A shelter should be a temporary place where dogs find their forever homes. Sadly, for some pups, their shelter stay will drag out for weeks, months, or even years. The most heartbreaking cases will live the rest of their lives in a kennel, never knowing what it’s like to be in a real home with a loving family. The dogs who have the best chance of finding placement are young and healthy. Senior dogs are more unlikely to get adopted, especially ones with special needs.
This story of an elderly dog in a Texas shelter is particularly touching. A senior Chihuahua named Guac was found as a stray on the streets at the age of 15 and quickly taken to a shelter in Texas. Considering her age, it was assumed she’d spend her final days ‘behind bars.’ Despite her circumstances, at least Guac wasn’t out on her own struggling to survive. She had nice human friends to care for her and a glimmer of hope for a brighter future. A glimmer is always better than nothing at all.
Then, the unexpected happened: the shelter managed to find the pup a new home. For a moment, it seemed like everything was falling into place for Guac. Unfortunately, her happiness was short-lived. Just two months after being adopted, Guac was returned to the same shelter.
The little dog was heartbroken, and the shelter staff were equally devastated. They knew that finding her another home would be incredibly challenging. However, the dedicated staff refused to give up on Guac. When the team at The PAWerful Rescue saw how Guac’s previous owners returned her wrapped in a blanket without any sign of emotion, they were both saddened and angered.
But this act of indifference only strengthened their resolve to ensure that Guac had a better future. Their determination paid off when they connected with a special family in Colorado. After so much heartache, Guac found herself in a loving home with many canine siblings and caring humans, known on Instagram as The Fellowship of the Bean. A video posted by her new mom captures this perfectly.
After picking up Guac in Denver, Colorado, along with her other pets, this senior Chihuahua began her new life. Her new mom renamed her Elfie, and from that moment on, Elfie couldn’t stop smiling.
Elfie had finally found where she belonged—a family that would love her unconditionally and never betray her like others had. This sweet little dog, now in her golden years, is getting the love and care she deserves in her final chapter. Click the video below to experience Eflie’s rags-to-riches story.