I’ve seen too many senior dogs spend their golden years in cold kennels, completely overlooked and forgotten.
The sad reality is that families want the young ones, the easy ones, and the prettiest ones. In the meantime, the old canines wait behind bars with tired eyes and worn-out bodies. It’s cruel, and it breaks my heart every single time.
In California, Marine Corps veteran Colby Hartz decided to do something about it. His plan was to adopt a 16-year-old, but by the time he was ready, she had already found a home.
Determined to keep up with his mission, that’s when this kind-hearted man met Chief, a 10-year-old Golden Retriever. As it turned out, their meeting would turn into a beautiful story of hope!
Chief Instead Of Princess Leia
Hartz, also a dog trainer, was already picturing his life with Princess Leia, a 16-year-old surrendered to a shelter in California. But before he could make the trip, she was adopted by another family.
“I was pretty sad when I saw she got adopted. I was already planning out a life with her,” Hartz shared in a viral TikTok.
However, Hartz didn’t give up. He made a promise to himself to help the next senior dog in need. Just a day later, he found Chief.
“I told myself I was gonna wake up the next day and find another older dog who needed me. I found that today and his name is Chief,” Hartz added.
This senior Goldie was surrendered by his previous owners because of medical bills they could no longer manage. Despite his past, Hartz welcomed him with open-hearted joy, and Chief couldn’t have been happier.
Hartz immediately set up his own little space inside the laundry room. He wanted Chief to adapt to his environment before sharing space with other dogs.
“He’s really just a happy boy and I love him so much already. I didn’t want him to be in a kennel so we built him his own little apartment in the laundry room,” Hartz explained.
Soon enough, Chief became part of the family.
The Best Decision Ever
The connection between Hartz and Chief was undeniable. The veteran shared updates on his official Instagram and TikTok, showing Chief enjoying his first days in his new home.
According to the posts, there’s no doubt that the dog rediscovered comfort next to his new human.
Thanks to Hartz’s round-the-clock care, meds, and socialization with the rest of the family, Chief has embraced his new life with the biggest smile.
But that’s not all. Chief, who has already shown his lively spirit, will soon be able to roam freely in a much bigger yard.
“With me and the pack moving into a bigger house in October, I’m so excited to give Chief the space and freedom he deserves. From here on out, his days will be filled with love, pup cups, playful siblings, and all the happiness he’s always deserved,” Hartz wrote on Instagram.
For Hartz, who has made it his mission to give senior dogs the life they deserve, Chief is proof that even those overlooked due to age can bring so much love.
Right now, Chief is adjusting to his new family, and it is safe to say that he’s doing great. He fits right into the pack, sharing toys and lounging side by side with other dogs.
The twist of fate that led Hartz to Chief turned out to be the best decision ever. And for Chief, life has finally given him a second chance!