Family adopts senior dog for lonely pup: “Best thing we ever did”

A family that adopted a senior dog to help their pit bull’s loneliness quickly learned it was the best decision they’d ever made.

Moving to a new city comes with its own set of challenges—meeting new people, learning your way around, adjusting to new work or routine—but the transition can also take a toll on pets. One pit bull named Jazz started feeling lonely after his owner, TikTok user @dimple.felle, and family moved. They were in a “new city with no friends or family.”

To help with this, the family adopted a 13-year-old dog from the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA). The senior dog, Mr. Scruffy, was surrendered after his owner had to move into a nursing home, as a November 2 TikTok video explained. Since the family welcomed him home about three-and-a-half years ago, Mr. Scruffy has become Jazz’s best friend and brother.

“Adopting a senior dog was the best thing we ever did,” a part of the video’s caption reads.

The two dogs are attached at the hip, always wanting to cuddle with each other. Jazz didn’t seem to mind his nap time was getting interrupted in the video. Mr. Scruffy got as close as possible to Jazz and joined him for a quick rest.

In a more recent TikTok clip, the two dogs were once again sharing a bed, with @dimple.felle writing in the caption that the pups have separate beds. However, Mr. Scruffy likes to share and always joins Jazz in his bed.

Newsweek reached out to @dimple.felle via TikTok for additional information.

As of Friday morning, the TikTok video has amassed 373,400 views and 53,600 likes.

One TikTok user wrote: “The way he snuggles into his buddy!!! So cute.”

Another added: “Omg! That is the sweetest! Such a special bond.”

Thinking about Mr. Scruffy’s previous owner, another user posted: “I hope the previous owner feels that their dog is being taken care of and sosoooo loved.”

Like humans, animals can struggle with the move and show symptoms of anxiety, such as destructive behavior, excessive barking or whining, panting and trembling. An article from Preventive Vet shared tips one dog behavior expert, Cathy Madson, used when she saw her canine regressing with separation anxiety following a move.

Madson explained she wouldn’t leave her dog alone in the new place for long periods and started reworking on desensitization. This included bringing out a frozen, stuffed Kong to keep her dog occupied and leaving on calming music that would mask any outdoor noises.

The article also stressed the importance of giving your pets love and reassurance when they ask for it. They will be looking to you for cues on how to feel. If you’re nervous or anxious, they will likely mirror that sentiment.

This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.