We’ve all read about and seen pictures of dogs who are on their way to the Rainbow Bridge. These stories often manage to move our hearts in a profound way. The tale of Sophiane and Hippo is one such story that embodies the beautiful, albeit bittersweet, journey of a dog finding peace and love in his final days.
Sophiane Nacer knew she couldn’t save the abandoned dog, but she was determined to give him the best “end of days” imaginable. She made a vow that Hippo, a lonesome old stray covered in tumors, would only know love before he died. As the 19-year-old founder of Cayleb’s Kindred Senior Dog Rescue, Sophiane was no stranger to the plight of senior dogs. She told TODAY that she wanted Hippo to have the best last day ever.
Hippo had been in the shelter for five days before Sophiane adopted him. The dog’s skin was delicate and painful to the touch, making it clear that he was suffering. Despite this, Sophiane questioned whether Hippo was fully aware of his agonizing pain. Her doubts were put to rest when she saw his tail wag. For this ailing dog, there was still a spark of hope and a will to experience joy.
Determined to make his final days memorable, Sophiane bought Hippo a Puppuccino—a secret menu item from Starbucks that is simply a cup of whipped cream, which dogs love. This small treat brought a glimmer of happiness to Hippo, and his positive reaction confirmed to Sophiane that she was on the right path.
The next day, Hippo still showed signs of positivity, so Sophiane decided to take him to a dog park. For Hippo, it was an exhilarating experience. He explored the park with curiosity and joy, savoring every moment. However, after their visit to the park, Hippo had something important to communicate to Sophiane.
Though filled with optimism, the old dog was also weary. He was grateful for the wonderful time he had spent with his new best friend, but he was also tired and in great pain. It became clear to Sophiane that Hippo was ready to go. He had fought for love and happiness, and now it was time for him to rest.
Sophiane made the difficult decision to call a veterinarian euthanasia expert to her home. She wanted Hippo’s last moments to be as comfortable and peaceful as possible. The vet brought a roasted chicken stuffed with sedatives for Hippo’s final meal. Sitting beside Sophiane, Hippo enjoyed his last dinner, relishing the taste and the comfort of her presence. After he finished eating, Hippo peacefully fell asleep, surrounded by love.
Sophiane’s journey with Hippo is a testament to the incredible bond that can form between humans and animals, even in the briefest of times. It highlights the power of compassion and the importance of making every moment count, especially for those who have suffered so much. Hippo’s story is not just about his end, but about the love and kindness he experienced in his final days.
In sharing Hippo’s tale, we are reminded of the significance of adopting senior dogs and the profound impact we can have on their lives. These animals, often overlooked, have so much love to give and deserve to spend their last days in comfort and joy.
Sophiane’s actions also inspire us to look beyond the surface and see the worth in every living being. Hippo, despite his ailments and the pain he endured, found happiness and peace thanks to Sophiane’s dedication. She gave him a gift that is priceless—a dignified and loving farewell.
Please share this article with your loved ones and acquaintances. Let Hippo’s story be a beacon of hope and a call to action for all of us to show kindness and compassion to those who need it most, especially the voiceless and vulnerable. In doing so, we honor the memory of dogs like Hippo and ensure their legacy of love and resilience continues to inspire us.
