A touching story emerged when a senior Chihuahua named Benji found a loving home at the age of 18. Left at a shelter during his golden years, he was adopted by Emi, who was determined to fill his remaining time with joy.
Emi shared Benji’s journey on TikTok, where it quickly gained traction, amassing over 430,000 views since its posting on October 11. The video begins with a somber shot of Benji in a shelter, looking through a wire fence, underscored by the text, “You were 18 when your family gave you up.”
However, the mood shifts as the montage reveals Benji’s newfound happiness—snuggling with Emi, exploring the outdoors, and radiating joy. Emi expressed, “He was at the shelter only two days before I knew you were coming home with me.”
Throughout the highlights, she emphasizes their mission: “You were hospice, so we knew we needed to make your last days the best ones.” Benji enjoyed a full summer, celebrated Halloween and Christmas, and even marked his 19th birthday with his new family.
Ultimately, they had to part ways, with Emi sharing a heartfelt message reflecting on their bond: “We now forever have a Benji-sized hole in our hearts.” In the comments, TikTok users praised Emi’s compassion and expressed their disbelief over Benji’s abandonment.
One user wrote, “People who foster hospice dogs are amazing—better than me. That hole is hard,” while another lamented, “Why are people so cruel?” Emotionally charged comments flooded in expressing gratitude for Emi’s love and the sweet life Benji experienced.
Sadly, senior dogs like Benji face significant challenges in finding homes, often being adopted at half the rate of younger pets, according to the ASPCA. However, there are many benefits to welcoming older animals into your home. They come with fully formed personalities, are often basic-trained, and are typically more adaptable to living alongside other pets.