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Dog Spends 20 Years Living With His Owner, She Dumps Him At Shelter For Being Too Old
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Dog Spends 20 Years Living With His Owner, She Dumps Him At Shelter For Being Too Old

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Meet Sonoma, a 20-year-old doggie who is nearly blind and deaf and was just dumped at an animal shelter for being ‘too old’. The poor abandoned dog was so confused, suddenly finding himself in a strange new place without familiar faces. Luckily, Frosted Faces Foundation, a senior dog rescue based in San Diego, stepped in and decided to do everything so that the rest of Sonoma’s life would be spent with dignity. “At any age, the only languages a dog will ever know are fierce loyalty and love,” Kelly Smíšek, founder of Frosted Faces Foundation, told The Dodo. “There is nothing one can say to explain to your old dog all of the reasons you feel your decision of abandonment is justified, and that is why we operate Frosted Faces Foundation dog rescue operation.”

The vets checked his health. Apart from an ulcer in his eye that they treated, infected ears, a handful of masses, and skin tags, his blood tests came back fine. “Perhaps the only thing he requires beyond the treatment for his eyes and ears is a loving home!” Smíšek added: “Sonoma’s days will go on, his heart will heal, and we will be his advocates. ”

Whoever Sonoma’s new foster parents will be, Frosted Faces will be helping with the medical expenses for the rest of this cute dog’s life.

More info: Frosted Faces Foundation | Facebook | Instagram (h/t: thedodo)

Meet Sonoma, a 20-year-old doggie who is nearly blind and deaf and was dumped at a shelter for being ‘too old’

The poor dog was so confused, suddenly finding himself in a strange new place without familiar faces

Luckily, Frosted Faces Foundation, a senior dog rescue based in San Diego, stepped in

“At any age, the only languages a dog will ever know are fierce loyalty and love”

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“There is nothing one can say to explain… reasons you feel your decision of abandonment is justified”

Apart from some minor problems that are being treated, Sonoma is a healthy dog

“Perhaps the only thing he requires beyond the treatment for his eyes and ears is a loving home!”

“Sonoma’s days will go on, his heart will heal, and we will be his advocates “

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Frosted Faces are looking for a loving forever home and will be helping with Sonoma’s medical bills

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jlk103144 avatar
John L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These people should never be allowed to have any more four-legged children. Its important to know that you have to take the good times with the bad, because that's Life! When you assume responsibility of others, that doesn't mean just some that you want to observe.

valentinalomartire avatar
Valentina
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The people should also be punished by the law. They have dumped a living, loving, needy animal being and caused pain and suffering.

Load More Replies...
michel-m-prins avatar
Michel M. Prins
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The very moment you even think to bring a dog back to the shelter, after 20 years of caring for them, you should re-think your WHOLE life.

stephen-bormann avatar
htbq
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

guess I'll abandon my parents because they are "too old". so much dumb people..

wowdo avatar
propername
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get how people can abandon an older dog that has lived with them for so many years, I mean didn't they form some kind of emotional bond with their pet after all that time? Also senior dogs are adorable.

nql avatar
NQ L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wtf?? This is when they need us the most. Cold hearted person. She doesn't deserve his love. Rot in hell moron.

emreinar avatar
Emre
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just, how the F**K you can do this! I'm a 32 years old man and crying at office... How can one be so heartless and abandone a lifelong friend...

wuufman avatar
Ron Ankney
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The aren't real People Emre, they are pieces of human refuse that just resemble people. One can only hope they are never allowed to have another animal in their care for the remainder of their lives.

