Animal rescuers save 12-year-old doggo from spending final days in a shelter, he makes a magical transformation that convinces his foster family to be his furever family

Author image for Blake Seidel
Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Apr 30, 2025 11:00 AM EDT

Happy Wednesday, friends. We know you're probably down in the dumps right now, wishing for it to be literally any day other than Wednesday. But that's why we're coming to you today with a big treat of doggo dopamine - it's time to bring out the good stuff to get us out of that midweek slump we're all sitting in right now. It's not just cute, it's not just wholesome, it's day-changing. Some might even say life-altering. For the rescued doggo in this post, it certainly changed his life for the better.

A heartwarming foster family rescued this super senior doggo, "Bug", from spending his final days in the shelter. He's 12 years old and was found dumped on some rural backroads. After some love, care, and time with his new family, Bug started to make a magical transformation. His family watched him go from "only a few months to live" to "possibly years to come". They couldn't think of leaving him, so they decided to stop being his foster family and become his furever family. Read the full story below!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to start your Caturday with the funniest felines on the internet!

Add as a preferred
source on Google
Advertisement
  • 01

    This is Barkley (aka Bug), my super senior disabled foster

    In the shelter parking lot.
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k
  • 02

    This is a small glimpse at his journey to recovery.

    988 The moment we got him settled in his temporary space and let him eat.
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k
  • 03
    Denim His legs are permanently splayed at the hips due to a deformity in his femoral heads.
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k
  • 04
    His owners left him on a rural backroad emaciated and physically unable to walk more than 10' on his own. He is 12-15 years old.
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k
  • 05
    The vet originally told us that he was hospice, so, have not we spent so much time exploring his favorite foods. He LOVES ice cream! trat
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k

  • Need another laugh? Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly serving of the silliest cat content!

  • 06
    But, after getting a second opinion recently, we learned that he actually may have years left with us! He has grown so much!
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k
  • 07
    He was originally an appalling 6.9lbs at the shelter in September and is now a solid 12lbs!
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k
  • 08
    1111 He has MANY online supporters who bought him cute clothes for the winter. He absolutely LOVES amoods!
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k
  • 09
    He absolutely loves going on wagon rides with his brother
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k

  • We wish our doggo would stay her active, somewhat-crazy 2-year-old self for furever, but we know that that's not pawssible. We are, however, very excited to pull her around in a wagon when she gets older. She has always been a princess, but by that point, she will be our queen.

  • 10
    ZI ORI didas RTSWEAR And he adores being carried around in his sling. He is the definition of a velcro dog.
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k
  • 11
    Every day, him and his 20 year old foster sister get to spend 45minutes basking in the sun.
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k
  • 12
    We have worked so hard to get him healthy. We still have a ways to go.
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k
  • 13
    But, he is now able to curl up like this to sleep instead of standing up between two pillows due to his hips! Small victories!
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k
  • 14
    Whether he is with me for several more months or several more years, he will always be my Bug.
    via u/CaptainB**tF**k
  • 15
    themoontotheleft Folks like you restore a little of my faith in humanity. Thank you, thank you for giving Barkley the love and care he has always deserved. I hope he finds a wonderful home (especially if it winds up being yours!)
    via u/themoontotheleft
  • 16
    HopeTheresPudding You're a beautiful human being, I'm sure Bug knows exactly how lucky both he and you guys are because you all crossed paths!
    via u/HopeTheresPudding
  • 17
    Kdub1971 I'm not crying.
    via u/Kdub1971

  • We are crying and we're not ashamed to admit it. It's beautiful. These kinds of stories refuel our faith in hoomanity. There is good in this world, you just have to know where to look for it!

  • 18
    Other-Dot-3744 YOU ARE A SUPER HERO, never ever forget this!!!
    via u/Other-Dot-3744
  • 19
    I have been to San Jacinto shelter (we live in Temecula), and adopted two kitties from there many years ago. Words could not express how grateful I am that Barkley is recouping with you.
    via u/Other-Dot-3744
  • 20
    _ser_kay_ I love this! Wonky senior Doxies have a special place in my heart. You said he has lots of online fans-do you have an Instagram account?
    via u/_ser_kay_
  • 21
    Prune Brothers1 He is adorable and you deserve all the accolades for your goodness, even if you're not asking for them. Thanks for giving this little guy a loving home when he knew none.
    via u/PruneBrothers1
  • 22
    Odd_Enthusiasm_5644 I have a super senior rescue Dachshund too, and her name is Bug! She was found wandering a neighborhood after hurricane Helene (with signs of horrific neglect), and I took her in temporarily. No one ever claimed
    via u/Odd_Enthusiasm_5644
  • 23
    her, so my husband and I decided to adopt her. She is around 15 years old, mostly blind and deaf, and has two teeth left in her mouth. She is such a fiesty little girl, who loves running around the house and being carried around in a sling.
    via u/Odd_Enthusiasm_5644
  • 24
    Cheezburger Image 10499215360
    via u/Odd_Enthusiasm_5644

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

aww wholesome dogs transformation adorable adoption heartwarming foster family kindhearted foster animal rescue cute animals cute magical doggo senior dog animal shelter animals rescue
Scroll Down For The Next Article