Dogs Trust recently launched an appeal find their oldest rescue dog Billy a retirement home.
The 15-year-old shih tzu fell lucky when the Flory family spotted him online and instantly applied to adopt him.
Dad Bradley Flory, 39, from West Sussex, opened up his heart and home to Billy - and it seems as though the elderly dog had been holding out to meet him.
Just weeks later, Billy's doggy dementia took over and he said his final goodbyes to his new family in a safe and loving home.
Bradley made sure his last meal on earth was an extra tasty one and fed him "his bodyweight in McDonald's chips and gave him lots of cuddles".
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Bradley told The Mirror : "I read about Billy online and when I saw his face at Dogs Trust Shoreham, we decided there was a place for him with us here.
"Billy settled in really well and became part of the family. His little character and personality started to shine through."
In his new home, Billy played with senior dog Oreo and puppy Evie, and loved being dotted on by mum Claire, son Jack and daughter Molly.
When Billy wasn't snoozing on the sofa or sniffing around the garden, he was being pampered at the groomers and living his best retired life.
Bradley said: "When we met him, we knew what his needs were. If it were a day, week, month or year, we were happy to take him home.
"For two weeks, he was running round like a mad man, playing with toys, going outside and spending time in the garden.
"Then suddenly, Billy started to appear really sad. We noticed signs that he was beginning to give up on life. He had lost quite a bit of weight and was struggling to walk with his arthritis.
"We took him to the vets who said that his doggy dementia had taken over and he was terribly confused.
"They could give him a steroid injection to buy him a couple of weeks, but he already had issues with his liver, so the choice was made to peacefully put him to sleep."
On Billy's final evening at home, the family ordered his favourite takeaway and gave him all the love he truly deserved.
Bradley said: "Billy became quite accustomed to the odd McDonald's chip so we decided to treat him to his own.
"The following day, we took him to the vets and he passed away before he even reached the table.
"It was an amazing month and we have no regrets. We would do it all over again.
"Billy was rescued just in time and he died surrounded by people that loved him."
Bradley and his family have become incredibly close with the team at Dogs Trust Shoreham and everyone hopes Billy's legacy will inspire others to adopt senior dogs.
If you would like to adopt a senior dog, please visit Dogs Trust's website.
Do you have a dog story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
