At first glance, you’d never guess he’s older than a year. But the truth about Ziggy is far different.
Ziggy, the rescue dog, is much older, yet he still carries himself like a playful puppy.
Did he stumble upon a magical fountain of youth? Maybe.
With his bubbly energy and cheerful personality, Ziggy constantly fools people on the streets. Many are certain he’s still just a young pup.
Passersby in New York often stop to guess his age, but they’re almost always wrong. And once you learn how old Ziggy really is — along with his rescue story — you’ll be surprised, too.
It’s Never Too Late To Save A Dog
Like many mixed-breed pups, Ziggy ended up in a shelter when he was young.
“I found Ziggy online, he had been turned in and abandoned in Texas at a shelter,” shared Ziggy’s mom in a Cuddle Buddies video. “And then he was sent up to Waggy Tail Rescue up here (New York) and placed with a wonderful foster family… I just knew we were meant to be.”
But Ziggy’s life before adoption wasn’t easy. Years of neglect had left him in terrible condition. His fur was thin and patchy, but sadly, that was just the beginning.
After a vet checkup, they discovered he had hyperthyroidism — a condition that can cause weight loss despite eating well, hyperactivity, high blood pressure, and more.
Once he began treatment, which he’ll need for the rest of his life, Ziggy quickly improved. His fur grew back, his spirits lifted, and his energy soared.
Even though he looked and acted like a puppy, Ziggy was actually ten years old when Isabelle, his forever mom, brought him home.
“He really loves to explore and he loves watching the world. He loves observing everything and seeing all the action and smelling all the smells. And that was like the biggest transformation for me. I think I’m the luckiest in the world that I found him and that he chose me,” Isabelle said.
She gave a senior dog the chance to feel the joy of life again, and Ziggy showed her just how rewarding that decision could be.
Ziggy’s Amazing Glow-Up
When Isabelle first rescued him, Ziggy was frail, underweight, and covered in bald patches. His tail was thin, and his ears were bare — clear signs of long-term malnourishment.
But with steady care, he began to flourish. As his health improved, strangers couldn’t believe how young he looked. Many even asked Isabelle if Ziggy was still just a puppy.
Despite his decade of life experience, Ziggy was thriving — and proving everyone wrong.
Over time, he also worked through the trauma of his past. With patience, he opened up and revealed his playful, affectionate personality.
Curious about his unique look, Isabelle decided to run a DNA test. The results showed Ziggy was a delightful mix of Maltese, Chihuahua, Yorkie, Australian Cattle Dog, and Pomeranian.
Mother Nature clearly mixed all the right cards for Ziggy, giving him charm, resilience, and an unforgettable spirit.
A Forever Puppy With A Forever Home
With a little love and medical care, Ziggy transformed from a neglected pup into a vibrant, photogenic star.
Today, this “forever puppy” has captured the internet’s heart with his adorable videos and glowing personality. On Instagram, Ziggy has thousands of followers who adore him.
Even after so many years, his sparkling eyes and youthful energy make it easy to believe he’s just a puppy trapped in an older dog’s body.