A 16-year-old dog found a loving home when a kind-hearted man adopted him, determined to make sure his final days were spent surrounded by care and happiness.
When we welcome a dog into our lives, we must accept that their time with us is much shorter than we’d like. While they share only a portion of our journey, we are their entire world, which is why we always strive to give them the best life possible. They give us unconditional love, and in return, they deserve the same.
This was exactly how Zack Skow, co-founder of Marley’s Mutts and the Pawsitive Change initiative, felt when he first laid eyes on an elderly dog named Henry at a rescue facility in Tehachapi, California. Unlike the younger, more energetic dogs at the shelter, Henry—at 16 years old—was frail, slow-moving, and had patches of gray fur.
Zack was deeply moved and couldn’t bear the thought of Henry spending his last years alone in a shelter. Without hesitation, in March 2021, he decided to become Henry’s foster parent, giving him a chance to make new friends and create happy memories.
At first, Henry struggled to move due to his age, but with love and patience, he slowly began regaining energy. To everyone’s surprise, he started walking more, exploring his surroundings, and even running around Zack’s garden—something Zack never expected to see.
While under Zack’s care, Henry was also diagnosed with testicular cancer. Thankfully, a successful surgery allowed him to overcome the illness, despite his weakened state.
Zack initially thought Henry had only a few months left, but the resilient old dog defied expectations. Instead of declining, he seemed to grow younger with time.
As much as Zack loved caring for Henry, he eventually had to make the difficult decision to find him a new, loving home—one where he could continue to receive the best care possible. After all, his goal was to ensure Henry lived out his golden years in comfort and happiness.
Today, Henry still enjoys the warmth of the sun, the beauty of the outdoors, and the love of a caring family. He even has a large social media following, with many people touched by his journey.
All of this was made possible because Zack saw an abandoned senior dog at a shelter and knew he deserved better. Thanks to his kindness, Henry transformed from a forgotten stray into a beloved companion, proving that every dog, no matter their age, deserves love and happiness.
