Nena, a 14-year-old Akita, should have been looking forward to spending her final days in comfort and familiar surroundings. But just before Christmas, her family made a decision that shocked thousands online: they handed her over to a rescue centre because of her age and declining health.
According to reports, her owners had requested she be put to sleep. The rescue centre refused, as they do not perform euthanasia for convenience. The family was also offered financial assistance for her veterinary care, but they declined. Nena was then simply abandoned at the centre, in need of a new home.
A heartbreaking discovery
The senior dog’s story, which took place in California, USA, quickly caught the attention of Céline Tran, a 28-year-old from Orange County. When she learned what had happened to Nena, she was immediately moved.
“It was absolutely heartbreaking,” she said. Knowing that Nena had been abandoned just days before Christmas made the situation even more painful. Céline decided to offer her a hospice foster home and brought Nena home with her on Christmas Eve.
When she arrived, Nena was exhausted, quiet, and withdrawn. She seemed overwhelmed by the sudden upheaval after spending most of her life in the same place, with the same people. Her physical condition was alarming. Her coat was heavily matted and infested with dead fleas, trapped in dense fur that had clearly been neglected for a long time. She had patches of missing fur on her back, and a strong smell revealed a severe ear infection.
“She was very quiet, almost vacant,” Céline explained. “She barely reacted to her surroundings.”
A new chapter of love and care
On Christmas Day, Céline spent more than four hours caring for Nena. She gave her a bath, dried her, and brushed her coat meticulously. It was a long, patient, and necessary process – a truly restorative experience for both body and soul.
The next day, a visit to the vet brought some reassuring news: no serious underlying conditions were found. However, Nena was suffering from severe arthritis and an ear infection, which are now being treated. She was also put on pain medication to ensure she is as comfortable as possible.
Céline shared Nena’s story on her TikTok account, @celinetails. The video touched the hearts of people online, quickly surpassing 720,000 views and gathering more than 150,000 likes.
Nena will stay with Céline as a hospice foster for the rest of her life. The goal is simple: to provide her with safety, peace, and affection until her body is ready to let go. Her medical expenses are being covered by Atlas Animal Rescue, a precious source of support for which Céline is very grateful.
Just a few days after her arrival, the improvements were already visible. Her coat is gradually returning to its normal condition, she is moving around more, and she seems more engaged with the world.
“Senior dogs deserve just as much love as any other dog,” Céline reminds us. “I hope her story will help change people’s perspectives on adopting older animals.”
