Every dog, no matter how old, deserves to feel loved and cared for in its final days. Sadly, many senior pets are abandoned by their families and left to spend their remaining time in shelters. This was the unfortunate reality for an 18-year-old Chihuahua named Benji, who was surrendered by his former owners and seemed destined to live out his last days alone in a kennel—until one woman gave him the second chance he deserved. Benji’s advanced age made finding him a new home unlikely. But after just two days in the shelter, Emi Wright came across his story and knew she had to act.
Despite knowing that Benji was a hospice case, Emi felt compelled to take him in and make sure his final chapter was filled with joy. Benji’s cataract-clouded eyes showed the passage of time, but his spirit was still strong. He had more life left in him than anyone expected, defying the odds and living through the summer, Halloween, Christmas, and even making it to his 19th birthday.
Throughout these precious months, Emi gave Benji the kind of love and happiness every dog dreams of. Photos in the TikTok video captured the little Chihuahua celebrating each milestone, enjoying his days to the fullest with his devoted new mom by his side.
But as all journeys must come to an end, the time eventually came to say goodbye. Emi announced Benji’s passing with a touching message, writing, “You left a Benji-sized hole in our hearts. I’ll love you forever, my sweet old man.”
The story of Emi’s kindness and Benji’s final months quickly resonated with people on social media. Her TikTok video went viral, and thousands of commenters thanked her for giving Benji a chance to experience love once more after being abandoned at such an old age.
“18 and dumped in a shelter is Diabolical. I hate people,” one person said. “Thank you for saving this sweet baby.”
“You are a beautiful soul. Thank you for giving Benji the best final months he could have possibly dreamed of,” another commenter wrote.
“Thank you for being this little man’s guardian angel,” another said. “Your love was exactly the comfort and protection he needed in the end.”
Many others called Emi a guardian angel for stepping in when Benji needed someone the most. “Your love gave him the comfort and peace he deserved,” one user wrote.
Merida is a senior who was found abandoned in a backyard with her sibling who had passed away. She was left to fend for herself as an 11-year-old with diabetes. Thankfully, Kanoa Rescue Foundation stepped in to save her, but she still needs your help!
Though Benji’s time was short, Emi made sure that every moment he had left was filled with joy, warmth, and affection. Thanks to her compassion, this little dog was able to spend his last days surrounded by love. To see Benji’s beautiful story, click ‘play’ below. Rest in peace, sweet Benji.
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@emwright22 I love you forever my sweet old man. #seniordog #hospicedog #adoptionstory #seniorchihuahua ♬ original sound – xavier
Toledo, United States.
