t like to adopt older dogs. She is so loyal and spends more time with me in the house than the other 3. They are younger and geared more toward that kind of behavior though. My old girl is still spry so I’m hoping she lives a really long time. I’m so lucky to have her in my life so when I hear stories like this one about Courage; I can really relate. :)
Adopting older dogs has many benefits and only one downside; less time with them but when you think about quality of time rather than quantity and see how great they are from being house trained and past those terrible 2’s and 3’s when they want to chew up your bed and sofa; it’s not so bad at all. :)