For 12 years, Zebadee only knew what it meant to be loved. The senior pup lived a quiet, cherished life with his owner—until everything changed. When the woman, 92 years old and no longer able to care for him, made the heartbreaking decision to surrender Zebadee to a rescue, it marked the start of an emotional journey no one saw coming.
Zebadee, nearly blind and deaf, arrived at Many Tears Rescue in Wales. Staff members were devastated. “No dog deserves to live at a rescue,” they wrote. “But for one that is 12 years old and has only ever known a home and love, it really is the worst possible place.”
A Plea That Broke the Internet’s Heart
The rescue posted his story on Instagram, asking followers to imagine “spending your whole life in a warm and loving home, only to find yourself getting surrendered in your old age.” The post included photos of Zebadee curled up in blankets, receiving gentle cuddles, and flashing a tired but trusting smile.
“This is the reality for our poor boy Zebadee,” the post continued. “He did nothing wrong, and neither did his beloved owner—she was just 92 years old and could no longer give him the care he needed.”
Instagram users quickly responded. “Poor confused boy and heartbreaking for his owner who couldn’t manage caring for her companion,” one wrote. Another added, “He deserves the best. What a sweetie pie… very heartbreaking to give up your fur baby.”
“How desperately sad for both of them,” said another commenter. “Very courageous of his elderly owner to part with him to ensure he was delivered into caring and loving hands.”
Love Came Knocking Again
Within 24 hours, the response was overwhelming. “He got reserved the very next day after the post,” a Many Tears spokesperson told Newsweek. “He received over 30 applications from the post alone.”
Though the rescue hasn’t heard from Zebadee’s new family, they remain hopeful. “No news is good news,” the spokesperson added. “We can always assume they’re doing very well unless we hear otherwise—we tend not to contact owners unless necessary after they adopt.”
For Zebadee, the worst was over. He now gets to spend his golden years as he began them—loved, safe, and cherished.
A Happy Ending—But Millions Still Wait
While Zebadee’s story ended with a second chance, many dogs aren’t as lucky. According to the ASPCA, an estimated 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in 2024 across the U.S., with 4.2 million adopted.
Zebadee’s story is a reminder of how one act of compassion—and one viral post—can change everything.
As the shelter so simply put it: “He doesn’t ask for a lot, so please don’t keep him waiting here for long.”
His journey also highlights the urgent need for more adopters willing to open their homes to senior pets. Older animals like Zebadee are often the last to be chosen, despite offering just as much love, loyalty, and gratitude as their younger counterparts. Choosing to adopt a senior pet not only changes their life—it might just change yours too.
