A 14-year-old Akita who spent her whole life with a family was surrendered just days before Christmas because of her ailing health, but now she's finally being treated the way she truly deserves.
After a lifetime with a family, Nena the senior Akita would have hoped for love and comfort during her golden years. Unfortunately, that wasn't how it played out, as the 14-year-old dog was taken to a shelter days before Christmas. The owners requested to have her euthanized because of her age and deteriorating health, but shelters don't euthanize upon request.
The owner was offered assistance to cover any medical costs, but he declined. Instead, he left Nene at the shelter in search of a new home.
Nene's story caught the attention of Celine Tran, 28, who told Newsweek that it was "absolutely heartbreaking" to think of what this poor senior dog had gone through. As a result, Tran, of Orange County, California, offered to foster Nene and brought her home on Christmas Eve.
"Knowing that this happened right before Christmas made it even more emotional," Tran said. "It felt incredibly sad and unfair, especially for a senior dog who clearly deserved comfort and compassion in her final years."
Tran gave Nene time to decompress as she was clearly overwhelmed and exhausted. She was, understandably, very quiet and "appeared depressed," so the priority was to help Nene feel safe.
After all, Nene had spent most of her life with a family and her life was suddenly turned on its head.
Nene was in extremely poor condition when she arrived. Her fur was severely matted, and she was covered in dead fleas.
Tran said: "The shelter had given her flea medication, which killed the fleas, but because her coat was so dense and had been neglected for such a long time, the dead fleas remained trapped underneath. Much of the fur along her back was falling out, and it was painfully clear that she had been neglected for a long time.
"She had a strong odor from a severe ear infection, was very quiet, and barely reacted to her surroundings."
By Christmas Day, Tran spent over four hours bathing, blow drying and brushing Nene’s fur. It was a full pamper day that she was desperately in need of.
An examination by a veterinarian the following day didn’t reveal any major health concerns, although Nene does have significant arthritis and an ear infection. She will be given arthritis medication to keep her as comfortable as possible.
Tran shared Nene’s heartbreaking story on TikTok (@celinetails) and it left the internet sobbing. The video introducing Nena went viral with over 721,900 views and more than 153,000 likes on TikTok at the time of writing.
Nena will stay in Tran’s home for the rest of her life as a hospice foster. She plans to ensure Nena feels safe, loved and comfortable for the remainder of her life, "until her body is ready to let go."
Nena's medical costs are being covered by Atlas Animal Rescue, who Tran greatly appreciates.
In the days since her arrival, Nena has already made great progress. Her coat looks healthier and is returning to normal, and she's moving around more on her own.
"Senior dogs deserve love too, and I hope her journey brings more awareness to the importance of caring for and adopting older dogs," Tran told Newsweek.
"Being abandoned just days before Christmas and then saved shortly after truly feels like a Christmas miracle. It took a village to get her out, and I am so grateful for everyone who stepped in. I would like to add a huge thank you to the rescue for saving her. Her story has touched a lot of hearts and people are invested in seeing her live out her final chapter with comfort and love."
Since Nena's story went viral, the TikTok post has generated over 2,000 comments from social media users as many people thanked Tran for saving Nena.
One comment reads: "She won the jackpot and gets to spend her golden time in comfort surrounded by love."
Another TikTok user wrote: "Akita's are so special!! Thank goodness the universe brought you together."
While one person replied: "Poor baby. One thing I just can't understand is abandoning your pet. The betrayal."