Imagine living your entire life in a warm, loving environment, surrounded by the comfort of your family, only for everything to change in an instant.
This is the heartbreaking reality Tulip and Buffy, two 16-year-old female dogs from California, found themselves facing. After spending most of their lives in a forever home, they suddenly ended up in a shelter through no fault of their own.
Confused and terrified, Tulip and Buffy couldn’t comprehend why their cozy home was replaced by a small, cold kennel.
From Comfort To Uncertainty
When Tulip and Buffy arrived at the Palmdale Animal Care Center in California, they were completely bewildered. Everything they had known was suddenly taken from them.
“These sweet girls lost their home at 16 years old. Everything they knew and loved was ripped away from them in an instant,” Northwest Dog Project (NWDP) wrote on Instagram.
However, a glimmer of hope appeared just days later.
A family came to the shelter, interested in adopting the two senior dogs. It wasn’t long before Tulip and Buffy were adopted again, bringing joy to the staff. But unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived.
The pair were returned to the shelter soon after, with the new family stating that they brought the dogs back because Tulip and Buffy “didn’t do anything.”
“Adopted a few days ago and returned because they ‘didn’t do anything’ I’m actually glad they came back so that NOW we can help them find a home where they’ll be cherished and adored,” Rita Earl Blackwell, one of the shelter’s volunteers, shared on Instagram.
The pain these two dogs must have felt after being abandoned again at such an advanced age was unimaginable. Recognizing their need for help, the Northwest Dog Project stepped in when they received a message about Tulip and Buffy.
“They have gone through too much heartbreak in a short period of time, and we want nothing more than to CHANGE that,” the rescue added.
Within a few days, Tulip and Buffy were moved from the shelter to a foster home where they could receive the love and care they desperately needed as they waited for their next chapter.
A New Beginning
Today, Tulip and Buffy are far removed from the cold confines of the kennel. Now in a loving foster home, the two dogs are beginning their journey of recovery, with the tender care they deserve.
Their next stop will be the NWDP’s senior dog sanctuary, a special haven for older dogs who have been abandoned later in life.
“They are settling into their temp foster home, where they’ll stay cozy until they can make the trip here to join the #nwdpseniorsanctuary 🙌🏼 We are so excited to meet them both, and know you all are too,” NWDP concluded.
Once at the sanctuary, Tulip and Buffy will enjoy a safe, comfortable space with toys, soft beds, and plenty of companionship. There will be no more kennels, no more fear, and absolutely no risk of euthanasia.
While they remain in the care of their foster family, the team is also working hard to find these sweet dogs a permanent home. For now, though, the focus is on helping Tulip and Buffy thrive in an environment that makes them feel safe and loved.