When Chrissy walked into her local shelter that day, she thought she was just there to pull a few dogs for her rescue, Forgotten Now Family Rescue. But one heartbreaking scene stopped her in her tracks.
In the corner of the lobby, an elderly dog clung desperately to his owner’s leg — trembling, confused, and covered in years of neglect. His eyes were full of fear, but also of quiet pleading, as if he somehow knew this goodbye was different.
“He was caked in flea dirt, and the smell from his infection was clearing the lobby,” Chrissy told The Dodo.
Forgotten Now Family Rescue
Then she learned the unthinkable: his owner had brought him there to be put down.
Chrissy’s heart shattered — and she instantly knew she couldn’t let that happen.
“There was just something in his eyes,” she said. “He wasn’t done fighting yet.”
Without hesitation, Chrissy told the staff she would take him. The old dog — later named Seymour — looked up at her in disbelief.
Forgotten Now Family Rescue
“He was immediately thankful for me,” Chrissy said. “He looked at me shocked that I would even want to touch him.”
At 18 years old and severely neglected, Seymour became Chrissy’s fospice (foster hospice) dog. The vet confirmed he had multiple health issues, including painful growths and infections, but Chrissy’s only goal was to make him comfortable — to give him peace, love, and dignity in his final days.
What no one expected was just how strong Seymour’s will to live truly was.
I can’t believe today marks 1 year with you. January 11th last year I watched your owner dragging you toward the shelter door. Your old legs couldn’t keep up and you were so confused clinging to who you thought was your person . The rotting skin and tumors smelled so bad you actually were clearing out the lobby area.There was no way I would let your old bones go lay on that floor to die alone. I was only at the shelter to help my friend finish up our other intakes we were taking from that shelter quickly. I was there just at the right moment and our hearts were absolutely meant to be. You could hardly walk and your face was infected from the growths being untreated. I will never forget your face looking up at me while I was kicking off my favorite heels in the parking lot because your big self couldn’t walk any further – I had to carry you. You stared at me like what are you even doing? you look crazy- no way you can carry me .. You had no clue the amount of times I would carry you over the next year. The vets told me maybe even only a few days but removing those masses was only way to make you comfy.. so we did it. I brought you home and promised to show you all the things I wish you had before. My mission to save your heart started … little did I know you would save me instead. Pappy seymour this year has been the biggest gift to me. You have become the face that greets me every time I get home. You wait for me like I am your whole world. We became best friends. I so badly longed to have holidays and celebrate with you. I prayed about it a lot. I can’t believe we have now had them all. My prayers were answered. Today marks 1 full year. We have done it all. You celebrated every one of our family birthdays stealing bites of cake always , you dressed up with the kids for Halloween, we snuggled by the Christmas tree with cookies. Every single moment this year you have made my life so much better. I am yours and you are mine. Best friends forever. Here’s to a year seymour ❤️ I pray for so many more memories. I ask today if everyone could donate $1 in honor of his 1 year to help our rescue. 💰Venmo:‘forgottennowfamily 💰PayPal: Forgottennowfamily@gmail.com #hospice#fosteringsaveslives#myguy#youandme#dontbullymybreed❤#pittiesoftiktok#forgottennowfamilyrescue
“We expected a short hospice time with him, and even a few days in comfort would’ve been worth it to me,” Chrissy said. “Instead, he’s given me 13 months and going strong!”
Forgotten Now Family Rescue
In just one day, Seymour went from being unwanted and forgotten to being cherished beyond measure. He now spends his days surrounded by love, soft blankets, and people who see his heart instead of his age.
Forgotten Now Family Rescue
“Seymour is the best there ever was,” Chrissy said. “His heart is so kind. He’s everyone’s best friend.”
More than a year later, Seymour continues to prove that love — even found late in life — can heal the deepest wounds.
Forgotten Now Family Rescue
“I was there at just the right moment,” Chrissy said softly. “Our hearts were absolutely meant to be.”
