A senior dog called Cooper has broken hearts on social media after an Illinois shelter shared a video of him, explaining that he needs a new home after his old owner died.

The clip was shared on TikTok last Wednesday by Young at Heart Senior Pets Adoption shelter, under the username Youngatheartpets. In it, 22-year-old Cooper, who is a very small-sized breed and still in good health, can be seen doing different daily activities. He eats food and plays around, as he waits for a new owner to give him a forever home.

The post comes with a caption that reads: "Hi, I'm Cooper, and yes - I'm 22 years old! I ended up at Young at Heart after my mom passed away unexpectedly. Everyone is really nice here, but an old boy like me sure would love a quiet forever home and loving family to spoil me silly for the rest of my days. If you live within 150 miles of Woodstock, [Illinois], fill out an adoption application and come meet me!"

Dawn Kemper, executive director of Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions told Newsweek that Cooper is a "sweet little old man."

"His guardian passed away suddenly, leaving behind three senior dogs, Cooper (aged 22), Maverick (aged 13 and reportedly his son), and Jack (aged 13)," Kemper said. "Neighbors cared for the dogs until they could be rescued, and they knew the dogs' ages having known them their whole lives. Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions rescued all three dogs, and brought them to our cage-free adoption center for senior pets in Woodstock IL.

"Cooper may be 22, but he is still full of life. His two favorite pastimes are eating and sleeping. He doesn't have any teeth left, so he is a bit of a messy eater, but give him a plate of some food and he eats like a horse! He loves nothing more than to curl up on a couch (after you lift him up there, of course) and take a long afternoon nap. He gets around really well, though he has a bit of arthritis. He will actually take little trots through the yard when he's feeling frisky. He loves to be snuggled and sleep right beside his favorite people.

"While Cooper was rescued with Maverick and Jack (both looking for homes as well), they are not bonded to each other and sometimes we wonder if they even like each other at all! Cooper will thrive in a home where he can get all of the attention.

"He has LOTS of adoption applications from all over the United States, and we're currently going through all of them to find his perfect forever home. Until then, he is safe at Young at Heart and is enjoying every day to the fullest. Lots of his fellow senior dogs and cats at Young at Heart are also looking for their forever homes."

On average, a dog's lifespan is between 10 and 13 years, even though this changes drastically among breeds and sizes. Because there are many different domestic dogs, incredibly diverse in size, build, and appearance, it's no wonder that there are significant differences in the lifespan. "In general, smaller dog breeds live longer than larger dog breeds. The cause for this is not well established," the website of animal-health provider PetMD states.

The TikTok video quickly gained popularity on social media and has so far received over 1.6 million views and 208,000 likes.

One user, Beanie & Kate, commented: "GO COOPER. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF HIM." Lala added: "I'm sooo sad for him that he lost his owner...a dog doesn't live that long without a loving owner."

Helena wrote: "Omg [oh my god] 22?? That's incredible! I didn't even think it's possible for a dog to live that long, and he's so spunky! He deserves the best home." And Alexis Flaum commented: "What a healthy and happy senior! I hope he finds a home quick, he deserves that for his golden years."

Another user, Yury410, posted: "What a beautiful angel at 22." And Lily Segura wrote: "I've had 3 dogs live 20 plus years. I would take this little guy." Heather added: "I wish we lived closer. We have a yorkiepoo that is 18 years old they would be best friends."

Jcacjcacjcac wrote: "God Bless this sweet baby and give him a furreeeevvveeer home!" And Jes.Sica posted: "Bless your cotton socks coop. Sending so much love, cuddles and snacks from Australia."

Natalie Ast added: "Someone please give him a comfy home. My family dog lived to 19.5, what a sweetie."

Update 5/10/23 4:55 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from Dawn Kemper, executive director of Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions, and a new image.

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