Sometimes the best things in life happen when our plans don’t work out.
That was certainly the case for Marine Corps veteran Colby Hartz, who set out to adopt an abandoned senior dog but ended up finding a completely different four-legged companion who stole his heart.
What began as a mission to give one elderly dog a home turned into a story of second chances, healing, and unexpected purpose.
Hartz first heard about a 16-year-old senior dog named Princess Leia who had been surrendered at a shelter.
Her only “flaw” was her age. For Hartz, the idea of an elderly dog being abandoned after a lifetime of loyalty struck a deep chord.
Determined to make a difference, he decided he would adopt her and give her the love and stability she deserved for the rest of her days.
But fate intervened. By the time Hartz made it to the shelter, Princess Leia had already been adopted by someone else.
He admitted feeling “selfishly sad,” because he had been ready to open his home and heart to her.
Yet instead of walking away, he realized there were countless other senior dogs in need.
That’s when his search led him to Chief, a 10-year-old Golden Retriever with a story of his own.
Chief had lived with his previous family for ten years.
Unfortunately, when medical expenses began to pile up, they felt they could no longer care for him and made the difficult decision to surrender him.
By the time Hartz met him, Chief was struggling with health issues, including a painful ear condition that required ongoing veterinary treatment.
Most adopters would have looked at Chief’s age and medical needs and moved on.
But Hartz didn’t see a burden—he saw potential.
Golden Retrievers had a special place in his heart; his childhood dog, Max, was a Golden, and the breed was one of the reasons he became a dog trainer in the first place.
So, when he looked at Chief, he saw more than a senior dog with health challenges.
He saw a companion who just needed someone to believe in him again.
The first few days weren’t easy. Chief had been through a major transition and didn’t understand why his life had suddenly changed.
He was nervous, uncertain, and sometimes even mischievous as he tested boundaries.
Hartz quickly realized that Chief had never really lived with structured rules before.
But instead of giving up, Hartz leaned on patience and consistency.
He established routines, gave Chief space to adjust, and layered in gentle training.
He also took Chief to the vet regularly, making sure his ear infections were properly treated with biweekly steroid injections and medication.
The transformation, while gradual, was incredible to witness. Chief began to soften. He responded to treats and affection.
He started showing trust and seeking comfort. Slowly but surely, the once-hesitant Golden Retriever settled into his new life.
Hartz says the bond with Chief has been life-changing.
Videos he shares on TikTok show him hugging Chief, showering him with kisses, and promising him unconditional love.
Viewers see the tail wags, the gentle nudges, and the sparkle in Chief’s eyes returning.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but Hartz embraces the challenges.
Chief has learned to coexist with his other dog, Rocky, and is beginning to enjoy the playful companionship.
He’s also starting to understand that rules are not restrictions—they’re part of what makes a safe, loving home.
Perhaps the most powerful part of this story is how it reshaped Hartz’s outlook on life.
He admits that in the past, he sometimes resisted following his heart when it came to big decisions.
But adopting Chief showed him the beauty of leaning into compassion, even when it comes with risks or responsibilities.
Now, Hartz dreams of creating a sanctuary for senior dogs, giving them the dignity, love, and care they deserve in their golden years.
He even offers to train other people’s rescue dogs for free, hoping to help families keep their pets and avoid surrendering them.
Chief’s story is more than a heartwarming tale of one adoption.
It highlights an important truth: senior dogs are often overlooked in shelters.
While puppies are quickly snatched up, older dogs tend to wait much longer for homes—if they get adopted at all.
Many come with medical issues or simply don’t seem as “fun” to potential adopters.
But as Hartz and Chief prove, adopting a senior dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable.
These dogs often have calmer personalities, are deeply grateful for kindness, and have so much love left to give.
Yes, they may come with challenges, but the payoff—in loyalty, companionship, and joy—is immeasurable.
Today, Chief is healing, both physically and emotionally. His ear condition is improving with treatment, and his trust in humans grows stronger every day. He has a warm bed, regular belly rubs, and a dad who is fully devoted to his happiness.
For Hartz, what started as a disappointment turned into something far greater.
He may not have adopted Princess Leia, but he found Chief—a dog who needed him just as much as he needed the dog.
It’s a reminder to all of us that sometimes the plan we have in mind isn’t the one life intends.
And more often than not, the unexpected turns out to be exactly what we needed.
