A 15-year-old dog who didn’t want to spend the holidays in a shelter has finally got her wish as she has found a forever home just in time for Christmas.

After years with her previous owners, Beauty was abandoned earlier this year and found herself with nowhere to live. She was discovered by police officers, who found her living in a hotel parking lot. Although she was initially taken to a local animal shelter, Beauty was later transferred to North Shore Animal League America at Port Washington, New York, in October.

Ilene Schreibman, senior communications manager at the shelter, told Newsweek that Beauty is “a gentle lady” who deserves a loving family. To have her life turned upside down at 15 years old was devastating, and it took a toll on the poor dog.

“Beauty had only known life in a safe, loving home, so being homeless followed by the noise and non-stop activity of the adoption center made her a bit anxious,” Schreibman said. “Rather than having her out on the adoption floor, Beauty spent her days in the offices of our Volunteer and Foster Care teams, happiest when she was in the company of people.

From left: Beauty rests with reindeer antlers; and in the car leaving the shelter. | North Shore Animal League America

“Throughout November, our veterinary and behavior experts assessed her needs and tackled them one by one. She was microchipped, had much-needed dental work done, and experienced a spa day,” Schreibman said.

The team at North Shore Animal League America set to work finding Beauty the perfect “fospice home” for the holidays. Given her age, the team wanted her to have somewhere safe, comfortable and loving to spend her golden years.

The team shared a post on Facebook on December 2, asking people to consider giving Beauty the home she desperately deserves as “one last gift.” The post went viral with over 46,000 reactions and more than 15,000 shares as users were truly moved by Beauty’s story.

Hailey Forster, the senior volunteer and foster care manager at the shelter, said the team was “inundated with people asking about beauty.”

There was one email in particular that jumped out to Forster. The potential adopters, Tommy and Ally, said that Beauty resonated with them instantly, and they wanted to make her remaining years the best ones yet. So, when the couple arrived to meet Beauty in-person, their connection was immediate.

Forster said: “The minute they arrived, Tommy and Ally were on the floor with Beauty, connecting with her. Beauty soaked up all the love and affection and gave it right back. It was love at first sight. Something magic was happening.”

Even better was the fact that the couple weren’t just willing to take Beauty as a temporary foster, but also wanted to permanently adopt her. Following all the necessary assessments, Beauty was carried out of the shelter “like a baby” by her new owner, whom she already loves.

Forster told Newsweek there “wasn’t a dry eye” among the team when Beauty was finally chosen. “This is why we do what we do, especially when you see a sweet, senior animal who just needed to be loved. This is a storybook ending,” Forster continued.

Beauty is doing incredibly well in her new home. She even has a feline sibling, named Snow, whom she gets along with perfectly. Her adopter, Tommy, an NYC police officer, told the shelter that Beauty is a wonderful cuddle bug and is always incredibly polite when she wants a treat.

The couple are so delighted that not only could they give Beauty a home for Christmas, but for the rest of her life too.

From left: Beauty is held by her new owners; and rests on a blanket after being adopted. | North Shore Animal League America

Nonetheless, it is still heartbreaking when Beauty’s owners consider what she went through before. Tommy told the shelter that the biggest challenge since adopting her is trying not to cry about her past.

He said: “It breaks your heart to wonder how a pup so gentle and loving could have endured a life so hard. But that’s the true beauty in Beauty; she puts life into perspective.”

While Beauty is starting the next chapter of her life surrounded by love and joy, the same can’t be said for everyone.

Shelters across the country are full of animals searching for their forever homes. They all deserve a second chance, and Schreibman said she hopes that people will be inspired to help after seeing Beauty’s story.

“The number of senior animals in shelters is heartbreaking,” Schreibman added. “These older animals deserve to spend their final years in loving homes, being cared for by devoted families. Animal League America works hard to share their stories and find them retirement homes; it’s not always easy, but it’s always heartwarming.”

Even for those who can’t adopt, there are so many other ways to help. Schreibman highlighted the equal importance of donating, purchasing supplies for the shelter, volunteering, and fostering.