Arizona Dog Sleeps Through Her New Friend’s Nightly Kisses, And The Reason Is Incredibly Sweet
After arriving at a shelter as a stray, an older dog named Mimi thought her story was over. Then, a specialized rescue stepped in, and a fellow senior dog made it his daily mission to love her.
Left Behind In A Crowded Shelter
When an older dog ends up alone in a shelter, the environment can be incredibly overwhelming.
For a senior dog named Mimi, the loud noises and unfamiliar faces were a stark contrast to the quiet, comforting life she deserved.
She had arrived as a stray, and heartbreakingly, no one ever came to the shelter to claim her.
At an estimated 12 to 14 years old, Mimi’s chances of finding a loving family were slowly slipping away.
A Race Against Time
Older dogs can start to deteriorate very quickly after just a few days in a stressful shelter environment.
Fortunately, Mimi’s gentle face caught the attention of Paula from Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home.
The rescue focuses on geriatric and hospice animals, providing a safe haven for those living out their golden years.
Once Paula and her team met the gorgeous senior girl, they knew they had to scoop her up and bring her home.
Scars From A Difficult Past
It was clear that Mimi had lived a long and challenging life before her rescue.
She showed signs of having many litters of puppies, leading her rescuers to wonder if she had been abandoned once she was no longer useful for breeding.
Her ears had been cropped, and there were signs she had either been poorly cared for or had survived on the streets for a long time.
Despite the neglect she had endured, Mimi still had a heart completely full of love to give.
An Unexpected Friendship
At the retirement home, Mimi wasn’t the only senior resident looking for comfort and companionship.
She crossed paths with a 15-year-old dog named Teddy Swims, who had actually come from the exact same facility, Pima Animal Care Center.
Teddy immediately took an interest in the new arrival.
Instead of just sharing space, the elderly boy decided he wanted to be Mimi’s personal caretaker.
The Sweetest Nightly Ritual
Every day before bed, Teddy Swims and Mimi share a heartwarming routine.
The 15-year-old dog will sweetly stalk his new friend, waiting patiently for her to lay down and rest.
Once she is settled, Teddy begins to gently clean her face, showering her with affection.
Mimi is so relaxed and patient with her devoted friend that she will often sleep right through his loving kisses.
A Perpetual Smile
Despite her rough past and her advanced age, Mimi’s personality is incredibly sweet and gentle.
She walks around the rescue with her mouth slightly open and her tongue hanging out, looking as though she is genuinely smiling.
Her happy demeanor radiates to everyone she meets, proving that her personality perfectly matches her adorable face.
She even approaches strangers with a low head and a wagging tail, offering a kind introduction to ensure no one is afraid of her.
Finding Joy In The Quiet Moments
Running a geriatric hospice rescue can sometimes be a sad and emotionally taxing endeavor.
However, having a dog like Mimi around brings immense comfort and happiness to the sanctuary.
She happens to be completely deaf, though Paula admits she constantly forgets and talks to her anyway.
Paula hopes that even if Mimi can’t hear the words, she can feel the deep love and intention behind them.
A Promise For Eternity
Mimi is now in good health, aside from a few harmless "old lady lumps" that her caretakers keep a close eye on.
Paula treasures every single moment they share, knowing that time is always limited with a senior hospice dog.
She makes sure to tell the sweet girl just how much she loves her to pieces every single day.
And when the time eventually comes for Mimi to cross the rainbow bridge, she has strict orders from Paula: she is not allowed to cross without her, so they can be together forever.
