'Without her, there is nothing': 93-year-old man reunited with lost doggo after rescuers lured her back with homemade meatballs and his smelly socks

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Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Oct 28, 2025 9:00 AM EDT

At 93 years old, we imagine that having a dog is not only desired, but pawsitively necessary. Dogs are an unlimited source of unconditional love and youthful energy. They want to play, to get you outside and explore new places, and provide the companionship that most elderly people lack. And, at that age, we don't think you care so much whether the dog sleeps in your bed or not, it might just be nice to have a smiling face and wagging tail to wake up to. That's why we understand why Norm Feigenbaum was so distraught after his precious pooch of four years, Sunny, escaped.

Sunny supposedly scaled a 6-foot wall in an attempt to accompany Norm to the grocery store, but got lost along the way. Norm was just as surprised to not be greeted by the usual "awoos" and excited tippy-tappies upon his arrival home, and immediately jumped into action mode. Rescuers slept in their cars and searched for up to 12 hours a day looking for Sunny, and eventually found her near Feigenbaum's house thanks to some irresistible items: homemade meatballs and Feigenbaum's unwashed socks. Once she was found, the two were reunited, as happy as ever. 

Next time, Norm, just take her with you. It will save you a whole lot of trouble in the future.

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  • 01
    A 93-year-old's dog ran away. Rescuers lured her back with meatballs and his socks. (Dog Days Search and Rescue)
    via Dog Days Search and Rescue
  • 02
    washingtonpost When Norm Feigenbaum's yellow lab Sunny escaped in early October, a rescue team mobilized to track her down and humanely trap her in a nature preserve. For days, rescuers camped out in their cars, often for 12 hours a day. Feigenbaum sat outside the fence, calling out to Sunny.
    via washingtonpost
  • 03
    Norm Feigenbaum, 93, adopted yellow lab Sunny four years ago for companionship. "I live in a big house all by myself, and I just wanted to have a beating heart in this building," said Feigenbaum, who lost his wife in 2016. (Norm Feigenbaum)
    via Norm Feigenbaum
  • 04
    So he was distraught when she went missing in early October. Feigenbaum believes Sunny scaled a six-foot wall in his backyard in an attempt to accompany him to the grocery store. (Norm Feigenbaum)
    via Norm Feigenbaum

  • They look like two peas in a pod! We're sure that they have a very happy life together. When we're 93, we are going to give our doggo all of our table scraps - who wants to spend time rinsing off plates when you're that age? In return, she probably gives him all the love he could ask for.

  • 05
    Rescuers tracked Sunny down to a nature preserve near Feigenbaum's house. Between the coyotes that roamed in the nature preserve and the lack of food and water, "there is no doubt that she was on borrowed time," rescue volunteer Jennifer Justice said.
    via washingtonpost
  • 06
    SCUE Rescuers filled the traps with his unwashed socks and food they knew Sunny couldn't resist: homemade meatballs, kielbasa and rotisserie chicken. "I was so excited and relieved" when they caught Sunny, Feigenbaum said. "My baby was coming back to me." (Dog Days Search and Rescue)
    via Dog Days Search and Rescue
  • 07
    As soon as Sunny saw Feigenbaum, her tail began wagging at full tilt, rescue volunteer Jennifer Justice said. Sunny was treated for a few cuts and a small wound but is otherwise back to normal.
    via washingtonpost
  • 08
    Feigenbaum said he's elated to have his best friend back. "Without her, there's nothing," he said. Dog Days Search and Rescue
    via Dog Days Search and Rescue
  • 09
    jordan.told.me2 Without her, there's nothing
    via jordan.told.me2
  • 10
    Cheezburger Image 10568212992
    via Norm Feigenbaum
  • 11
    dancingsandee Glad she is home!! Sweet baby!! ♥♥♥♥
    via dancingsandee
  • 12
    LOST DOG Schoenborn Street & Jason Ave 93 year old owner missing his best friend! DOG DAYS DO NOT CHASE! 805-405-9485
    via Dog Days Search and Rescue

  • If he made that poster, we are seriously impressed with him! Our parents, who are nowhere near 93, probably couldn't make something like that on their computer. This is one tech-savvy dude!

  • 13
    rg_gollogly What an important relationship.
    via rg_gollogly
  • 14
    Cheezburger Image 10568213504
    via Norm Feigenbaum
  • 15
    _the_rosen_one This makes my so happy. I can't even imagine losing one of my babies.
    via _the_rosen_one
  • 16
    Cheezburger Image 10568213248
    via Dog Days Search and Rescue
  • 17
    vivisapieceofwork My heart.. those two are the cutest pair. I love how they love each other.
    via vivisapieceofwork
  • 18
    Cheezburger Image 10568214016
    via Dog Days Search and Rescue
  • 19
    jennaynarb Nice to read some good news
    via jennaynarb
  • 20
    lifeisgoodwithdogs Please keep posts like this! We need good and happy news!!!
    via @

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Tags

aww meatballs wholesome adorable adoption heartwarming socks kindhearted animal rescue cute animals cute doggo animals Dog Rescue rescue
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