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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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Prepare for your heart to melt as you watch the moment a senior dog hops down a corrdior on the way to his 23rd birthday party.
That's right, Cooper, a poodle mix, has outlived his life expectancy by almost a decade. The video of the one-eyed dog, who lives at Young at Heart Senior Pets sanctuary in Woodstock, Illinois, has been a huge hit on TikTok.
So far, the video shared to @youngatheartpets has racked up over 533,000 views since it was shared on February, 10. The footage shows Cooper wearing a birthday crown as he hobbles to the kitchen before devouring his birthday meal.
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The shelter's founder Dawn Kemper told Newsweek: "He's such a sweet and determined old boy. He knows what he wants, when he wants it, and we cater to him—and why shouldn't we? He's 23!"
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She said: "He trusts us implicitly, which allows us to provide him with anything he needs in his golden years. It's an absolute privilege and joy to care for Cooper."
Kemper, also the executive director of the shelter, describes the toothless dog as "a happy, demanding, feisty old pup" who never fails to make the team laugh daily.
She said: "Despite the hitch in his step and his advanced arthritis, Cooper still gets around and loves to explore the yard. He even trots a bit when he's feeling frisky!
The American Kennel Club states that smaller dogs often live longer than larger ones. The average lifespan of a poodle is 12 to 15 years, states the AKC.
Cooper ended up in the shelter's care last year when his owner unexpectedly passed away. At first, he was up for adoption but now he will spend his golden years in the shelter due to his age and medical conditions. He also spends the weekends at a staff member's home so he can be monitored.
Kemper told Newsweek: "Just because a dog or cat has some more complex medical issues, doesn't mean that they can't enjoy the twilight of their lives."
Four days ago, Cooper celebrated the huge milestone in style. He started his day with his favorite soupy breakfast followed by a visit from his dog friends while wearing a birthday crown and shirt. An excerpt from the caption said: "Getting a second chance to live his best life in his 20's!!"
"That wore him out, so he took a good nap before opening presents!" told Kemper. "His favorite present was a squishy unicorn pet bed. Once recharged, his friends at Young at Heart sang 'Happy Birthday' to him while he ate dog-safe cupcakes made just for his special diet, gold balloons spelling out his name and age in the background.
"After his birthday snack, Cooper took a bunch of pictures with his human friends, had a 'party' in the play yard with his dog friends where they all ran around with party hats on, and then he sacked out in his unicorn bed for the rest of the afternoon. All in all, a very happy 23rd birthday for Cooper!"
The shelter posted another wholesome video of Cooper tucking into his pup-cake.
Another highlight of his birthday was the initial video going viral on TikTok; the dog received over 59,000 likes and many birthday wishes.
"O my [goodness] God bless him .. I believe it's all because of the owner this precious boy is still living," praised one user.
Another user said: "Praying my dog lives this long!! She's a senior now."
A third comment said: "He has had so much love - that's why he has made it 23."
Update 2/14/24 9:28 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with a new photo and embedded videos.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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