If you saw him, you might assume he’s less than a year old, but that’s not the case.
Ziggy, the dog rescued from difficult circumstances, is actually far older, yet he exhibits the behavior of a youthful pup.
Could it be that he stumbled upon a magical elixir that bestowed endless youth?
Perhaps.
With his and lively demeanor, Ziggy mirrors that of a much younger dog, often leading people to misjudge his age on the bustling streets of New York.
As onlookers speculate about the age of the delightful Ziggy, they seldom guess correctly.
Once you discover the truth about Ziggy’s age and his journey to safety, you’re bound to be taken aback.
Rescuing a Dog is Always Worth It

Much like several mixed-breed dogs, Ziggy found himself in a shelter during his younger days.
“I discovered Ziggy online; he had been abandoned and was left at a shelter in Texas,” recalls Ziggy’s mom in the Cuddle Buddies video. “He was then transported to Waggy Tail Rescue up here in New York and placed with a fantastic foster family… I felt that we were destined to be together.”
However, Ziggy’s rescue saga was not devoid of challenges. He arrived at the shelter in an alarming condition after enduring years of neglect. His fur was marred with bald patches, and the situation was far from ideal.
Following a comprehensive examination, it was revealed that Ziggy was battling hyperthyroidism. This condition leads to weight loss despite a robust appetite, hyperactivity, heightened blood pressure, and a rapid heartbeat.

Once treatment began with medication that Ziggy had to take for the remainder of his life, he showed remarkable improvement. His fur began to regrow, and his spirits lifted significantly.
Although Ziggy felt rejuvenated, it was important to note that he was actually around ten years old when Isabelle, his new mom, adopted him.
“He truly enjoys discovering new places and loves observing the world around him. He gets a kick out of watching the action and sniffing all the scents. That’s the most significant transformation I’ve seen. I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have found him and that he chose me,” wraps up Isabelle.
Isabelle took a chance on a senior dog, which turned out to be an incredible decision. She offered a precious soul the opportunity to experience the beauty of life, and it was truly heartwarming. After some time, Ziggy finally found a forever home – one that cherishes him deeply.
Ziggy: The Man of Instagram

When Isabelle first rescued Ziggy, he appeared almost skeletal, with a thin tail, patches of fur missing, and bald ears. Malnutrition had severely affected him.
However, after spending time with Isabelle and the love of his new family, Ziggy began to transform into a splendid dog. Once he reached optimal health, people on the street would inquire if Ziggy was actually a puppy – a testament to his vibrant recovery.
It was hard to believe that this small dog had over a decade of life experience under his belt. Despite the obstacles, Ziggy remained an endearing little fellow.
Through their time together, Isabelle recognized that Ziggy carried years of trauma within him. Gradually, he learned to relax and release these burdens, revealing his exuberant personality.
It makes sense considering Ziggy is a delightful blend of various dog breeds. Isabelle opted for a DNA test. According to Embark and Wisdom, Ziggy is part Maltese, part Chihuahua, part Yorkie, part Australian Cattle Dog, and part Pomeranian.
Can you think of a more unique mix? I doubt it… Nature has certainly orchestrated a beautiful combination, endowing Ziggy with the best of each breed.
His destined transformation into a handsome dog simply required a sprinkle of love and care, and Ziggy’s remarkable glow-up delivered.
@ziggythemann
Love heals💖 Senior rescue transformation🥹 Almost one year ago and he’s basically a different dog on the outside but the same perfect boy on the inside! I am getting so excited to celebrate his first gotcha day! What do you think was his biggest change?
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♬ Hide Away – Daya
This eternal puppy has endeared himself to the Internet with his adorable videos and strikingly photogenic appearance. Ziggy undoubtedly holds the title of the man on Instagram, boasting thousands upon thousands of followers.
Even after all the years he has experienced, Ziggy’s eyes still sparkle with a youthful glint, making it clear he’s forever a puppy at heart, encased in an older dog’s body.