A video of a senior dog gathering the courage to climb onto a couch all on her own for the first time since finding her forever home has proved a hit on social media, garnering more than 7,000 likes and 46,600 views.
The footage of London, a 12-year-old golden retriever, was captured by her owner, Brittany Fischer (@brittnayy5) and shared on TikTok.
“London had hip pain from old age so she didn’t always jump around a lot,” Fischer told Newsweek. “She seemed to give us a ‘look’ that let us know she wanted help on the couch.
“So we would encourage her, and she would muster up the courage and make a big jump! She seemed to only want to be up there with us or invited by us. Until the day of that video when I came home to her there. And I gave her all kinds of praise.”
@brittnayy5/@brittnayy5
Sadly, London passed away not long after the video was made.
Despite the brief time they had together, London’s journey to Fischer’s Michigan home was filled with love and care. She was originally named by a previous owner who had to give her up after relocating to the U.K. After being loved by another owner who passed away suddenly, London was adopted by Fischer and her wife.
“We knew she was a senior dog, well-behaved, overweight, loved food, but well taken care of and so loved,” Fischer fondly recalled. “So my wife and I took her in. And it was the best three months of our lives. The summer of London.”
Adopting senior dogs, even when their time may be limited, is an incredibly rewarding experience, according to animal foundation.com.
Senior dogs bring with them a wealth of love and loyalty, and giving them a comfortable and loving home during their golden years can be one of the most fulfilling acts of kindness.
These older pets often require less training and are eager to share their affection with anyone willing to open their heart to them.
Reflecting on her time with London, Fischer described her as loyal, protective and loving.
“She would bark at anyone other than my wife and I coming into the house. And then we would let her know they were good, and then she wanted pets!” Fischer said. “She would make tippy tappys with her feet whenever my wife or I came home – even if we were gone for an hour.”
London had a zest for life, enjoying simple pleasures like watching the sunset from her little blowup pool on the deck, sniffing around the yard, lying in the grass and going for car rides.
She had a particular fondness for treats, especially whipped cream and peanut butter.
Although she just tolerated her cat siblings, she found joy in sneaking stealing their food in the middle of the night, Fischer revealed.
The TikTok community was deeply moved by London’s story, with many users praising Fischer for giving the senior dog a home where she felt loved and safe.
“Her little smile is adorable,” one user commented.
“Please tell her she is beautiful and I love her, and she is a VERY good girl,” another added.
“She is absolutely precious!! Please tell her I love her,” said a user named Aim.
Another TikToker said: “She knows she can trust you! Invaluable!!!”
“Heartbroken to hear of London’s passing but glad you had each other,” commented Tracey.
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