Everybody Thinks This Dog Is A Puppy But He’s Not One At All
If you met Ziggy on the streets of New York, you’d probably think he’s just a young pup.
He’s full of energy, always bouncing around, and charms everyone he sees.
But here’s the twist—Ziggy is much older than he looks!
Most people who meet him try to guess his age, and almost all of them get it wrong. Once they hear how old he really is and what he went through, they’re shocked.
A Rough Start And A Second Chance
Ziggy’s life didn’t start easy. As a mixed-breed dog, he ended up in a Texas shelter when he was still young.
Source: @ziggythemann
“I found Ziggy online,” his mom, Isabelle, shared in a Cuddle Buddies video. “He had been abandoned and was then sent to New York through Waggy Tail Rescue. He was staying with a wonderful foster family—and I just knew he was the one.”
But Ziggy wasn’t in great shape when Isabelle adopted him. He had bald patches on his coat and looked weak.
After a vet check, he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism—a condition that causes weight loss, restlessness, and fast heart rate. It explained why he looked so sick and skinny, even though he was eating well.
Source: @ziggythemann
Once he started treatment, things changed fast. His fur started growing back, and he was full of life again. He may have been ten years old at the time, but he acted like a puppy.
“He loves to explore, watch the world, and take in all the smells,” Isabelle said. “I feel so lucky he picked me.”
From Sick And Bald To Social Media Star
When Isabelle brought him home, Ziggy had almost no fur on his ears or tail. He was thin and clearly had been neglected. But with a warm home and good care, he began to thrive.
Source: @ziggythemann
Soon, strangers on the street started asking if he was a puppy. No one could believe he was already a senior dog!
Ziggy slowly let go of his past trauma and showed more of his bubbly, joyful personality. That’s when Isabelle decided to do a DNA test out of curiosity.
Turns out, Ziggy is a unique mix: part Maltese, Chihuahua, Yorkie, Australian Cattle Dog, and Pomeranian. That explains both his adorable looks and his strong spirit.
@ziggythemann Love heals💖 Senior rescue transformation🥹 Almost one year ago and he’s basically a different dog on the outside but the same perfect boy on the inside! I am getting so excited to celebrate his first gotcha day! What do you think was his biggest change? #seniorrescuedog #seniordog #rescuedog #adoptionjourney #dogsoftiktok #muttsoftiktok #rescuesoftiktok #heartwarming #dailydoseofcuteness #mixedbreed #sweetdog #dogmom #transformation #glowup #fypシ゚viral ♬ Hide Away – Daya
With all that charm, it’s no wonder he became a star on Instagram. Today, Ziggy has thousands of fans who love watching his fun videos and sweet pictures. He’s a senior dog with a puppy’s heart, and the internet can’t get enough of him.
Ziggy’s story proves that age doesn’t matter—and that even dogs who had it rough can still shine when they’re given a second chance.
