Hippo was a stray dog who was too ill to be saved from death’s clutches.

Just how hard it is to say goodbye? Well, if this dog and his rescuer are any indication, it is not easy… but it can also be beautiful.

Hippo had tumors all over his face and all other signs to show that he had a rough life in the past. Everyone knew that his life was ending – very soon.

stray sick dog with tumor
Sophiane Nacer

On the other hand, a 19-year-old girl named Sophiane Nacer, who is also the founder of Cayleb’s Kindred Senior Dog Rescue was determined to give the poor dog both love and affection before he finally went.

She adopted Hippo and vowed to give him only the best for the remaining days of his painful life. Moreover, Hippo was rescued and brought to the Adams County Animal Shelter in Colorado.

The vets from the shelter found him to be “obviously in failing health with multiple tumors,” Jim Siedlecki, the shelter’s spokesperson explained.

Under state law, Hippo was required to be at the shelter’s custody for five days. Nacer, whose nonprofit specializes in helping ill senior dogs, got Hippo out on Oct. 18 — after waiting for that period to be through.

ill dog before saying goodbye
Sophiane Nacer

Just by looking at the helpless condition of the dog, Nacer was not even sure if he would like to be touched because his skin seemed to be too painful to caress. His skin was in pretty bad condition, and she thought that bringing him on any kind of adventure was not such a good idea.

But everything changed when she saw Hippo wag his tail. Hippo, although he looked very sick, did not give up on life without giving it a good fight. He decided to have fun on his last day on Earth. He had car rides where he felt free, he had some walks at the park, and he met a couple of new friends. After a few hours of adventure, Hippo got tired.

He was happy that he had another (and probably last) chance to have fun, to be wild and free. He never thought that he would be given love after spending so much time alone.

It was a short-lived adventure, though, because he was too sick to continue the fun. He eventually gave Nacer the sign that he was ready to go. Nacer brought Hippo home. She contacted a veterinarian who specializes in at-home euthanasia and he came over.

The vet specialist brought a roasted chicken for his last meal. He gobbled it up and slept peacefully – forever. It was a heartbreaking scene to witness but it was for his own good. He was finally free of pain and suffering.

“We got a good day,” Nacer said. “He loved it.”

stray dog with tumors all over his face
Sophiane Nacer

He was given eternal peace by his newfound best friend and mom. Nacer was glad that she was beside Hippo before he left. She was happy to give this pooch what he deserved and that was love.

Let this be a wakeup call to all dog owners and those who plan on having one. Senior dogs need love as much as pups do. May all dogs leave this world with a happy heart, just like Hippo.

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