Dogs sadly don’t live as long as humans do, but some are blessed with good long lives. Once a dog reaches his senior years, every birthday is a milestone worth celebrating.
Like one sweet rescue dog, who recently turned 23 — an incredible age in dog years — and got a very special birthday party to celebrate.
Bully, a Chihuahua, has had a good long life, but when he was 21, he had a major life change: his elderly owner could no longer care for him, and he was taken in by the senior dog rescue The Mr. Mo Project, according to The Dodo.
It can be difficult for a dog to find himself in new surroundings at such an old age. Bully — also known as Bobo — is a “super senior” in dog years: he’s now well past the life expectancy of Chihuahuas.
But after two years in the rescue, Bully has adjusted to his new home and has continued to thrive.
“Bully is feisty, naughty, sweet, independent, gentle, calm and he has an old man bark,” Chris Hughes, who runs the rescue, told The Dodo. “Even at his age, he likes to try to push around another one of our Chihuahuas.”
Bully is now the rescue’s oldest resident — so when recently celebrated his incredible 23rd birthday, they made sure to celebrate in style.
According to a Facebook post, Bully was born on April 5, 1999. He is one of the few dogs still alive who has lived through two millenniums. He’s reached an age few dogs could dream of.
While it’s an occasion worthy of a big splash, this old dog preferred a more low-key celebration.
“He doesn’t have too many teeth, so we got a soft biscuit and crumbled it up for him to enjoy,” Hughes said. “He really enjoys sleeping, so that’s the best gift to give him.”
Chris Hughes started the Mr. Mo Project with his wife Mariesa, and senior dogs have a very special place in their hearts. They were inspired to start the rescue after caring for a 12-year-old dog named Moses who had been surrendered for “being too old.”
The couple has reportedly spent over $55,000 turning their home into a sanctuary for senior dogs, all to ensure these often-overlooked senior pets have a safe, loving place to spent their twilight years.
“We both work full-time jobs outside of The Mr. Mo Project,” Chris told Insider. “This is not a job, this is a labor of love. It’s where all our money goes toward.”
“A lot of these dogs that come to us are probably overlooked because of the way they look. They’ve got bad legs, bad teeth, crusted eyes, they’re matted. But they have so much life to live.”
They’ve seen many senior dogs come and go over the years, and are always sure to celebrate their dogs’ big life milestones.
“We try to celebrate all the great things that happen in our home because so often there are not-so-great things that happen,” Chris told The Dodo. “We celebrate when dogs finish chemo treatments, birthdays, adoptions and have been known to have Christmas in July if we think someone won’t make it until Christmas.”
And Bully’s big 23rd birthday was certainly one of the most special occasions — not just because of his remarkably advanced age, but because of how much he has meant to them over the past two years.
“When he came to us I honestly didn’t want to add another dog to our pack, especially a 21 year old,” the owners wrote on Instagram. “But you know what? The universe must have known we needed Bully because this dog brings us so much joy I can’t even imagine my life without him now.”
Happy birthday, Bully! What an incredible achievement to live to 23 — wishing you even more happy years ahead!
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