Owner’s “Farewell” Selfies With Senior Dog Right Before Abandoning Him Spark Outrage

Lorna Paxton Ladd |

Feb 20, 2024

When I first met 12-year-old Milo at the animal shelter, he greeted me with a big smile and wagging tail. This sweet senior boy had just been surrendered by his owner, who was taking selfies to remember him before abandoning him simply for being old.

Sitting with dogs: Owner's "Farewell" Selfies With Senior Dog Right Before Abandoning Him Spark Outrage

As I sat with Milo, giving him treats and petting his fluffy golden fur, he soaked up the love and attention. Though he needed some grooming and was a bit overweight, he had sparkling eyes and a zest for life.

A Senior Dog’s Struggle: The Hard Reality

It’s a tough world for senior dogs like Milo. At 12 years and four months old, finding a forever home isn’t easy. That’s why I decided to spend some time with him, live-streaming our interaction to raise awareness. Despite his age, Milo was full of life, his wagging tail and fluffy coat a testament to his enduring spirit. But it wasn’t all smiles and wagging tails; Milo had his challenges.

A Moment of Betrayal: The Heartless Goodbye

His previous owner, grappling with personal issues, made the difficult decision that Milo was no longer a feasible part of their life. This alone was hard enough to comprehend, but what followed was even more distressing.

In the moments before Milo was relinquished to the shelter, his owner engaged in a bittersweet ritual that struck me as deeply unsettling. They took selfies with Milo, capturing final moments with the dog that had been their loyal companion for over a decade. There was Milo, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, still offering his unconditional love and affection, wagging his tail and leaning into the embraces for what would be the last time with his family.

This act of capturing a farewell in photographs, while simultaneously preparing to abandon him, painted a vivid picture of the emotional conflict the owner might have felt. However, it was impossible to ignore the callousness of smiling for a camera, creating lasting memories, only to leave him behind moments later.

Milo sat there, a senior dog discarded in his twilight years, a living being treated with the fleeting consideration of an old toy that had lost its novelty. Yet, through it all, his spirit remained unbroken, his eyes still gleaming with the hope and love that make dogs such extraordinary companions. It was a moment that underscored the profound loyalty of dogs like Milo, and the sometimes incomprehensible actions of those they depend on.

Adopt Milo

Milo’s Grooming Needs

Milo is a fluffy fellow, but beneath his fur, the signs of neglect were apparent. His coat was matted, a clear indication that grooming had not been a priority. It’s a common issue, often due to financial constraints, but it’s important to remember the comfort and well-being of our furry friends. I vowed then and there to help Milo, promising to use donated funds to give him the grooming he so desperately needed.

Rallying for a Senior in Need

Watching Milo smile, I realized this discarded dog still had so much life to live. Immediately I shared his story on social media, and donations poured in for grooming and care. My followers instantly adored Milo too.

Now our mission is finding this deserving 12-year-old a new forever home. Milo may be a senior, but he’s a puppy at heart – an affectionate “pocket retriever” eager to share his days with a loving human. I won’t rest until this lovable dog gets the happy ending he deserves.

Milo taught me that despite age or hardship, choosing joy and trust is possible. All any of us needs is a little help and love. This special boy with a hard past but easy smile has more than earned both.