Woman Adopts Sick Senior Dog And Makes His Last 28 Days The Best Ever Before Euthanasia

Instead of choosing a young, energetic pup, Katie Schakols from Texas opened her heart to a dog most people would overlook—a senior chocolate Lab named Rooster.

She knew from the beginning that their time together might be short. Rooster was already in his golden years and dealing with several health issues. But none of that mattered to Katie.

What mattered was making sure he felt love, comfort, and joy—maybe for the first time in his life.

A Tough Life Behind Him

Rooster had been through a lot before ending up at the Gulf Coast STARS shelter in Brazoria County. He was believed to be between 10 and 12 years old.

Source: @Millie_Archie

His body carried all the signs of hardship—blind in one eye from cataracts, worn elbows, missing teeth from digging for scraps, and multiple lumps and health issues, including heartworm.

But when Katie saw him, she didn’t focus on what was wrong. She saw a gentle soul who still had love to give.

“I fell so in love,” she told People. “He is just one of the most beautiful dogs I’ve ever seen, inside and out.”

Source: People

Rooster settled in quickly with Katie and her younger dog, Bailey. He soaked up the kindness like it was something he’d never known before—because it probably was.

After a life of scraping by and eating dirt, even something as simple as real food and soft grass under his paws felt like luxury.

A Short But Beautiful Chapter

Though Rooster had many health problems, he embraced every moment of his new life.

He got to be part of a family, sleep in a warm home, and experience what it was like to be cherished.

Katie and Rooster formed an instant bond. It was the kind of connection that doesn’t happen often. She said it was unlike anything she’d felt before—and Rooster made it clear she was his person.

Source: People

For 28 days, they made the most of every moment. But on the 28th day, something sudden and heartbreaking happened.

Rooster developed a dangerous condition known as bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus. His stomach filled with air and twisted, causing him immense pain.

Sadly, the condition had progressed too far, and there was nothing the vet could do.

A Goodbye Too Soon

Katie had no warning. She knew Rooster’s time was limited, but nothing could prepare her for such an abrupt end.

Due to the emergency and safety protocols, she couldn’t stay by his side in his final moments.

Rooster passed away quietly, away from Katie—but knowing that he was deeply loved.

Source: People

In a TikTok video that Katie shared, she imagined what Rooster might have said if he could:

“My mom is sad, but I wish she knew these were the best 28 days of my life.”

While bloat can sometimes be treated, around one-third of dogs who suffer from it don’t survive. Rooster didn’t get the chance to have surgery that could have prevented it.

Katie was heartbroken. But despite the pain of losing him so soon, she knows she gave him something he never had before—a home, a family, and real love.

Rooster may have only had 28 days with Katie, but those days were filled with comfort, joy, and warmth. He left this world knowing he mattered. And that made all the difference.