Biggs, a lovable senior dog with some health issues, found himself on death row after being abandoned at a shelter. Fortunately, an organization came to his rescue and saved him from his grim fate. Despite his age being uncertain, Biggs is believed to be at least 10 years old, making his shelter experience even more challenging. However, thanks to his new foster family, he’s now enjoying every moment of his remaining days with exciting adventures and lots of affection.
Biggs, a dog from southern Virginia, was rescued by One By One Deathrow Dog Rescue, a group based in Fredericksburg that aims to save dogs from being euthanized. Despite being saved, Biggs has been struggling with heart failure, and it has been discovered that he has advanced cancer. Unfortunately, his condition has made it difficult to undergo further tests, and he is nearing the end of his life.
Although his condition remains uncertain, he and his foster have decided to embark on a journey to accomplish their bucket list. Some of the activities on their list consist of taking a stroll along the beach to catch a glimpse of the sunset while munching on some delicious chicken nuggets, indulging in a romantic candlelit steak dinner, visiting a pet store to pick out a treat, enjoying a scenic picnic at a beautiful location, and even making an appearance in the local newspaper.
The main intention is to provide him with the love and care that he has missed out on in his challenging life. Although Biggs is fortunate enough to enjoy his final days, it is not the case for many senior dogs who end up in shelters. The ASPCA reports that older dogs have a lower adoption rate of only 25%, while younger pups have a higher rate of around 60%. It can be distressing for an older pet to be taken to a shelter when they have been accustomed to a particular home.
According to Chasity McFarland, who serves as the Director of One By One Deathrow Dog Rescue, shutting down an aging dog in a crowded shelter can lead to significant health issues, particularly if the animal hasn’t seen a veterinarian in some time and has underlying medical problems. This is because the dog may experience extreme stress and feelings of abandonment, leading to a sudden worsening of any existing conditions.
If you surrender your dog, there’s a chance that the dog may get very sick and slowly deteriorate before anyone can intervene. Unfortunately, this often happens when the dog loses all hope and is left with limited social interactions and an uncomfortable living space.
To provide an aging dog with the same exciting experiences as Biggs, think about adopting a senior dog! This way, you can give them the chance to explore and have fun in their golden years.
