Meet Emilio! A gentle, loyal soul searching for peace, Emilio is a sweet, affectionate and service dog-trained 12-year-old Bichon Frise who’s looking for a peaceful, loving home to live out his golden years.
This beautiful boy was the devoted service dog to his blind owner for over a decade, providing calm companionship and constant love. After his beloved person passed away in 2024, Emilio moved in with family, but due to worsening health issues, they can no longer care for him.
He is now being fostered through Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue and is ready to find his next chapter. Sensitive and anxious, Emilio is grieving. He’s a deeply bonded dog who has experienced great loss, and it shows in his sad, anxious demeanor. He longs to be close to his person and struggles with being alone, often crying or barking when left behind. A calm home where someone is around most of the time would be best.
While Emilio is mostly house-trained, he still has occasional accidents — especially when stressed or left alone for too long. A home with a doggy door and a consistent potty routine would be ideal. He is used to potty pads and a dog door setup. The ideal home would be quiet and predictable with someone home most of the time and who’s willing to take him on occasional outings. A fenced yard and doggy door would help reduce his anxiety and support house training. Best as an only dog, or with one equally calm and non-disruptive companion. Children are fine if they are respectful and gentle
He will need professional grooming every eight weeks. Recently had a full senior vet panel — he has cataracts and a Grade 4 Heart Murmur. The type of heart murmur cannot be controlled by medication. Up to date on all vaccinations (Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella). Monthly heartworm and flea/tick prevention required. Recently had a benign cyst removed. Eats Hill’s Science Diet Senior 11+. Small Breed Takes Trazodone or Gabapentin for grooming, travel or anxiety.
Extras: Travels safely in the car with a seatbelt harness. Located in Durham and available for local or regional adoption. Our rescue has a referral to a speciality eye clinic and it is our hope we can restore his sight in at least one eye, therefore we need a local foster or adopter so he can continue his medical care. The rescue will take care of eye surgery. Emilio is looking for a soft place to land, a lap to snuggle into and a heart big enough to understand his grief and help him heal.
