Even when all hope is lost, there is still love that can be shown. Or at least that’s what Sophiane Nacer would tell you.
When Nacer found out that the Adams County Animal Shelter in Colorado took in a stray dog that was covered in tumors and would likely die soon, she wanted to make his final day one of the best he’s ever had.
“Even if it was just for a day,” the 19-year-old is the founder of Cayleb’s Kindred Senior Dog Rescue told TODAY.
Nacer took Hippo home from the shelter after the five day waiting period. Poor Hippo’s skin was enlarged and inflamed, so she wasn’t sure if he would be able to handle touch or would be too tired to enjoy his day.
“We were kind of unsure if he was going to be receptive to anything,” she said.
Her uncertainty quickly faded as soon as Hippo began to wag his tail in excitement. So, she knew he was down for a good time.
“He would approach you with everything he had,” Nacer recalls.
So, now that Nacer knew that Hippo was in the right spirit for some fun she was going to make sure he had it. First, the duo went to Starbucks for a Puppuccino, a secret item on the menu especially for dogs and made from whipped cream.
And he absolutely loved it. Next, they went to a park to play. It was there that Hippo made some new friends and was treated to a delicious meal. He also got to drink some lake water, which Nacer wouldn’t normally allow a dog to do but she let it slide considering his situation.
His fun-filled day lasted about five hours long. And after the day was through he was completely pooped.
“You could tell that he had enjoyed the day but he was done,” Nacer said. “It was time and he knew it.”
Hippo was brought back to Nacer’s home where he could be comfortable. Nacer had a veterinary euthanasia specialist come to the house with a roast chicken.
“He gobbled it, then fell asleep,” Nacer said. “He passed very peacefully.”
Nacer is a firm believer that every dog should leave this world knowing that it is loved on their final day.
“We got a good day,” she said. “He loved it.”
You can make a contribution to Cayleb’s Kindred Senior Dog Rescue so they can help more dogs like Hippo here.
“We’re so happy Hippo’s story is being shared,”Cayleb’s Kindred Senior Dog Rescue wrote on Facebook. “Hopefully we will get support so we can do more of these ‘happy last days” (and some happy last years too!).”
You can watch a video of the fun day Hippo had below!
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