Senior Dog Runs Away From Owner After 15 Years Of Abuse

June 4, 2024 Malorie Thompson

When dogs run away from home, rescuers usually have a goal of ensuring the animal is safe and finding its owner. But for Saiga's rescuers, they wanted nothing more for him to be free from his home forever.

Saiga spent 15 years of life chained up in a small space. He was severely neglected, not getting enough exercise or attention, and it was the only life he'd known.

When the dog's health started to deteriorate, his owner removed his chain - likely assuming he would continue to lie there, too sick to move. However, the dog immediately ran away and found a new spot to lie down, a spot far from his dreadful owner and "home."

Photo: flickr/malan10

When rescuers found the poor senior dog, they knew he needed help immediately. It was cold and it seemed the dog had been on its own for a week before help arrived.

One of the rescuers, Olga, helped get Saiga to the veterinarian for care and they shared a photo of him on social media. The photo captured the attention of the dog's owner, and he called to ask for the dog back!

Of course, Olga and the others wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing the precious Saiga was back with the owner that caused him so much suffering for years. So, they kept the dog and decided to do everything in their power to give him the best golden days of his life.

Photo: YouTube/Animal Shelters

At 15 years old, Saiga was nearing the end of his life when Olga found him. He was riddled with health issues and couldn't even stand on his own. While some rescuers would've chosen to euthanize the poor dog, Olga wanted Saiga to experience joy and love in his life before he passed away. She thought he had a little fight left in him, and she was right!

It took a lot of therapy and care, but Saiga slowly gained enough strength to stand on his own. Then, his hair started growing back in spots he was bald. Eventually, he was walking all on his own!

Photo: YouTube/Animal Shelters

Saiga stayed with Olga, and the two are doing better than ever a whole year later!

The now 16-year-old Saiga is getting to meet new friends, experience new sights, and really live a full life for the first time. His transformation is truly beautiful and inspiring. Check out the video below:

Malorie Thompson

Malorie works as a writer and editor in Northern California. She's passionate about food, conscious living, animal welfare, and conservation. She's worked with a variety of publications in different sectors but is happiest covering topics close to her heart. When not at her laptop, Malorie can be found enjoying picnics on the beach, hiking in the redwoods, and spending time with her rescue pup, Jax.

Country/region

Help Animals That Need Medical Care

Unique Quality Products

From exclusive pet-loving designs to hand-crafted artisan goods, our products are hand-picked for their superior quality and unique features.

Exceptional Value

We believe that shopping for good should be affordable and accessible to everyone, which is why we offer fair pricing and daily deals.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

With 20 years of extraordinary customer service and a stellar 4.8 ⭐ average rating, we stand by our process and your guaranteed satisfaction.

Every Purchase Gives Back

Every single purchase helps fund today’s most relevant and impactful causes so you can contribute to the causes you care about most, supporting people, pets, and the planet.

Join the Movement

Connect with millions of animal lovers and humanitarians that make up the GreaterGood community, and discover the power of collective impact. Together, we’ve raised over $80 million for charity and counting!