Load More Replies...
elesbian avatar
Elina Kuusisto
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an amazing organization! It's sad they need to exist (!!!) but they do and I'm glad they're there. Sending lots of love to Sonoma!! <3

gvblack avatar
Gillian Black
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

our animals are OURS for life no matter what I hope those who abanded that lovely precious dog never be allowed to own any other animal. They love us for ever and are so loyal, when my Husband paassed my dogs were there for me through thick and thin .My old dog was blind for the last 5 years of his life but that made no difference to us. shoot the creeps who do thissort of thing g.

jenniester avatar
Jenni Ester
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've only had my dog for 6 months and I am glued to her when I am not at work. If the owner had him for 20 yrs maybe he/she is an older folk

jenniester avatar
Jenni Ester
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not saying that abandoning your dog is okay. It's terrible, but maybe the owner was too old to even care for him/herself.

Load More Replies...
clairekidd avatar
Claire Kidd
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This made me cry. I can't bare to think of this poor dog being taken away from everything that was familiar to him and just dumped like this. It's a very cruel thing to do and also distressing for the poor dog. I feel very sorry for him. I hope with all my heart that he gets a loving home very soon.

mariarohlen avatar
Maria Rohlen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What terrible persons would do this to an old family member? They shouldn't be allowed to have anything living around them for the rest of their life's, not even plats.

judeeduffy avatar
Judee Duffy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see so many negative comments, but you may not know the actual reasons. It may be the person was not financially or physically able to take care of the dog & knew by giving her to the shelter, the dog would get help & have a chance at life. Please don't be too harsh; save it for the people that abuse their animals & leave them out in the cold.

judy_hofer avatar
Judy Hofer
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope this story goes viral and all shelters and breeders read this. The family that abandoned this loving dog should NEVER EVER have a dog again. It would have been better to put him down, not that I wish that for the dog.

ambereberry1 avatar
Amber Berry
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a question... could the animal have out lived his owner and that's why he was returned to the shelter? I have seen way too much animal abuse reports lately, and had to euthanize two of my fur babies 3 weeks apart due to illness. My heart is. Reading for animals right now. I am sick of my heart breaking I want to see some good!

hjone139 avatar
Koko Sempai
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

who the fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff..rick would DO THAT?!

badams avatar
Brad Adams
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a heartless bastard. I have no doubt that Sonoma dedicated himself to his "Owner" just to be discarded like this is reprehensible. I hope Sonoma gets lots and lots of love and cuddles in his remaining senior years.

beth_2 avatar
Beth Scott
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't help wondering if this is only half the story. Perhaps the dog belonged to an older person who either died or had to move into a home. If their children couldn't take on the dog, either they have other pets or a home where dogs aren't allowed, then the dog would probably too old for them to be able to find a home for. In that case handing him into the shelter meant he had more chance of being rehomed. Remember they always had the option of taking him on his last journey to a vet so handing him in shows they do care. Of course I could be completely wrong, but it's possible none the less.

kukubook avatar
PrzemKo
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have a dog of 20 years - this is a great success !! I wish my dogs live so long! But people can't persist emotionally, they can't deal with stupid beliefs... What happens to our culture?

christianhill avatar
Jonathan Eatsalot
Community Member
6 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Pfffttt......humans do this all the time............to other humans

lsmithtc99 avatar
Lynn Smith
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jonathan is the resident a*****e here, always leaving mean comments. Stick around kids, you'll see.

Load More Replies...
jlk103144 avatar
John L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These people should never be allowed to have any more four-legged children. Its important to know that you have to take the good times with the bad, because that's Life! When you assume responsibility of others, that doesn't mean just some that you want to observe.

valentinalomartire avatar
Valentina
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The people should also be punished by the law. They have dumped a living, loving, needy animal being and caused pain and suffering.

Load More Replies...
michel-m-prins avatar
Michel M. Prins
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The very moment you even think to bring a dog back to the shelter, after 20 years of caring for them, you should re-think your WHOLE life.

stephen-bormann avatar
htbq
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

guess I'll abandon my parents because they are "too old". so much dumb people..

wowdo avatar
propername
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get how people can abandon an older dog that has lived with them for so many years, I mean didn't they form some kind of emotional bond with their pet after all that time? Also senior dogs are adorable.

nql avatar
NQ L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wtf?? This is when they need us the most. Cold hearted person. She doesn't deserve his love. Rot in hell moron.

emreinar avatar
Emre
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just, how the F**K you can do this! I'm a 32 years old man and crying at office... How can one be so heartless and abandone a lifelong friend...

wuufman avatar
Ron Ankney
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The aren't real People Emre, they are pieces of human refuse that just resemble people. One can only hope they are never allowed to have another animal in their care for the remainder of their lives.

