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Older dogs in shelters already face long odds, but when combined with breed stereotypes, their chances of being adopted drop even further. Such was the case for Eeyore, an aging Pit Bull rescued from a high-risk shelter in Los Angeles by the animal welfare group Philozoia. Despite his gentle nature and good manners, many overlooked him, unfairly seeing him as broken or too far gone.
Philozoia took to social media to describe the dog they had come to adore. “He is crate and house trained, kid-friendly, and would make a great family dog. Eeyore loves attention and naps, and he also has a playful side. He loves toys and takes his stuffed animal with him everywhere,” the organization wrote on Facebook.
Still, even with such a glowing profile, Eeyore couldn’t find a family or even a foster home for some time.
A Young Woman Steps Up
Eeyore’s story finally touched the heart of a woman named Harshey, who decided to foster him herself. Wanting to raise awareness and improve his chances of adoption, she documented their experience on TikTok.
“A senior dog with severe scarring and asthma is seen as damaged goods for most adopters. But Eeyore has been nothing but brave and kind since I picked him up tonight,” she captioned a TikTok video, which showed his injuries and his gentle reaction to being petted.
The emotional video quickly resonated with viewers. Thousands of comments poured in, many expressing both sorrow and gratitude. “It’s unbelievable the pain and horror that humans inflict on these babies. Thank you for loving him—he deserves only the best,” one person wrote. Another added, “Sweet handsome Eeyore—I’m hoping with everything you find your happily ever after that you deserve.”
Fostering as a Lifeline
Some viewers wondered why Harshey didn’t simply adopt Eeyore herself. Her response reflected the broader crisis in rescue work: “Keeping him means more dogs that continue to not have a foster and are then at risk for euthanasia.” By fostering instead of adopting, she explained, she keeps a space open for other dogs in need.
Her answer shined a light on just how critical fostering is to saving lives. Foster homes serve as the bridge between a neglected past and a hopeful future, giving dogs like Eeyore the chance to heal and be seen for who they really are.
Seeing Beyond the Scars
Eeyore’s journey is one of pain, resilience, and the power of compassion. While his scars may be visible, they don’t define him. His story challenges the harmful assumptions people often make about senior dogs or misunderstood breeds, reminding us all to look deeper.
Eeyore may just get his happy ending. Keep reading to see what happens next!
Thanks to Harshey’s kindness and the support of Philozoia, Eeyore is now one step closer to the loving forever home he deserves. And there’s no doubt—when that day comes, it will be well worth the wait.
