7 hours ago
Tears as 15-Year-Old Dog Found on Street – Then Shelter Find Microchip
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Hearts have been broken by the devastating sight of a 15-year-old stray dog who wound up in a shelter—but then something unexpected happened.
When Sara Yoder, 25, isn't working as an elementary school teacher, she's changing lives in another way by volunteering at the Carson Animal Shelter in Los Angeles, California. She regularly sits with the dogs, comforts them, and captures footage to share on social media (@saranoellie on TikTok).
Among the many dogs she's recently highlighted was a senior dog who was found as a stray and taken to the shelter on June 24. Seeing this 15-year-old dog wind up in a kennel was a devastating sight, as Yoder told Newsweek that he looked "alone and weathered by time."
The dog is thought to be part Basset Hound, but Yoder wonders if he might have some Golden Retriever or Labrador in him. As a stray, he didn't have a name, leading one volunteer to jovially name him Fat Boy. But that didn't sit right with Yoder, who thinks he deserves something more respectful.
The 15-year-old shelter dog laying in his kennel at the Carson Animal Shelter.
The 15-year-old shelter dog laying in his kennel at the Carson Animal Shelter.
@saranoellie / TikTok
"His body tells a story of hardship and survival," Yoder said. "His fur is rough, his eyes tired, and his movements slow, as if life has never given him the gentleness he deserves."
She continued: "He is gentle, heartbreakingly so. A quiet, tender soul who moves slowly and carefully. He spent most of his days curled up on the cold concrete floor, barely lifting his head."
Upon arriving at the shelter, the senior dog was scanned for a microchip. To their surprise, he had one. He had clearly been someone's pet, but he found himself lying in a kennel, waiting to be noticed.
Yoder shared a video of the dog on TikTok and it went viral with over 392,200 views and 93,700 likes in a matter of days. The dog's sorrowful face captured attention online, as internet users were horrified at what happened to such an old pup.
The online response was astonishing, as numerous adopters and rescue groups contacted Yoder to offer their help. She told Newsweek that she's felt "overwhelmed with hope and gratitude" that so many people wanted to help this sweet dog find a loving home.
"So many people have opened their hearts and seen the same quiet potential in him. It's been deeply moving to witness strangers from all over rally around him, sending messages of kindness and sharing his story," Yoder said.
As the shelter worked out a solution for the dog, the unexpected happened—the dog's owner came forward. The owner claimed that the dog wandered away from his home and she was there to reclaim him.
The shelter offered to give the dog to a loving adopter, but the owner declined and was "was more than loving," and when they were reunited, the senior dog even "cried seeing his mom."
"While it's hard to let go after witnessing his vulnerability, we hope he's safe and surrounded by love. May his days be filled with soft beds, kind hands, and the peace every senior dog deserves," Yoder said.
"The love of a dog knows no bounds. We are hopeful he's happy in a familiar and loving home. His story is a reminder of the many paths we witness in shelters, some end in reunions, some in rescue, some come too late."
If this senior dog has shown anything, it's the power of rescuing. Yoder hopes that the online attention will inspire others to consider adopting a pet. For anyone who was moved by this dog's story, Yoder has one message: take action.
Whether it's fostering, adopting, volunteering, or simply sharing a video on social media. There are millions of animals in need of a home, and all they need is the right person to notice them.
The viral TikTok video of the dog has gained over 2,500 comments on TikTok already. One person wrote: "I really hope someone gets this baby."
Another TikTok user replied: "gosh he deserves to spend his time in a home in a soft bed."
While one commenter added: "oh no he's so heartbroken."
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