Load More Replies...
elesbian avatar
Elina Kuusisto
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an amazing organization! It's sad they need to exist (!!!) but they do and I'm glad they're there. Sending lots of love to Sonoma!! <3

gvblack avatar
Gillian Black
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

our animals are OURS for life no matter what I hope those who abanded that lovely precious dog never be allowed to own any other animal. They love us for ever and are so loyal, when my Husband paassed my dogs were there for me through thick and thin .My old dog was blind for the last 5 years of his life but that made no difference to us. shoot the creeps who do thissort of thing g.

jenniester avatar
Jenni Ester
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've only had my dog for 6 months and I am glued to her when I am not at work. If the owner had him for 20 yrs maybe he/she is an older folk

jenniester avatar
Jenni Ester
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not saying that abandoning your dog is okay. It's terrible, but maybe the owner was too old to even care for him/herself.

Load More Replies...
clairekidd avatar
Claire Kidd
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This made me cry. I can't bare to think of this poor dog being taken away from everything that was familiar to him and just dumped like this. It's a very cruel thing to do and also distressing for the poor dog. I feel very sorry for him. I hope with all my heart that he gets a loving home very soon.

mariarohlen avatar
Maria Rohlen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What terrible persons would do this to an old family member? They shouldn't be allowed to have anything living around them for the rest of their life's, not even plats.

judeeduffy avatar
Judee Duffy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see so many negative comments, but you may not know the actual reasons. It may be the person was not financially or physically able to take care of the dog & knew by giving her to the shelter, the dog would get help & have a chance at life. Please don't be too harsh; save it for the people that abuse their animals & leave them out in the cold.

judy_hofer avatar
Judy Hofer
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope this story goes viral and all shelters and breeders read this. The family that abandoned this loving dog should NEVER EVER have a dog again. It would have been better to put him down, not that I wish that for the dog.

ambereberry1 avatar
Amber Berry
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a question... could the animal have out lived his owner and that's why he was returned to the shelter? I have seen way too much animal abuse reports lately, and had to euthanize two of my fur babies 3 weeks apart due to illness. My heart is. Reading for animals right now. I am sick of my heart breaking I want to see some good!

hjone139 avatar
Koko Sempai
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

who the fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff..rick would DO THAT?!

badams avatar
Brad Adams
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a heartless bastard. I have no doubt that Sonoma dedicated himself to his "Owner" just to be discarded like this is reprehensible. I hope Sonoma gets lots and lots of love and cuddles in his remaining senior years.

beth_2 avatar
Beth Scott
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't help wondering if this is only half the story. Perhaps the dog belonged to an older person who either died or had to move into a home. If their children couldn't take on the dog, either they have other pets or a home where dogs aren't allowed, then the dog would probably too old for them to be able to find a home for. In that case handing him into the shelter meant he had more chance of being rehomed. Remember they always had the option of taking him on his last journey to a vet so handing him in shows they do care. Of course I could be completely wrong, but it's possible none the less.

kukubook avatar
PrzemKo
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have a dog of 20 years - this is a great success !! I wish my dogs live so long! But people can't persist emotionally, they can't deal with stupid beliefs... What happens to our culture?

christianhill avatar
Jonathan Eatsalot
Community Member
6 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Pfffttt......humans do this all the time............to other humans

lsmithtc99 avatar
Lynn Smith
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jonathan is the resident a*****e here, always leaving mean comments. Stick around kids, you'll see.

Load More Replies...
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