What always amazes me about dogs is how simple their happiness really is. A warm home, tasty meals, someone to love, and a bit of playtime… that’s all it takes to make them feel complete.
Sadly, life isn’t always that kind. Many pups never get those basics. Some are left to fend for themselves, others end up in shelters, and some, like Hobbs, are simply abandoned without a second thought.
This poor senior boy was dumped on the streets by his former owner, left to survive day after day with no safety net. He struggled silently until a rescuer finally spotted him and decided to change everything.
Hobbs’ Lucky Break
When staff at Animal Care Centers of New York first received word about Hobbs, they acted immediately. A rescuer hurried to pick him up, determined not to let the pup suffer any longer on the streets.
Once secured, Hobbs was brought into the shelter. There, his fragile state became more apparent.
To give him a better shot, he was later transferred to Tails of Love Rescue, where staff could provide closer care and hopefully find him a family.
Still, the odds weren’t in his favor. Hobbs was an older dog with several health issues, and senior pups are often overlooked.
But luck was finally on his side. One day, Catherine walked into the New York shelter and saw Hobbs for the first time.
Despite his timid nature, she felt an instant connection. She knew he deserved a chance to heal and trust again.
Taking him home, Catherine quickly realized patience would be key.
Hobbs was just really scared. Catherine told GeoBeats Animals: “We theorized that he was probably abused. He was pretty unsocialized, so I think maybe he just was with a family that didn’t really care for him, or in a bad situation with too many other dogs mistreating him.”
He Is Changing Every Day
It wasn’t an easy road. Hobbs often barked and growled, keeping his guard up. Catherine gave him space but never stopped showing kindness.
Gentle pets, calm words, and quiet moments helped him slowly realize she wasn’t a threat.
When Hobbs finally relaxed and let her touch him without fear, everything changed. From that moment, his walls began to crumble, and a bond started to form.
Catherine noticed that he clung to her more than anyone else, but she wanted him to learn confidence around other people and dogs, too. She made it her mission to help him feel safe in every environment.
Walks became part of their daily routine, even if they weren’t always easy. Hobbs struggled with luxating patellas, arthritis, and weak knees.
Catherine adjusted to his pace, resting when he tired. When longer walks became too hard, she found creative solutions.
She said: “He’s a pretty hobbling old guy. I usually take him in a stroller, or carry him in a baby wrap.”
Hobbs Is Living His Best Life
When Catherine couldn’t be around, her cats often kept Hobbs company. To her surprise, he fit right in.
Later, she discovered another senior pup in a shelter who reminded her of Hobbs, so she adopted him too. That’s how Little Nacho Supreme joined the family.
To everyone’s joy, the two older dogs bonded quickly. They nap together, relax side by side, and enjoy a quiet, cozy life filled with love.
For Catherine, seeing Hobbs blossom has been one of the greatest rewards. After years of neglect and hardship, he finally has comfort, companionship, and someone who cherishes him.
Catherine ends by saying: “Every day Hobbs, I see his face, and it just gives me so much happiness. To see how loved he is and how content, I am so happy that I adopted him and that he came into my life.”