Dog given up at 14 runs to new owner after finding “perfect forever family”

Hearts have melted over an elderly dog who got a new lease of life when he was adopted into a loving family.

Chihuahua-Yorkshire Terrier cross Ollie was 14-and-a-half years old when he found himself in the care of the West Yorkshire Dog Rescue in England, after his elderly owner became ill and was no longer able to care for him.

But thanks to the hard work of shelter staff, he was almost immediately matched with the perfect family: Amy and Liam, and their eight-year-old Labrador, Barney.

After considering getting a second dog for years, Amy and Liam eventually began searching rescues “to find a dog with similar energy levels to Barney and someone to keep him company in his golden years,” the couple told Newsweek.

“We spend a lot of time outdoors and we love traveling in our campervan so it was important to find the right fit. Luckily for us, little Ollie was a good traveler and good with other dogs,” they said.

And after meeting Ollie at the shelter with the help of rescue trustee Jane Brennan, it was love at first sight—and they took him home, where he “slotted into our lives effortlessly”.

Now the shelter has shared an update on their “old boy Ollie” in the form of a video showcasing Ollie living his best life.

In a clip shared to their TikTok account @west.yorks.dog.rescue on September 13, the little dog can be seen sprinting along the beach with his new owners and dog brother, looking full of energy and acting like a much younger pup.

The rescue wrote on the clip: “Our old boy Ollie living his best life. Ollie arrived in rescue at 14.5 years old. He found his perfect forever family.

“Adopting a senior dog is one of life’s most rewarding choices.”

TikTok users loved the clip, with one writing: “This has made my day. I’m so happy he’s found such a great home.”

“This totally,” another agreed. “Senior dogs rock.”

Another praised the rescue for their “beautiful work,” as one called it “great news”.

Ollie is a Chorkie, a mix between the Yorkshire terrier and Chihuahua. Yorkies are known for their affectionate, tenacious and sometimes bossy nature, while Chihuahuas are loyal, charming and come with a big attitude, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Rescue worker Brennan told Newsweek Ollie arrived at the shelter through no fault of his own, when his elderly owner began struggling with ill health.

Luckily for the “exceptionally friendly” pup, it took just three weeks to find him a new home, thanks in part to him being “such a well-balanced dog with no issues”.

The rescue gives potential adopters full access to veterinary records to give them an idea of what to expect with their new family member, and despite Ollie’s seasonal allergies, Amy and Liam knew they were well able to handle the Chorkie’s needs.

Brennan explained: “It’s as important to us that owners that surrender dogs are as happy as our adopters, and they know that their pets are getting the very best care while in rescue. It’s been a challenging few years for any rescue, but we strive to do the very best for the dogs in our care.”

And Amy and Liam reminded potential adopters that getting a dog of any age is “a lifelong commitment to them”.

They told Newsweek: “Rescue dogs have usually had a pretty turbulent time and they need consistency, reassurance, love and effort”.

“If you can’t do that please don’t apply [to adopt], but do support your local rescue with donations, sharing posts or offering them help,” they said—and they themselves are planning on running the London Marathon to raise funds for the rescue they got Ollie from.

“For now, we will continue to provide Ollie with endless love, snacks and adventures, for the rest of his golden years to come.”

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

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