-
01
Lauren Conley explained to us at Cheezburger that she has "always wanted to adopt senior dogs with health issues," knowing that they need just as much love as any other dog up for adoption, if not more. After her dog passed away during last year's Memorial Day, her roommate suggested that Lauren adopt a dog, and this quarantine period seemed like the perfect time for it. Rufus, who was brought to a shelter to be put down, was the lucky dog that she adopted.
-
02
He lived in Alabama and was in terrible shape, having "a severe case of noncontagious mange, a large tumor, hyperthyroidism, and advanced kidney disease," and was given six months to live. Instead of putting him down, the shelter sent him to a foster home in Alabama. Unfortunately, he didn't get much care there. Following that, he was sent to a rescue in New Jersey on February 1st where he was adopted, but he wasn't making any progress with his new owners. Finally, at the beginning of May, Rufus was put up on Petfinder, and that's where Lauren found him, driving for 7 whole hours to pick him up.
-
03
Things started looking up from here on out.
"He didn't know much about being a dog, but with the help of his baby sister Sophie (Lauren's 5-year-old Shih Tzu and Havanese mix), he learned quickly," she said. "He hated water and wouldn't even walk on wet grass when we got him, but after watching Sophie, he's a total waterbug now. He adores walks, long snoozles, cuddles and scritches, and playing a hilarious game we call 'Don't shake the baby!' every night."
-
04
"He gets fed homemade dog food and has a particular fondness for bologna and baby food as a treat," she continues. "He is a very vocal dog who hums and mumbles all day and will let you know what his mood is every minute." Rufus is happier, and Lauren is happier too, and that's incredible news.
-
05
Even better news is that Rufus is getting better! "He has put on 23 pounds, his skin is healthy, and he has grown a lot of hair. We are getting bloodwork to see if he's healthy enough for surgery to remove the tumor now - we are so hoping, but just appreciate every day we have with him." We're really hoping too and sending all the love and support for Rufus and his family.
-
06
Rufus's veterinarian, Dr. Daniel Carrig from McClelland Animal Hospital in Buffalo, can't say what Rufus's life expectancy is for sure anymore, but he did instruct Rufus's parents to "not to tell Rufus he's sick because he's such a happy boy he clearly has no idea." And so long as Rufus is happy, we're happy.
-
07
"He still has serious health conditions, but we are dedicated to making every day he has left his birthday, Christmas, and Thanksgiving rolled into one," Lauren explains, then finishes by saying: "I just have to say that even though he's obviously been through hell and back, somehow Rufus is still the friendliest dog imaginable - he considers everyone he meets a friend-in-waiting."
-
08
We wish this adorable pooch gets healthier and happier with every day, and we hope with all of our hearts that every single day he has left will truly be amazing for him. We also want to say thank you to Lauren and every person who helped her along the way, adopting pets is an amazing thing, but helping senior pets with serious health conditions truly deserves a special thank you.
Take a look at more of Rufus's pictures now that he's a happy boy below! And for more wholesome dog stories, read about this heroic army dog winning a medal for his bravery.
-
09
-
10
-
11
-
12
-
13
For a weekly dose of animal-themed community challenges - Subscribe to our Newsletter!
Can't get enough of ICanHasCheezburger? Find us on Instagram!