Despite the hardships many dogs encounter, stereotypes often make their struggles even harder. This is especially true for an older canine in Los Angeles, California, who has been unfairly labeled as “damaged goods” by potential adopters.
A hard case for shelter staff
Eeyore, a senior dog, was saved from a kill shelter by Philozoia, an animal welfare group in Los Angeles. They shared his story on Facebook, highlighting his wonderful qualities: “He is crate and house-trained, kid-friendly, and would make a great family dog. Eeyore loves attention and naps, and he also has a playful side. He loves toys and takes his stuffed animal with him everywhere,” they posted.
However, despite these heartwarming details, finding a permanent home for Eeyore proved surprisingly tough, with even a temporary foster placement being hard to secure.
A hopeful beginning
Eeyore’s story eventually reached Harshey, a compassionate young woman deeply moved by his plight. Determined to help, she decided to foster him.
From her home, she shared his journey widely, aiming to reach more potential adopters. Hershey posted a video on TikTok, shedding light on Eeyore’s struggles.
“A senior dog with severe scarring and asthma is seen as damaged goods for most adopters. But Eeyore has been nothing but brave and kind since I picked him up tonight,” she captioned the video, which showed his physical scars and his gentle reaction to being petted.
The best boy
The video quickly touched the hearts of viewers, prompting a surge of emotional responses. Comments ranged from sorrowful reflections on human cruelty to hopeful wishes for Eeyore’s future.
“It’s unbelievable the pain and horror that humans inflict on these babies.
Thank you for loving him—he deserves only the best ❤️,” wrote one viewer. Another added, “Sweet, handsome Eeyore, I’m hoping with everything you find you’re happily ever after that you deserve❤️❤️.”
When asked why she didn’t just adopt Eeyore herself, Harshey responded, “Keeping him means more dogs that continue not to have a foster and are then at risk for euthanasia.”
Her reply underscored a bigger issue: the need for more individuals to open their homes to foster pets, enabling rescue organizations to save more lives.
Eeyore’s story, filled with difficulty yet uplifted by moments of optimism, serves as a powerful reminder of how stereotypes affect animal adoption.
It urges potential adopters to look beyond appearances and provide loving homes for dogs like Eeyore, who deserve a chance at happiness. We’re confident that Eeyore will soon find his forever home!