Dad Adopts Daughter's Foster Dog, Captures Heartwarming Bond

The 16-year-old rescue dog, Mr. Chewy, has found his forever home with Esmi Thomas' father, Jimmy Martinez.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Esmi Thomas of Fort Worth, Texas, took in a senior rescue dog named Mr. Chewy in June 2023 after his previous owner passed away. Thomas' father, Jimmy Martinez, instantly fell in love with the dog and eventually adopted him, much to the delight of Thomas and the internet. The duo's heartwarming bond has been captured in a viral TikTok video that has melted hearts across social media.

Why it matters

This story highlights the power of adoption, especially for senior pets, and the joy that can come from forming a deep connection with a furry companion. It also showcases the enduring love between a father and daughter, and how that love can extend to a rescue animal in need of a forever home.

The details

When Mr. Chewy's previous owner passed away, he initially went to live with the owner's sister, but the arrangement didn't work out as the sister's cats 'bullied him'. Thomas then took Chewy in as a foster, and her father, Jimmy Martinez, instantly fell in love with the senior dog. After caring for Chewy for a weekend, Martinez ended up keeping him for a month, and then officially adopted the 16-year-old rescue.

  • In June 2023, Esmi Thomas took in Mr. Chewy as a foster dog.
  • Several months later, Thomas needed someone to look after Chewy while she was out of town, and Martinez gladly offered to help for the weekend.
  • That weekend stay with Martinez turned into a full week, and then a month, as he couldn't get enough of his time with Chewy.
  • In December 2023, Thomas shared a viral TikTok video of her father and Mr. Chewy, which has received over 809,000 views.

The players

Esmi Thomas

A 39-year-old woman from Fort Worth, Texas, who took in Mr. Chewy as a foster dog after his previous owner passed away.

Jimmy Martinez

Esmi Thomas' father, who instantly fell in love with Mr. Chewy and eventually adopted the 16-year-old rescue dog.

Mr. Chewy

A 16-year-old senior rescue dog who was in need of a home after his previous owner passed away.

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What they’re saying

“My dad has always had a huge heart for animals. When Chewy first came to stay with me, I sent my dad videos of him (like I had in the past with previous fosters). He kept saying how he was such a neat little guy, and that he really hoped he found a good home.”

— Esmi Thomas (Newsweek)

“I grew up with my dad cherishing animals my whole life, and I knew that Mr. Chewy would be spoiled by him. I was really excited that Mr. Chewy and my dad had such a great connection. Now, they're two little old men living their best lives. My dad frequently sends me videos narrating what Mr. Chewy and him are doing, they go shopping together and have matching Johnny Cash shirts.”

— Esmi Thomas (Newsweek)

The takeaway

This heartwarming story of a father and daughter's bond with a rescue dog serves as a reminder of the joy and companionship that can come from adopting a pet in need, especially for senior animals. It showcases the enduring love between family members and how that love can extend to a furry friend, creating a truly special and fulfilling relationship.