There is something a bit magical at this holiday time of year — the lights, the gathering, joy in giving! Our dogs sense that magic as well, basking in more love and sniffing a gift or two under the tree. One senior dog—an 11-year-old mixed breed named Mila who hails from Metro Detroit, Michigan—is just starting to celebrate Christmas this year.
The Why Needs No Teaching
Mila is a 14-year-old mutt who opened her presents on Christmas morning — 15 days early. Initially, you may just so happen to believe she’s merely an eager dog who just could not delay jumping into her gifts. But the reality of it is a little heart-wrenching.
Mila’s face says it all when her owner, Tiffany Perkins, gave her early giftsChristmas — and yes, they were amazingThe video was uploaded to Perkins’ TikTok account and captured moments of her dog opening its presents. She gave a puppy half her age rattle and plunged into the wrapping paper. Tiffany watched, pleased but bittersweet as Mila squealed with delight.
@pawsfriendnetwork Fostering is free, and so valuable for elderly dogs in kennels — hoping for a home on their wishlist. 🎄🤍 #adoptaseniordog ♬ Scott Street (Slowed Down) – Phoebe Bridgers
Mila was originally in Tiffany’s care after a Good Samaritan named Edgar discovered her near an empty home several months earlier. Mila had been in dire condition — she was matted with mange and emaciated. However, following a trip to the vet, it became more serious.
Information from the initial test discovered mammary tumors and lymphoma, but Tiffany had already fallen in love with her, so she made it official and adopted Peyton during that appointment, her voice thick with emotion.
Lymphoma, or blood cancer in the lymph nodes and lymphatic system, is very aggressive if left untreated. Sadly, that was the case with Mila. Tiffany was not expected to be active much longer, but she resolved to keep living as long as possible.
Three months ago, when she was diagnosed, “Our vet told us days to weeks at best,” said Tiffany. “So we are so blessed with every day that we have together! “Well, she’s a tough cookie to still be around and I am very proud of her.”
So, Tiffany explained Mila’s early Christmas present given on December 10th. Time stopped as Mila gleefully tore through her gifts beneath the tree. It was a blissful moment among them that brought them all, just for a minute, to forget what they would have to battle against.
Tiffany caught this moment and posted it to her TikTok profile. All it takes to melt icy hearts is watching Mila’s face light up
Senior Dogs Deserve So Much More
While Mila’s tale is heartwarming, it serves as a reminder that countless senior canines aren’t so lucky. Others are left in shelters to twiddle away their golden years as people opt for younger pups. They are deeply sad because these older dogs have so much love to give.
As per Pet Pardon, senior dog are one of the highest risk group in shelters. Older dogs have no adoption rate of 60% compared to just 25% for their younger counterparts and wait nearly four times longer on average for adoptive homes. The numbers are hard to swallow.
Tiffany is dedicated to changing that. On her social media platforms, TikTok in particular, she advocates for these seniors with such love. In Mila’s gift-opening video, she stresses the significance of adopting and fostering senior dogs.
Tiffany has several senior dogs, foster and adopted, that she cares for in her Michigan home. If you have the means, and heart for it then consider fostering a grey muzzle or two — they can bring in an unparalleled joy into your life as well as companionship.
Mila is living proof of that. Her health problems don’t prevent her from enjoying life. Each wag of her tail, each gentle nuzzle shows how much she fought through and the bond she built with Tiffany.
And as Tiffany so eloquently says, “She is the smartest sweetest best dog and having her in our family changed her life but ours more for the better.”
So, this holiday season, why not change a senior dogs life? But they don’t hurt with us for long, however their affection stay forever. Think of the happiness you could give to a dog such as Mila — and in turn, the joy they could give back to you.
