Reaching old age is a blessing for our canine friends, given their rather short lifespans. Dogs in their senior years want nothing more than to feel loved and cared for, and this is exactly what 14-year-old Mickey, a Yorkie mix, desired from his previous owners. (watch video below)

Except, they didn’t care about his well-being and, in fact, they wanted nothing to do with him.

Left to spend all his days and nights in the backyard of his home without food, water, or proper shelter, Mickey was a few steps away from the end. Each day presented a fresh survival challenge for this sweet senior, and he’d often be spotted wandering the neighborhood in a severely neglected state.

AMA Animal Rescue — a Brooklyn-based rescue that saved Mickey — said that whenever concerned neighbors questioned Mickey’s owners about the ongoing neglect, they’d neither deny nor express remorse, heartlessly stating that Mickey was “too old” and that they were “just waiting for him to die.”

The Turning Point

The prolonged neglect took a toll on Mickey’s physical health. His fur became heavily matted, and he developed serious dental issues. Watching the humans he trusted the most treat him like garbage also did a number on his emotional well-being, as he became quite terrified of people.

Once AMA Animal Rescue was alerted to Mickey’s suffering, their first course of action was to convince his owners to surrender him. Eventually, the owners agreed to surrender Mickey, giving the rescuers an opportunity to start him on life-saving treatment.

Journey to Healing

Mickey needed urgent medical care, including a major surgery. His rescuers tirelessly fundraised for his treatment, and thankfully, Mickey received the medical aid he needed. Because of his deep-seated fear of people, Mickey found it hard to immediately trust his rescuers.

Over time, though, the rescue team’s everyday kindness assured him that he was in a safe, loving environment, prompting him to lower his guard around them. They’ve gotten to see his jovial side, and even though Mickey is still wary of new faces and other dogs, he has so much potential to blossom into a fully confident dog.

Mickey’s Searching for a Forever Home

Despite all the suffering he endured with his previous owners, Mickey is ready to love again. He just wants to be part of a family that will treasure him throughout his golden years, and he’s willing to open his heart fully to the right person.

“The reason you adopt a senior dog isn’t for you, it’s for them,” said Rocky Kanaka, pet rescue advocate. “The unconditional love that they give to you, you give back to them. They’ll leave this world knowing what it was like to be part of a family.”

Mickey’s ideal forever home is preferably one without kids for the sake of his peace of mind. He’d appreciate a family that’s patient with him, knowing that he’s on the path toward becoming a confident, trustful pup (which can’t happen overnight).

Mickey wants someone who won’t tire of reassuring him; someone who’ll help him work through his fears with gentleness and patience. If you’d like to give Mickey the best seniorhood experiences he could ever ask for, please visit AMA Animal Rescue for details