Animal shelter volunteers see it all the time. Dogs come in to the rescue for a variety of reasons, but the senior dogs among the crowd consistently get overlooked. They’re not as spirited and don’t get as excited when someone new comes to visit. They may be missing a few teeth, have a little gray fur, and sometimes come with a few special needs due to their older age.

When Shey, a 14-year-old miniature poodle came to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, volunteers at the shelter were worried how Shey’s final time on earth would end. Shey had been taken to the shelter because his owners were moving and couldn’t take him along with them.

Shey spent four months waiting for someone to notice him, and finally, someone did. However, it wasn’t who you might think. A little boy named Tristan and his mother walked through the shelter looking for the perfect pet. They passed by dogs of all colors and sizes before Shey caught Tristan’s attention.

They knew immediately they wanted to take him home. Shey is a content little dog, according to shelter workers, and his favorite thing to do is cuddle. When Tristan bent down to meet Shey, he immediately cuddled up into the little boy’s arms. It was love at first sight.

Tristan’s mother, Heather Reese, said she and Tristan have a thing for older dogs. They like knowing that they’re doing something for them that other people might not do. Shey is deaf, half blind, only has one tooth left, and has a list of special needs, but that didn’t stop the duo from adopting him.

Tristan listened carefully and took notes from the volunteer about all of the special things that Shey needs each day. He wrote down all of Shey’s upcoming appointments, and was ready to do what he needed to in order to be sure that Shey lived a comfortable life.

What an inspiration this young man is! He’s obviously got a kind, loving heart and he’s already learned that seniors, whether dogs or humans, have a lot to offer this world.