Moment Shih Tzu Wakes Up On First Morning After Being Rescued Is Melting Hearts
If you've ever found a stray dog or cat on the street, you know the helplessness and heartbreak that comes in the moment. As humans, we have an obligation to rescue these domesticated creatures, which is what one woman in Fort Worth, Texas, did when she found a shaggy-haired shih tzu in need of help. On TikTok, the rescuer then posted a video of the morning after she found the dog she dubbed Miss Muffin, showing the tired old pup out cold on the couch.
@emilydawson9 Miss muffin update! No accidents all last night and she's soooo sweet! If you live in Fort Worth and know her/ can help give her a good home please let me know!!! #fortworthtexas #rescuedog #lostdog #shitzu
After explaining how she found her, the kind-hearted woman opens the living room door to find the abandoned pooch fast asleep and not wanting to get up. But once the doggy did, it was clear that this was an older pooch that needed some time to perk up. And indeed she did, outside on a morning walk. The video seems to serve as a way to look for Miss Muffin's possible owners and ask for help, as the rescuer wasn't sure she could keep the four-legged find.
"She's finally safe she's probably so relieved 😭😭😭❤️," noted one person in the comments, as another added, "I think she may be home." And indeed, according to follow-up posts, the woman got to keep Miss Muffin in her life with the help of a rescue organization. Sadly, though, the sweet shih tzu was diagnosed with cancer and died a few months later. At least she found her way to a cozy home instead of struggling on the streets as a sick, senior dog.
What to do if you find an abandoned senior dog
If you find a stray dog, the first priority is getting them somewhere safe without putting yourself at risk. Approach them slowly, especially if they seem frightened, and check for a collar with ID tags. If you are able to secure the pooch, take them to a local veterinarian or animal shelter to be scanned for a microchip, as this can help locate the owner.
If it's clear the dog is elderly, or if the vet tells you so, the dog will need more care and resources than if it were a young, healthy pup. Rescued senior dogs need extra attention and accommodations because they may have arthritis, vision or hearing loss, or other age-related health issues that can quickly leave them weak or dehydrated from wandering around on their own outside.
If you wind up with an abandoned senior dog at your home, make sure to give them some fresh water and find them a comfortable space to sleep. If the owner can't be found, contact a reputable rescue organization or animal shelter with experience caring for senior dogs to ensure they receive the medical attention and specialized care they most likely need. No matter what happens, always feel good about the fact you helped them in their time of need — just like these rescued senior dogs now living their best lives.