In Santa Rosa, California, a gentle Cattle Dog mix named Ace faced a significant change when his owner gave him up to the Humane Society of Sonoma County.
Despite his remarkable age of nineteen years, Ace’s journey took another unexpected turn when wildfires swept through Sonoma County shortly after his arrival.
Due to the urgent need for space to accommodate evacuees and their pets, Ace and other unadopted dogs were relocated. Ace found himself nearly 150 miles away at the Sacramento SPCA, where his story took a heartfelt twist.
When the news spread about a nineteen-year-old dog entering the shelter, Bonnie, a compassionate animal lover, took notice.
Speaking to The Dodo, she recalled, “The rescue posted him, and I didn’t know what kind of dog he was, I just knew that he was a 19-year-old dog. I immediately called and asked to foster him.”
Even with his age, Ace’s lively spirit caught everyone by surprise. Bonnie’s primary goal was to provide him with the comfort of a loving home, saying, “Because he’s nineteen. He’s been through enough, and he needs to get into a home.”
Initially, Ace appeared distant in his new foster home, but gradually, he began to warm up to Bonnie and even started to enjoy playtime with her other dogs.
Bonnie shared her observations, noting, “Ace thinks he’s two. It’s like a teenager or a much younger dog.”
It quickly became evident that Ace had a particular fondness for toys, cherishing them as if they were his most valued possessions.
Despite requiring assistance for his aging body and undergoing significant dental work, which involved the removal of twelve teeth, Ace eventually softened under Bonnie’s care.
His turning point came when he rested his head on Bonnie’s lap and nuzzled her, prompting her decision to officially adopt him.
However, as time went on, Ace’s temperament—as typical for his breed—posed some challenges. His independent nature and strong preference for toys over human interaction were noted by Bonnie, who eventually decided to part ways.
This led him to Lucky Ones Ranch, an animal sanctuary in Vacaville, California.
At the sanctuary, volunteers respected Ace’s independence, allowing him to spend his days as he pleased, playing incessantly with his beloved toys. “He preferred toys over people interaction,” the sanctuary remarked, accepting Ace just as he was.
Volunteers believed his obsession with toys stemmed from long periods of solitude earlier in life. The toys likely provided comfort during those times, an attachment that remained with him.
Ace lived contentedly at the sanctuary for another year and four months. He eventually passed away at the age of twenty, surrounded by the caring people and the toys he loved.
After all he had been through, Ace finally enjoyed the peaceful conclusion to his life that every dog deserves.
Read more Dogs News.
