Senior Rescue Golden Retriever Transforms With The Help Of His First Stuffie

Rescue pets have often been through a lot, but they still have so much love to give and so much sweetness inside. A perfect example is this good boy golden retriever named Bruce, who was rescued from a puppy mill and adopted at age 8 by a family who was able to give him the kindness and care he needed in order to open up. With a little added help from a timeless Lamb Chop stuffy too, of course. 

In a video posted on YouTube by The Dodo, we meet Bruce, who was once a scared senior dog who lived a hard life in a puppy mill that left him a shell of what you think a golden retriever should be. He was terrified of the stairs and the cats in his new home, and didn't calm down until he picked up his first stuffed lambie in his mouth, which allowed him to eventually have the confidence he needed to drop his guard and tackle his fears. Now, armed with dozens of lambies, Bruce is living his best life as a senior rescue.

At the end of the video, people ran to the comments to thank the adoptive couple for taking in the goldie and giving him a second chance at life. "Thank you for everything you've done to make Bruce's life more secure, more loving and more toy-filled," said one person, as another simply stated, "Bruce deserves all the lambies." Despite his years of trauma, we're glad this doggy got the happy ending all dogs deserve. If you want to learn more about what it means for a dog to come from a puppy mill, read up on whether it's ethical to buy a pet from a pet store. 

For some dogs, a favorite toy like a stuffed plush is much more than something to play with, as it can often become a comforting companion that helps them calm down and offers emotional support. It often has to do with the smell, texture, and weight providing a sense of security and becoming part of a soothing daily routine. Dogs with anxiety or past trauma often take to a toy to help themselves cope, but any pup might latch onto a toy that helps them make it through the day.

The way a dog uses its favorite toy also reveals what makes it so comforting. Some dogs carry stuffies everywhere, while others cuddle or gently lick them. These repetitive behaviors can help dogs self-soothe and echo the comforting conduct they received from their mothers during puppyhood. Meanwhile, carrying, tossing, or squeaking a toy gives dogs a safe outlet for their natural instincts while providing some mental stimulation.

Not every dog needs a comfort toy, and the safety of the toy is a consideration that must be taken into account. Choose toys that match your dog's chewing habits, and regularly check them for rips or damage, like exposed stuffing or squeakers. If a favorite toy becomes a hazard, repair or replace it. For many dogs, though, a well-loved stuffie offers both companionship and comfort, so show care and compassion when handling their favorites. As the saying goes, a little compassion can go a long way!