San Bernardino, Calif., — December 30th 2015 was a dreadful day for 15 year old Cocker Spaniel, Cookie. That was the day, it seems, the family she’d known for life left her behind at the City of San Bernardino Animal Control. Cookie and a Labrador Retriever had been found wandering as strays. When their owner came to claim them, they chose to leave Cookie behind.

Confused, scared and overwhelmed Cookie cried for them as they abandoned her, leaving with the much younger Labrador in tow. It’s a disturbing trend that sadly happens far too often, dog owners abandoning their senior dogs in favor of younger ones.

Cookie, sat within the shelter cage frightened and dejected. Word quickly spread, and it wasn’t long before OC Small Paws So UT heard Cookie’s story worked quickly to help save her from the shelter placing her with her foster mother, Brittney Place.

Given Cookie’s advanced age – she is believed to be anywhere from 11 to 15 – she does have some medical conditions that will require the care and attention of a veterinarian, which the local rescue is taking care of.

Cookie getting some much deserved snuggle time.

Cookie’s resting comfortably today with her foster family. She’s squeaking balls and enjoy the best comforts of home. The rescue reports that that prior to placing her with any family she will be fully vetted, and spayed. They believe that she’s been an outdoor dog for most, if not all, of her life so she’s not yet completely potty trained.

There’s been so much interest in giving Cookie a forever home, and according to the rescue they’ve got two candidates in mind, but she won’t be formally adopted by anyone until her medical conditions have been addressed. They encourage everyone who is interested in helping Cookie to consider helping another dog in need, especially an abandoned senior dog.

Via IHeartDogs | Facebook | The Examiner | Little Angels Rescue | OC Cmall Paws So UT