Chewy may be small, but this little Shih Tzu has filled an entire community with joy.
At The Philomena, an assisted-living center in Kyle, Texas, Chewy is more than just a pet, he’s part of the family. He trots around the front office like he owns the place, rides around on residents’ walkers, and spends evenings stretched across laps during Scrabble nights, soaking up scratches behind his ears. “I’ve not seen him pass anybody who does not grin ear to ear by seeing this little dog,” said The Philomena’s director, Priscilla Duran.
The love he’s brought has been especially powerful for those who need it most. Residents suffering from dementia have suddenly found words to describe the happiness he brings. “Even in memory care, when words are not enough, you realize, with an animal and somebody with dementia, words aren’t needed,” Duran shared. “Dogs are just proof that actions speak louder than words.”
But Chewy’s story didn’t begin so happily. Just months ago, the black-and-gray Shih Tzu was found wandering the streets of Austin, Texas. His fur was overgrown and matted, he had no tags, and no one seemed to be looking for him. The 7-year-old pup had likely been homeless for months.
An employee of The Philomena discovered him and took him to the vet, where a microchip revealed his name and an owner. But when Duran reached out, the family said they didn’t want him anymore, and quickly blocked her number.
That’s when Duran asked herself, “What if he’s our dog?”
It didn’t take long for Chewy to show he belonged. “Because at that point, it became very clear that he’s so good with people; he’s good with other dogs. He was already house-broken, well-mannered and didn’t bark at anything,” she said. “He doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. He’s just the chillest, coolest little guy.”
Now, the dog who once had no home is surrounded by love every day. “Our residents understand what it’s like to start fresh somewhere new,” Duran told CBS Austin. “Just like they found a welcoming place here, Chewy has too. He’s more than a pet, he’s part of our community.”
And with every wag of his tail, Chewy is proving just how much brighter life can be when you’re wanted.
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