Every day, countless dogs endure hardship, but it’s often the stereotypes that leave the most lasting damage.
From the false belief that Pit Bulls are unfit for adoption to the assumption that older dogs have little to offer, these ideas cause many loving animals to be passed over and forgotten.
One senior dog in Los Angeles, California, knows this pain intimately. Each time a visitor walked by, he was dismissed as “damaged goods.”
His journey soon reached thousands, and moved many to tears.
A Gentle Soul With No Takers
Philozoia, a Los Angeles-based animal welfare group, shared the story of Eeyore, a senior dog rescued from a shelter where euthanasia was a looming threat.
They described him with nothing but admiration:
“He is crate and house trained, kid-friendly, and would make a great family dog. Eeyore loves attention and naps, and he also has a playful side. He loves toys and takes his stuffed animal with him everywhere,” they wrote.
Despite his sweet nature, no one expressed interest in adopting him. Even finding a foster home proved to be a challenge.
That changed when a young woman named Harshey came across his story. Moved by his situation, she chose to foster him herself. From her home, Eeyore’s story began to reach a wider audience.
After spending time with him, Harshey felt compelled to share his experience on TikTok.
The Scars That Told His Story
She posted a video showing Eeyore’s condition and the reasons he had been overlooked.
“A senior dog with severe scarring and asthma is seen as damaged goods for most adopters. But Eeyore has been nothing but brave and kind since I picked him up tonight,” her caption read.
The video revealed scars behind his ears and along his back; evidence of past trauma. Harshey noted that she wouldn’t have known they were from abuse if Eeyore hadn’t flinched the first time she gently touched him.
That moment revealed the truth: Eeyore wasn’t just passed over because of his age, but also because of the visible reminders of what he had endured.
At the end of the video, Harshey shared her fear: “I can’t help but fear that no one will ever come for him.”
A Wave Of Support From Strangers
Though the video was heartbreaking, it ignited a wave of compassion online. Thousands responded with messages of love and encouragement.
“It’s unbelievable the pain and horror that humans inflict on these babies. Thank you for loving him—he deserves only the best 🙏❤️,” one commenter wrote.
Another added: “Sweet handsome Eeyore 🥺 I’m hoping with everything you find your happily ever after that you deserve ❤️❤️🙏.”
Some viewers asked why Harshey didn’t adopt him herself. She offered a thoughtful response:
“Keeping him means more dogs that continue to not have a foster and are then at risk for euthanasia.”
By fostering, she could help not only Eeyore but also other dogs in desperate need of temporary care and a chance at adoption.
Her message was clear: the solution isn’t for one person to adopt every unwanted dog, it’s for more people to open their homes to seniors and those with visible scars who deserve love just as much as any other pet.
Hoping For A Happy Ending
Eeyore’s story is filled with both sorrow and hope. It reveals the cruelty he endured and the kindness that still exists in the world.
There’s hope that his story will help change perceptions, challenge stereotypes, and inspire more families to consider adopting dogs like him.
Most of all, we hope Eeyore’s journey ends with the love and security of a forever home.
Until then, we’ll keep hoping for the best for this gentle senior boy.