Dog Celebrates 12th Birthday in Shelter After Owner Passes Away

A dog has recently celebrated his 12^th birthday in style—with balloons, toys, and even a cake, but all that was missing is a loving home to call his home.

History has repeated itself for Big Top, the terrier-pit bull mix, who was found in a dumpster as a puppy then brought to the Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) shelter. Now, over a decade later, he has found himself there again—through no fault of his own.

Sadly, the canine's loving dad passed away last year and Big Top has been looking for somewhere to spend his retirement ever since.

Luis Sanchez, the communications director at Austin Pets Alive!, told Newsweek: "Our hope right now is that Big Top finds a home, so he gets to live his days loved and cozy with a family of his own."

On May 11, the shelter shared a montage of clips highlighting Big Top's special day on Instagram.

The footage shows him trotting into a decorated room wearing a blue party hat. He then receives an endless amount of fuss from volunteers before opening a bag of presents. Then he tucks into a dog-friendly cake.

The on-screen text states: "But what they (volunteers) really want for me is a home of my very own."

The American Kennel Club reported that the average lifespan of small dog breeds is between 10 to 15. However, some dogs can live well until 18.

A veterinarian recently provided Newsweek with five tips designed to help dog owners extend their pets' lifespans, including a good diet and mental stimulation.

As the time of writing, the touching video had gained 11,200 views, received over 770 likes on Instagram. Along with numerous birthday wishes in the comments.

One user said: "Oh Big Top, my heart hurts for him losing his human. I hope he finds a home soon to spend his remaining time in, spoiled and loved."

Another wrote: "Twelve years young. He looks like a happy boy."

Sanchez told Newsweek: "We don't know how much longer he has left on this earth before he is reunited with his human who passed, but APA! is doing everything it can to ensure his remaining time is filled with comfort.

"We are shining light on the human-only home needs some dogs have," said Sanchez, who explained that Big Top would need to be the only pet.

The shelter's website states: "He is an older fellow, he is all out of patience for being around active dogs or small children. He also maintains that old-school mentality that dogs and cats should never be friends.

"Big Top would do best in a calm home where he is the only animal and can rest easy with a new human to love, who understands that he is mourning the loss of his long-time owner."

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