One of Ashton Hart’s initial concerns after his grandfather just passed away from COVID was whether or not he had any animals that would require his assistance. He wasn’t sure if his grandpa had a dog or not because they hadn’t spoken in six years and had lost contact. However, as soon as he learned that he did, he knew what he needed to do.

When Hart learned that his grandfather’s dog, who is now known as Oatmilk Latte, was probably going to be put down, he and his husband made the decision to travel the three hours to pick him up. It didn’t matter that they knew nothing at all about the puppy they were trying to save. Before they even seen him, they loved him.

“We knew we would adopt him because Hart’s husband had been wanting a dog for a time, and we had recently started foster care and were ready to begin volunteering at PAWS to look for a new pet. There was no way I was going to allow him to be put down because I spent the majority of my professional career working in animal activism before purchasing my business.”

The dog they discovered when they got there was a huge, chubby fellow who undoubtedly had a lot of problems. He was filthy, overweight, and his fur was quite matted. They were aware that he would develop a number of health problems as a result of receiving inadequate care, but they didn’t seem to care. Oatmilk Latte was already their puppy in their hearts and thoughts, they thought.

@oatmilkthedog #stitch with @oatmilkthedog can’t believe it’s been one whole year for this big guy! He’s been on a strict diet and gentle exercise routine and we’re happy to say that he’s OFFICIALLY made it into his healthy weight range! He’s still an old dog with a lot of bad arthritis, and some days are harder than others. He has to take lots of meds, go to the vet very often, and we have to work so gently with him so he’s able to get around. He’s definitely a full time job! But we’ve been so blessed by TikTok and everyone else that have come together to help him. He’s only made it this far because you have enabled us to give him a level of care he would have never had access to otherwise, and we’re just glad he’s getting a few good years at the end after so many years of suffering. #oatfam #oneyearlater #oneyear #rescuedog ♬ Honky Tonk Badonkadonk – Trace Adkins

The poor dog was both adorable and worn out. So eager to meet their new best friend, his new dads got him into the car and drove the three hours back home.

Hart was aware that his grandfather had loved Oatmilk Latte despite his current state and that the adorable puppy had undoubtedly felt the same.

Hart noted how lovely he is. “He’s improved a little bit every day we’ve had him, but it takes time. It’s difficult to lose someone, especially for dogs. They are totally dependent on us. I think my grandfather loved his dog in his own way, despite his disregard to ensure the animal’s health.”

Oatmilk Latte needs some time to adjust to his new life, but the pair is convinced that with the right care and lots of love, he will be very content in his new home. He requires extensive veterinary care, and they are gradually figuring that out for him. When they drove three hours to bring him up, they had no idea what they were getting into, but looking back, they can’t fathom doing anything else. He’s their puppy, and they can’t wait to get to know him and see how he develops.

Hart stated, “We didn’t know what he would be like, but he’s ideal for us.”