When a Dog Was Abandoned for Being “Too Old,” I Knew I Had to Adopt Her
It was a moment I couldn’t ignore. A senior dog, Chiquita, was being surrendered to a shelter. The video showed her former owner explaining that she no longer recognized them and had started growling. I couldn’t get it out of my head—this dog wasn’t just abandoned; she was abandoned at the time she needed love and care the most.
The minute I saw her story, I knew I had to act. I immediately reached out to the rescue involved and said, “I’ll adopt her.”
The Journey to Frosted Faces
Without hesitation, I packed up the car and headed from Los Angeles to San Diego to meet with Frosted Faces Foundation, a senior dog rescue dedicated to giving dogs like Chiquita a second chance. As soon as I saw her, I was smitten. Her tiny tongue hung out of her mouth, and her name, Chiquita, felt perfect—so much so that I started calling her “Chiquita Banana.”
I even ordered her adorable banana pajamas to match her new name. I wanted to give her as much love and comfort as possible from the start.
A New Start for Chiquita
When we arrived home, we were ready to shower her with love and care. She had her own little setup: a cozy crate and a safe place to rest. We started her on medication to ease her pain, and she seemed to find comfort quickly.
I’ve seen it before—dogs who seem like they don’t have much time left often thrive with the right care, love, and attention. Chiquita was no exception. For those first few days, it felt like she knew she was finally safe.
Meeting the Angels at Frosted Faces
One of the highlights of this journey was meeting the incredible team at Frosted Faces Foundation. Imagine walking into a place filled with adorable senior dogs, each one just wanting to love and be loved. It was heartwarming to see the amazing work they do every day.
If you ever get the chance to visit a senior dog rescue, do it. It’s one of the most uplifting experiences in the world.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
Back in Los Angeles, we focused on giving Chiquita everything she deserved: a proper nutrition plan, a backyard to explore, and all the love we could muster. But despite our best efforts, her little body started to give out.
It was as if she finally felt safe enough to let go. Chiquita’s time with us was heartbreakingly short—just a few days—but those days were full of love, comfort, and peace.
Why Senior Dogs Matter
When I think about Chiquita, my heart still aches. But there’s also joy in knowing we were able to show her she mattered in her final moments. She experienced love, safety, and dignity when she needed it most.
Her story is a powerful reminder of why adopting senior dogs is so important. They need us, but the truth is, we need them just as much. Adopting a senior dog isn’t just for them—it’s incredibly rewarding for you too.
Join the Mission
I want Chiquita’s story to inspire others to open their hearts and homes to senior dogs. A huge thank you goes out to Frosted Faces Foundation for their dedication to saving lives like hers.
If you believe in the mission of senior dog rescue, please share her story. Together, we can show the world how much these dogs matter. And if you’re ready to take the next step, consider adopting, fostering, or supporting rescues like Frosted Faces. Every small action makes a big difference.
