Golden Retriever Gets Forever Home After Man Comes To Shelter To Adopt A Different Dog
It takes a special type of person to welcome an elderly dog into their home, knowing that the time to bond, love, and play together might be measured in months — or weeks — instead of years, and accepting that heartbreak is coming sooner rather than later. Marine Corps infantry veteran Colby Hartz is the founder of Colby's K9 Academy, which offers dog training, boarding, and canine photography, and he has nine dogs (so far) in his "pack" at home. One recent addition is a 65-pound golden retriever named Chief, thought to be around 9 years old.
@colbyhartz.k9 Two nights ago on my drive to LA it got placed in my heart to save an older dog and help them live the rest of their life with so much love and affection. I fell in love with Princess when I saw her video and hurt her story. Selfishly I was pretty sad when I saw she got adopted. I was already planning out a life with her. I told myself I was gonna wake up the next day and find another older dog who needed me. I found that dog today and his name is Chief. As you all know, golden retrievers have been very crucial on this journey of dog training for me. My love for dogs developed because of a golden retriever. I got in fifth grade after begging my parents for one for over a year. I'm so happy to have my first golden retriever as an adult. Chief will be the first of many for me and my future family. I don't fight it anymore when God places these things in my heart. I may not be able to help as many dogs as I will be able to when I have my sanctuary in the future, but for now this is one more that I can help. If any of you are looking for purpose in life I recommend going to save an innocent dog today. They have healed me and I know they heal many other people. I will help you train it for free. Huge thank you to @deservingdogs for helping me make this happen. God bless all of you. Thank you all so much for your support. We're going to need to do a lot of things medically with Chief and if you would like to help, please reach out and I will tell you how you can. #explore #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverlife #rescuedog #rescueanimals #puppy #seniordog
When Chief entered Hartz's life, the trainer actually had his heart set on adopting a small dog named Princess, who had arrived at the shelter because her owners no longer wanted to care for the elderly animal. In a TikTok video that has already been viewed more than half a million times, Hartz wrote in a caption: "People truly disgust me. How could you surrender your 16-year-old dog." Though he planned to adopt Princess, before he arrived at the shelter, the sweet little pup found another home, so Hartz came up with a new plan: "When I woke up this morning, I made it my mission to find another old dog who needed some help."
The golden retriever instantly bonded with his new owner
The moment Colby Hartz and Chief first spotted each other was captured in the TikTok video, and it was clearly love at first sight. The way the pair gazed into each other's eyes is guaranteed to melt the hearts of even the most curmudgeonly among us. Even sweeter was the tender moment after Hartz placed Chief in a crate in the back of his truck and planted a gentle kiss on the golden retriever's head. Many people commented on how emotionally moving that moment was, sharing sentiments similar to Abloub37's comment: "The way he looked up at you after you kissed him 😭😭😭😭😭😭."
Some commenters described their own beloved senior pets. Subi0603 shared, "We only adopt seniors now. Hard knowing we only have a short time with them, but knowing that their golden years are spent getting all the love they deserve makes it worth every heartbreak."
For Hartz, adopting Chief brought back happy memories of his childhood, when his parents let him pick out a golden retriever puppy. For the next 11 years, Hartz and his dog, Max, were BFFs, their bond strengthened by regular walks, playtime, and training sessions. Hartz credits Max with sparking his interest in working with dogs as a career.
How the elderly golden retriever is settling into his forever home
After a month of living with Chief, Hartz posted a video on Instagram of the ecstatic-looking golden retriever getting scritches and cuddles on the couch and happily bounding after a ball. Hartz noted that Chief is finally potty-trained and crate-trained, after living without any rules before. He wrote, "I really do love this dog so much and I'm so excited for what his future holds and am so happy to have him."
A few days after that, Hartz wrote another update on Instagram: "Chief has made so much progress since we got him. His health increases every day, and it seems like he ages backwards. I'm so happy he's part of our pack." He also shared on the original TikTok: "If any of you are looking for purpose in life, I recommend going to save an innocent dog today. They have healed me, and I know they heal many other people."
If you're ready to adopt a dog (or a second dog), consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Senior pups have lots of love to give, and they often have a difficult time finding a new home. If you're considering adopting a golden retriever, know that they're one of the most obedient dog breeds and also one of the dog breeds with the best temperament. There are three types of golden retriever — and all three are equally adorable and loving, just like Chief.