Do you recall your 23rd birthday? The majority of people do not because it is not a particularly significant birthday. However, a dog reaching the age of 23 is a significant achievement!
Bully the Chihuahua reached that age and became the non-profit rescue's oldest dog. Of course, he received a nice birthday party complete with balloons, a bone-shaped, delectable treat, and plenty of naps.
Bully is currently being cared for by Chris and Mariesa Hughes at a non-profit shelter. The shelter is called The Mr. Mo Project and it is a private dog rescue for seniors. Though there are a few other dogs over the age of 20, Bully is the shelter's main super senior.
Bully, the Chihuahua, celebrated his 23rd birthday with a special treat and plenty of naps.
The adorable dog was born on April 5, 1999, and spent 21 years with his first adoptive family.
Bully was born on April 5, 1999, and he has had quite the life. He was adopted by a loving family soon after his birth. He made many friends, was always with his humans, and enjoyed playing outside. However, as his owner approached retirement age, he was unable to care for Bully.
It was difficult for him to accept, but he found Bully a good home with Chris and Mariesa. Bully's previous owner described him as a big do inside the body of a small dog. Chris soon realized that was an accurate description! Bully was still independent, feisty, gentle, sweet, and calm despite his age.
Unfortunately, Bully's elderly owner could no longer provide adequate care, so he found the pup a new home.
The Hugheses run a non-profit rescue in which they find safe and happy homes for senior dogs.
Bully is a small boy with a big personality! However, as we all know, old age catches up with us all, and he is no exception. For example, he sleeps more than younger dogs and can fall asleep almost anywhere. As a result, his 23rd birthday celebration consisted of a lot of naptime and a soft, crumbly biscuit.
It's worth noting that the Hughes were initially hesitant to add another dog to the mix. But they quickly fell in love with Bully's antics and realized he brought them a lot of joy. They have no idea what they would do without him!
But Bully wouldn't be going anywhere else because the Hughes fell in love with him right away.
Bully's birthday post was widely shared, and he received a great deal of attention, donations, and gifts.
However, the Hughes family is not the only ones who adore Bully! Thousands of people commented on his birthday post, wishing the pup a very happy birthday. Many people went above and beyond by sending gifts and donations.
For example, Barkbox, a company that provides monthly subscriptions of treats, toys, and chews, sent Bully a lovely gift box. The Hughes were overwhelmed by the number of birthday cards and gifts that were sent to make Bully's day extra special.
The Hughes have a habit of celebrating every occasion, so this isn't the first or last time.
Bully isn't the only senior dog getting birthday parties at The Mr. Mo Project. The Hughes celebrate each dog in any way they can! Not only birthdays, but also adoptions, holidays, finishing medical treatments, and any other occasion worth commemorating.
They do this because good things don't happen as frequently for senior dogs, especially those who have health issues. The non-profit rescue is named after Mr. Mo, the family's late senior dog.
The Hughes began the project to save senior dogs from shelters across the country and to remember their late senior dog, Mr. Mo.
It is uncommon for dogs to live to be 23, so why do some dogs live longer?
Surprisingly, Chihuahuas often live longer lives than other breeds. Even so, 23 years is an incredible achievement! Dogs can live for 10 to 13 years on average. According to studies, larger dogs die younger because they age faster than smaller breeds.
Because of their size, larger dogs' physiological processes are more strained. In other words, because of their size, they deteriorate faster. It's the opposite for smaller breeds, which explains why Chihuahuas live longer lives.
But there are things we can do to help our dogs live longer lives and stay with us longer.
It should be noted that lifestyle is a major factor, so if you want your dog to live longer, you must provide a healthy one. PetMD has a wealth of information on this subject, and speaking with your veterinarian for advice is also a good idea.
Additionally, getting your dog annual checkups and taking care of their dental health is also important. Small issues can turn into something else, so it’s best to catch and treat them early.
Weight is one of the most important factors to consider. You want your dog to be in good shape. Being overweight reduces the dog's quality of life and shortens its lifespan.
We understand how difficult it is to resist when they are begging for some of our food with their puppy eyes. We must, however, resist and only feed them at appropriate times throughout the day.
Getting your dog annual checkups and caring for their dental health is also important. Small problems can grow into bigger ones, so it's best to catch and treat them early.
It's also critical to encourage exercise without overworking the dog breed. Socialization with other dogs and humans, as well as adequate playtime, are critical for their physical and mental health.
Last but not least, your dogs must be neutered or spayed. The process may be difficult and even dangerous, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. It remains one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of behavioral issues and many types of cancer.
Let us take good care of our four-legged friends so that we can enjoy them for as long as possible and have many more birthdays than we ever imagined. Thank you for taking the time to read this! And if it's your dog's birthday, give them a big hug for us!