Back in November of 2017, Shey’s family surrendered him to the folks at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. The miniature poodle’s family was moving. And they weren’t taking him along. He was 14 years old.

Shey was deaf, half-blind and all but toothless, but none of that mattered to Tristan.

Upon vetting him, folks at the shelter discovered that Shey was suffering from dental disease; he had just one tooth that hadn’t succumbed to rot. He also needed to be neutered. He got the medical care he needed, but seniors often languish in shelter situations. Shey was all but toothless, deaf and half-blind.

“There wasn’t exactly a line out the door of adopters waiting to meet him” wrote the folks at the Dodo.

But then Tristan showed up.

Tristan wasn’t bothered by any of the things that made Shey a less-than-attractive prospect for potential adopters. He and his mom were looking for a small dog who loved cuddles. The staff put them together and made a perfect match.

Adopters weren’t lining up for poor Shey, whose age and special needs were daunting to most.

“Shey is super sweet and wants to be near people all the time,” Jessica Jorgenson, digital content coordinator for the rescue, told The Dodo.
When Shey was placed into Tristan’s lap, those on hand to see it said his face just lit up with joy! Shey, too, felt safe in the boy’s loving arms.

The adoption staff sat Tristan down and carefully explained all of Shey’s special needs. He listened just as carefully.

“He understood that Shey couldn’t hear what was going on and might not be able to see things clearly, so he was very slow with his actions,” Jorgenson said. “He was just very respectful of what Shey could and couldn’t handle.”

Tristan even pulled out his phone during the meeting to take notes about what to bring to the vet for future vaccinations! He told the staff that he had a special place in his room set up for their new family member.

It was love at first cuddle!

“He was so mindful of Shey’s special needs,” Jorgenson added. “Tristan is very mature for his age and asked a ton of questions.”
Seeing how ready for a dog the young boy was, it was a no-brainer — and the fact that he was so responsible about adopting a senior dog was just another plus.

Despite the special place in Tristan’s room, Shey’s new favorite place is in Tristan’s arms!

Although the old pupper spent a few sad months waiting for a new family, Tristan is helping make up for that lost time. And lots of lost snuggles.