Mangy Shih Tzu Wandering Streets Gets New Home As 75 Seniors In A Care Home Unite To Adopt Him (Look)

Mangy Shih Tzu Wandering Streets Gets New Home As 75 Seniors In A Care Home Unite To Adopt Him (Look)

A few months ago, it seemed like he was the dog no one wanted—now he’s got a new leash on life, with lots of seniors doting over him.

The black and gray Shih Tzu was found wandering the streets of Austin, Texas. His fur was overgrown and matted. He had no tags—and no owner looking for him either. The 7-year-old pup had likely been homeless for months.

He was found by an employee of The Philomena, an assisted-living center in Kyle, Texas, run by Priscilla Duran. She’s a lover of dogs, so she took him to her vet where they discovered he had a microchip, a name, and an owner.

But when Ms. Duran contacted them about Chewy, they said they didn’t want the pooch anymore—and they even quickly blocked any phone number she called from, thwarting any more communication attempts.

It was clear Chewy needed a new home—and that’s where The Philomena would come to the rescue.

“I said, ‘What if he’s our dog?’” Duran told the Hays Free-Press. “Because at that point, it became very clear that he’s so good with people; he’s good with other dogs. He was already house-broken, well-mannered and didn’t bark at anything.”

“He doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. He’s just the chillest, coolest little guy.”

Now, the dog that no one seemed to want has become a beloved member of The Philomena family. He’s a regular visitor to the front office, greeting all those who enter and exit. And, on some days, he’s dressed up, looking like he’s going out on the town.

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Chewy regularly joins the residents for Scrabble nights, lazing in their laps and getting lots of scratches behind the ears. He enjoys frequent rides on the residents’ walkers and leaves a trail of happiness everywhere he goes.

“Our residents understand what it’s like to start fresh somewhere new,” Duran said in an interview with CBS Austin. “Just like they found a welcoming place here, Chewy has too. He’s more than a pet—he’s part of our community.”

Although he’s not an official therapy dog, four-legged bundle of joy provides those same services. For instance, the pooch works wonders with patients suffering from dementia, and some residents who struggle to communicate are suddenly sharing a few words to express how happy Chewy makes them feel.

“I’ve not seen him pass anybody who does not grin ear to ear by seeing this little dog,” says Duran. “Even in memory care, when words are not enough, you realize, with an animal and somebody with dementia, words aren’t needed.”

“Dogs are just proof that actions speak louder than words.”

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The wayward dog who had no home has found a new one. And now, he’s making the place a little brighter for everyone who lives there.

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