No pups pull at my heartstrings like seniors. They’re ones who move a little slower, sleep a little longer, and carry so many stories from the past. But at the same time, they’re the sweetest, most loving dogs who appreciate every second of their lives.
That’s why my heart breaks for every senior who ends up surrendered at a shelter, especially after living so many years next to a family.
Sadly, that’s exactly how Ranger’s story begins. This ten-year-old pup had plenty of love to give. But instead of enjoying his golden years in a warm home, he ended up on a euthanasia list, until kind rescuers decided to place him in a foster home.
The Devastating Truth
Iluka Enright, a foster from Texas, has always had a soft spot for dogs. So, when she learned about Ranger’s situation, she immediately agreed to take him in on a foster basis.
Thanks to Austin Pets Alive! in Texas, he was pulled from another shelter in Central Texas after being placed on the euthanasia list. The reason? He was a severely emaciated dog with no owner claiming him. On top of that, he had inflamed paws and toenails.
Soon after arriving at Enright’s home, Ranger began to show his true colors. To everyone’s surprise, there were no signs of shelter stress on him.
“Ranger is a 10-year-old Coonhound that was on the euthanasia list here in Austin and he’s looking for a forever home. He’s housetrained, great with kids, dogs and cats. Likes sleeping, cheese and slow walks,” Iluka shared on TikTok.
In fact, Ranger behaved so perfectly that it made his foster wonder if he had a home before. Then, something truly incredible happened. Ranger showed that he understood commands like sit, paw, and shake, which explained everything: he was definitely someone’s dog.
Sadly, given his condition at the shelter, it appears that Ranger was neglected and then abandoned, indicating that he had a difficult past.
In an emotional TikTok video, Enright featured Ranger with the text reading: “trying to pull myself together before my next meeting but our 9 year old foster showed us that he knows, sit, paw and shake today! HE WAS SOMEONE’S BABY.”
Within days, his video went viral, with people reaching out to express their compassion for Ranger.
The Sweetest Napper Looking For A Home
Despite everything he’d been through, Ranger remained soft and full of love. His shelter profile described him perfectly:
“Good with dogs, cats and children! He only wants to be by a human’s side, and melts to a human touch. Very relaxed and quiet. He’s had a tough life, and truly deserves and would cherish a loving home. House trained.”
Ranger is still searching for his forever family.
Thanks to his foster family, he will no longer need to worry about being abandoned again. Ranger will stay with Enright until he finds someone who will understand him and give him all the love he deserves.
If I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that Ranger is definitely ready for the home that loves him back.