A pet sitter prepared herself to say goodbye to one of the canines she walks after he received one month left to life, but the dog “had other plans.”
Julie Nashawaty began pet sitting 10 years ago as a part-time job before transitioning full-time in 2020. One of the dogs she grew close to was a 15-year-old dog named Tusker, whom she called the “happiest little guy.” Deaf, blind and beating two terminal cancer diagnoses, he continued to walk around without a care in the world, Nashawaty said.
Since she began dog walking Tusker in February 2024, she’s become close with the senior canine. When his family told her Tusker had about one month left to live, she was heartbroken. She began saying her goodbyes.
Nashawaty worked with senior dogs before; she told Newsweek via email that it is always “incredibly difficult” to say goodbye, and it was no different with Tusker.
But the small and mighty dog surprised everyone. Nashawaty shared in a June 1 Instagram video, posted to her account @southendpetsitting, her being reunited with Tusker months after the original goodbye. She said she cried after hearing he’s been fighting. In the clip, she told him how happy she was to see him. He happily accepted all the pets and cheese during her visit.
Part of the caption reads: “…And yet here we are. Still walking. Still fighting. Still eating cheese. Still Tusker.”
Screenshots from a June 1 Instagram video of a senior canine’s dog walker returning to visit after she said her goodbyes thinking he was at the end of his life.
@southendpetsitting/Instagram
Despite Tusker’s illnesses, he’s never stopped being himself. The only change Nashawaty noticed since going back to walk him was that he went fully blind. His bright personality never dimmed. Neither did his energy.
“He lives on a fifth-floor walkup in the South End of Boston, so I have to carry him up and down those stairs for walks,” she said. “But when we’re outside, he’ll walk for at least 20 minutes.”
Shocked by the toughness of this senior dog, Instagram users flooded the video with comments, and as of Tuesday, the clip amassed over
“When you’ve survived two terminal cancer diagnosis, you deserve all the cheese your little heart desires,” wrote one user.
Another added: “Sweet and brave boy! Love you Tuskers! You’re the strongest pup on the internet and one of the cutest too.”
A third person pointed out: “The joy in your voice at getting to see him again is so heartwarming.”
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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