Elderly, blind, amputee dog adopted after 10 long years in a shelter

An elderly, blind, amputee dog spent 10 years of his life at the Parque Pinheirinho shelter in Araraquara, São Paulo. Discredited by a possible adoption, in June of this year he received the opportunity to have a loving home with his new guardian, Danila Molinari.

One chance is all an elderly animal needs. And Estabanado, as the volunteers named him, who was later named Tofu, was given this chance, thanks to the generous heart of trainer Danila. Tofu was a victim of mistreatment and since he was rescued he was living in the shelter of the city hall.

The medium-sized puppy arrived there as an adult, and because his profile did not fit the adoption criteria of most people, he spent ten years in the shelter, waiting for a home. Years passed and the difficulties of old age came. The furry one went blind and had to have a leg amputated due to a tumor. With advanced age (he is believed to be 14 years old), hopes for adoption had become minimal.

Credit: lomunidad.com

Volunteers incredulous about the dog’s future were surprised when a message came in, “What is the oldest dog up for adoption?”
Danila, the author of the message, had always had a dream of adopting a disabled, elderly or deaf dog and had no idea that when she asked which was the oldest dog in the area, the ‘whole package’ would arrive. The beginning of a new story!

The woman and her husband began preparations to welcome the dog who would arrive in a month to his new home, due to recovery from amputation surgery. And in addition to preparing the equipment, she reserved a separate space from her other five dogs, for the adaptation phase.

“I ordered the identification tag, we bought a bed, clothes, a collar, a new guide. It was a lot of anxiety, it seemed like forever”, she said.

The big day arrived and the joy of receiving the dog I always dreamed of was immense. “It was an indescribable feeling, something magical. I knew I wanted him, but I didn’t know he would be so good.”

Credit: lomunidad.com

It didn’t take long for dear Tofu to adjust to his new home and with his new canine siblings. “He’s very nice, he slept like an angel, he doesn’t bump into things anymore. My family is happy, he’s happy, it’s rewarding to see him here. Now he has a family, not just a home, but a family. Thanks to everyone who took care of him for me to this day,” she says.

Like Tofu’s adoption, thousands of animal shelters hope that some elderly animal resident will find his or her forever home. But, sadly, adoption of older or disabled dogs is rare.

If you’re thinking of adopting, give an older animal a chance, let her live out her golden years to the fullest. The advantage of adopting a senior is that you already know the size and temperament, as well as being calm. And the gratitude to their owners is infinite

Rate article
Elderly, blind, amputee dog adopted after 10 long years in a shelter