18-year-old dog found in rough shape after owner died. Now, he has ‘special’ new home
An 18-year-old dog was found in rough shape after his owner died — then he got a second chance.
The Florida Little Dog Rescue shared the good news that the senior pup now lives with a foster parent who has the “patience of a saint.”
“The reality is that at 18, with little/no hearing and vision, Romeo isn’t really adoptable,” the St. Cloud-based rescue wrote July 31 on Facebook. “It takes a very, very special person willing to open their heart (and home) to a pup that could only have a few days/weeks/months left, with issues that come along with super-seniors (like accidents in the home and the need for puppy pads, etc).”
Romeo is starting his next chapter after his previous owner’s death. Photos show the pup was found in heartbreaking condition, with matted fur that was wrapped tightly around his neck and made it difficult for him to move.
“When called, family didn’t want him, said to just euthanize him,” Florida Little Dog Rescue wrote July 26 on social media. “Our friends at the shelter didn’t want his story to end like that. So they texted us, we didn’t think or plan, we just said yes.”
After his rescue, Romeo got a much-needed grooming and cleaning. He also has spent time snuggling in blankets and receiving affection as he adjusts to his new home.
“Right now he’s just kind of enjoying having soft things to lay on and feeling air against his skin again,” rescue director Laurie Johnson told McClatchy News in a phone interview.
Romeo, a “sweet” mixed breed pup, has been confused after losing his owner. Johnson hopes his story serves as a reminder for pet owners to make plans for their furry friends in case something happens to them.
Several Facebook users basked in the update about Romeo, including many who praised his foster mom for taking a chance on him.
“Romeo’s life gets to have a much better final few chapters than the ones that were being written,” the rescue wrote.
Florida Little Dog Rescue has a presence in St. Cloud, a roughly 30-mile drive south from Orlando.
This story was originally published August 1, 2024 at 8:51 AM with the headline "18-year-old dog found in rough shape after owner died. Now, he has ‘special’ new home."
