At first glance, Momo looks like an ordinary senior dog. At 13 years old, her gray muzzle and slower pace in certain moments give away her age. But spend just a few minutes with her, and you’ll quickly realize she’s anything but ordinary. Despite her years, Momo has the heart and energy of a puppy, and when joy takes over, she celebrates in the most unique way — with zoomies that look more like bunny hops than dog sprints.
It’s a sight that makes her family laugh every time and warms the hearts of those who hear her story. But for Momo, these zoomies are more than just cute antics. They’re a symbol of resilience, joy, and a second chance at life she almost never got.
From “Kitchen Dog” to Forgotten Soul
Momo’s early years were far from easy. She spent most of her life in a shelter in Korea, where volunteers nicknamed her the “kitchen dog.” The name wasn’t affectionate; it was a description of her reality. Instead of running around with the other dogs or playing in the yard, Momo stayed hidden away near the kitchen area, watching life from the sidelines.
She had no official name, just a number on a record. Potential adopters walked past her time and time again, drawn instead to younger, healthier, or more sociable dogs. At the age of 8, Momo was considered too old, too mixed-breed, and too fragile to be worth the chance.
“She had no name and not much hope of getting out,” her future family later shared. “Volunteers tried to find her a foster or an adopter, but no one wanted her.”
It wasn’t just her age that deterred people. Years of health problems had taken a toll on her body. She was wary of humans and avoided interactions, her spirit dulled from years of waiting in vain for someone to see her worth. For many dogs like Momo, this is where their story ends — quietly, overlooked, and unloved.
But fate had a different plan for her.
A Family Willing to Believe in Her
When a couple stumbled across Momo’s photo online, they were struck by her sad eyes. To many, she looked like a dog who had already given up, but to them, she looked like a dog who simply needed a chance. They didn’t hesitate to adopt her, even though they knew it wouldn’t be easy.
Bringing Momo home was the beginning of a long, patient journey. At first, she was timid and unsure, keeping her distance as though she was waiting for disappointment. Her new parents didn’t push her. They let her take things at her own pace, celebrating every small milestone along the way.
There were many “firsts” — the first time she cautiously climbed a set of stairs, the first time she stretched out in the grass of her new backyard, the first time she leaned into their touch instead of pulling away. Each moment was a victory, a glimpse of the dog she was slowly becoming.
Her family remembers those early days vividly. “We witnessed so many Momo firsts when we adopted her,” they wrote. “The first time she used the stairs, the first time she let us pet her, the first time she laid out in the grass in the backyard and more.”
With time, Momo transformed. The once-fearful “kitchen dog” began to show her playful side. To her parents’ delight, she didn’t just walk or run when she was happy — she hopped. Like a little rabbit, her paws would lift off the ground in a series of joyous leaps, each one a declaration that she finally felt safe enough to be herself.
Setbacks and Determination
Just as Momo seemed to be thriving in her new life, another challenge arose. Two years after her adoption, she began to struggle with her back legs. At one point, she lost mobility in both hind legs, making it nearly impossible for her to walk, let alone hop with joy.
For many senior dogs, this kind of health setback can be devastating. But Momo wasn’t ready to give up. With her family’s support, she adapted in the most remarkable way.
“She couldn’t use both hind legs, but she somehow started to hop on her left hind leg when being helped,” her parents shared.
Her determination amazed everyone. Even in pain, she found a way to move forward — literally. And with time, her strength returned. Slowly, her signature bunny hops came back, as if to prove that nothing could keep her spirit down for long.
Today, her zoomies are as strong as ever. Sometimes they happen when treats are handed out, other times when she’s excited to see her family. But the most adorable zoomies of all come after bath time.
The Joy of Bath-Time Zoomies
Ironically, Momo absolutely hates taking baths. Wrapped in a towel, she often looks pitiful, her big, pleading eyes silently asking why she has to endure the ordeal. But the moment she’s free, everything changes.
The sadness on her face disappears, replaced by an explosion of energy. She runs, hops, and spins around the living room, her tiny body moving with the excitement of a dog half her age.
“She’s still got the zoomies,” her family laughed in one Instagram post, alongside a video of her bouncing around after bath time.
Her parents even made adjustments to keep her safe during these celebrations, adding mats and making sure the floor isn’t slippery. Because once Momo starts hopping, she’s unstoppable.
At 13 years old, her zoomies aren’t just cute — they’re a testament to how far she’s come. Every hop is a reminder that the dog once overlooked as “too old” and “too sick” is now loved, cherished, and full of life.
When she isn’t zooming around, Momo can usually be found curled up on one of her cozy beds, often snoozing alongside her senior brother, Fig. Together, they enjoy the simple pleasures of home: warm naps, treats, and the comfort of a family that adores them.
Momo’s journey is more than just a story about a dog who gets zoomies after bath time. It’s a story about resilience, patience, and the power of love to transform even the most broken spirits.
She may have spent years as a forgotten shelter dog, but today she’s a symbol of hope. For her family, Momo isn’t just a pet — she’s a reminder that every animal, no matter their age or condition, deserves a chance to be loved.
At 13, she continues to face life with the heart of a puppy, her bunny-like hops proof that joy can be found even after years of struggle. For Momo, every bath ends not in sadness but in celebration — and every zoomie is a dance of gratitude for the second chance she was finally given.
