On social media, a heartwarming story touched many hearts when a woman adopted a blind senior dog, creating lasting memories in 28 days.
On the TikTok platform, a viral video showed the dog’s transformation after being adopted in his final days.
Shelter dogs dream of finding loving homes.
However, older dogs or those with health issues often struggle to get adopted.
One woman’s heartfelt story showcases how she gave a blind, ailing senior dog a beautiful life in his final days.
The heartwarming adoption of a blind senior dog
In June 2020, Kate Schakols and her family visited Gulf Coast STARS to adopt a dog.
They unexpectedly connected with a chocolate Lab mix named Rooster.
Rooster was a senior dog, estimated to be 10-12 years old. He had numerous health problems, including blindness in one eye due to cataracts.
Rooster also had missing fur and benign lumps.
His worn-down teeth and elbows reflected a tough life spent digging for food on concrete.
Despite these challenges, Kate felt an immediate bond with Rooster.
The special bond between Kate and Rooster
Kate expressed her feelings about Rooster: “The bond I had with Rooster was unreal.”
She described their connection as unique, saying, “He had chosen me to be his person.” She fell deeply in love with him, stating, “He is just one of the most beautiful dogs I’ve ever seen, inside and out.”
In a viral TikTok post, Kate shared how they changed each other’s lives.
In the footage, Rooster finally enjoyed a loving home.
Instead of living on concrete, he had his own bed and access to soft grass that eased his aching joints.
Additionally, Rooster also gained a playmate, Kate’s other dog, Bailey. The two dogs shared meals and even enjoyed toys for the first time in Rooster’s life. Kate cherished Rooster, treating him like the most beautiful dog in the world.
Rosster’s final goodbye
Sadly, their time together was short-lived. After 28 days, Rooster’s stomach began to swell painfully.
On Tiktok, Kate also shared Rosster’s final, with the caption: Bye I’m sobbing.
Despite her desperate pleas to keep him, Kate realized it was time to say goodbye.
She made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him.
In her TikTok video, she imagined Rooster’s thoughts: “I know my mom is sad, but I wish she knew these were the best 28 days of my life.”
Kate assured Rooster that she would always love him.
She found comfort in knowing they would meet again at the rainbow bridge.
The video quickly went viral and sparked debate on social media.
The emotional TikTok post has garnered attention, touching many hearts online.
Commenters thanked Kate for giving Rooster the best last days.
One person said: “the best 28 days of my life”.
A second wrote: He waited his whole life for those 28 days of love. You gave him peace and love and a place to decompress. You let him cross the rainbow bridge
While a third commented: I am actually crying, “the best 28 days” hurts.
Someone else said: I can hear her begging someone named god not to take me
Since Rooster, Kate has opened her heart to other pets, including a senior cat named Archie and a dog named Millie.
However, she will always treasure her time with Rooster.
Kate reflected, “I could never possibly repay Rooster for how much joy and love he brought to my life.”
Her story serves as a reminder of the impact we can make in the lives of shelter animals, even in a short time.
