In June 2024, a senior dog named Kino was found wandering alone on a busy freeway in Oakland, California, a heartbreaking and terrifying situation for any dog, but especially for an elderly one. Abandoned and clearly confused, Kino’s story quickly gained attention as animal rescuers stepped in to help. The sight of the frightened dog, left to fend for himself, was a stark reminder of the cruelty he had endured. Little did he know that this moment, while tragic, would become the turning point toward a brighter future filled with love and care.
Kino was quickly rescued by Oakland Animal Services after being found on the freeway. The team at the shelter wasted no time in trying to locate his owner, hoping that there had been a mistake or misunderstanding. Perhaps Kino had gotten lost, and someone was frantically searching for him. Unfortunately, the truth that emerged was far more tragic. After some investigation, the shelter staff made contact with Kino’s owner, only to learn that his abandonment had been intentional. His owner no longer wanted him and had deliberately dumped him on the side of the road, leaving him to fend for himself.
This revelation devastated the shelter workers, who couldn’t comprehend how anyone could be so heartless toward a senior dog that had likely given years of loyalty. But despite their sadness, they were determined not to let Kino’s story end in despair. The team at Oakland Animal Services decided to take the next step in securing Kino’s future by transferring him to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. Located in nearby San Francisco, Muttville specializes in finding loving homes for older dogs—dogs who are often overlooked due to their age.
At Muttville, Kino’s journey toward healing truly began. The rescue organization understood that senior dogs like Kino have often experienced trauma or loss and that they require special care, patience, and love to regain their confidence. The staff at Muttville immediately began searching for the perfect foster home for Kino, someone who would give him the time and attention he needed to adjust to life again after such a heartbreaking experience.
Enter Lisa Arden, a longtime foster mom with a heart of gold and a soft spot for senior dogs. Lisa had fostered numerous older dogs through the years and had built a reputation for being able to bring comfort and security to dogs who had been through difficult circumstances. When Lisa heard about Kino’s story, she didn’t hesitate for a second. She knew she could give him the home he desperately needed, and soon, Kino found himself in Lisa’s care.
When Kino first arrived at Lisa’s home, it was clear that he had been through a lot. His body language was timid, and he was extremely cautious around new people. He had been abandoned by the person he had trusted most, and his emotional wounds were deep. Kino was shy, unsure, and didn’t seem to understand that he was finally safe. Lisa, who had seen many dogs in similar situations, knew that it would take time to win Kino’s trust, but she was patient. She approached him with kindness and gave him the space to heal on his own terms.
Little by little, Kino began to come out of his shell. The more time he spent with Lisa and her family, the more comfortable he became. His initial fear and hesitation slowly gave way to curiosity and affection. He started to trust again, leaning into Lisa’s gentle touch and responding to the love he was being shown. Over time, Kino’s true personality began to shine through, revealing a dog full of loyalty, warmth, and gratitude.
Lisa, touched by Kino’s transformation, wanted to share his story with the world. She turned to TikTok, where she had already built a following through her account, @allthefosterpups, where she shared the stories of the dogs she fostered. Knowing how much Kino had endured, Lisa hoped that by sharing his journey, she might inspire others to see the beauty and value in senior dogs like Kino.
In a heartfelt video, Lisa introduced Kino to her followers. In the caption, she described him as a “happy, loyal, and loving dog” who was shy at first but quickly became affectionate once he opened up. She wanted people to know that despite everything he had been through, Kino was still full of love to give—and he deserved a home where he could live out the rest of his days in peace and happiness.
The response was overwhelming. Kino’s story touched the hearts of thousands, and the video quickly went viral. Animal lovers everywhere were moved by his resilience and by the love and care that Lisa had provided him. It wasn’t long before potential adopters started reaching out, wanting to give Kino the forever home he deserved.
Just a week after Lisa’s TikTok video was posted, the moment that everyone had been hoping for finally arrived. An amazing family saw the video and fell in love with Kino. They reached out to Lisa, expressing their desire to adopt him and give him the stable, loving home he had been waiting for. After so much hardship, Kino’s life was about to take a beautiful turn.
To celebrate Kino’s new beginning, Lisa threw him a farewell party—a joyous occasion to mark the end of his foster journey and the beginning of his life with his forever family. The party was filled with love, laughter, and plenty of treats for Kino, who had become a beloved member of Lisa’s family during his time in her care. It was an emotional day, but one filled with hope and happiness for Kino’s future.
The next morning, after a night of celebration, the moment of truth arrived. Kino’s new family arrived to take him home, and there was no doubt in their minds—they were ready to welcome him into their lives with open arms. As Kino walked out of Lisa’s home and into the loving embrace of his new family, it was clear that this senior dog, once abandoned and betrayed, had finally found his happy ending.
For Kino, this new chapter of life is one filled with love, security, and the promise of a forever home. Thanks to the compassion and determination of the people at Oakland Animal Services, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, and Lisa Arden, Kino was given the second chance he so richly deserved. His story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the power of kindness.
After all the pain and hardship, Kino has risen like a phoenix, leaving behind the scars of his past and flying toward a future filled with love. No longer the scared and lonely dog found on a freeway, Kino is now cherished by a family who will never let him go. His journey, though filled with heartbreak, ultimately led him to a life where he will be loved and cared for, proving that it’s never too late for a second chance.
With the support of animal advocates and the help of social media, Kino’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of senior dog rescue. His life, once filled with uncertainty, is now one of joy and fulfillment, thanks to the incredible people who refused to give up on him.
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@allthefosterpups Kino got adopted by the sweetest family today! He gets 2 human siblings and a doggie sibling. And best of all he gets to keep watching the sunset every evening in his own backyard. Thank you to the Ross family for giving this very deserving boy a second chance. #seniordog #dogsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Lisa & Senior Pups
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