A pair of photos showing a 14‑year‑old Chihuahua named Hemi has melted hearts on Reddit, earning more than 2,400 upvotes in under 24 hours.
The images shared by user u/Beautiful-Manner-290 show Hemi confidently stepping through deep snow outside, while the second photo captures her curled up indoors on a cozy sweater.
The caption reads: “refuses to wear sweater, fears not the storm.” But Hemi’s determination has nothing to do with stubbornness and everything to do with her past.
According to the owner, Hemi’s resilience comes from a traumatic history.
Hemi, 14yo Chihuahua refuses to wear sweater, fears not the storm.
by u/Beautiful-Manner-290 in aww
The owner from Ontario, Canada, wrote in the comments that she adopted Hemi when the dog was 9 years old.
She said: “Her former owner had dementia. She loved Hemi very much but forgot about her. She was left in a room where she was starved and made to go on the carpet. I think that’s why she’s so insistent on going outside.”
In the comments, the owner added: “No matter the weather, this venerable senior insists on stepping out to do her business. She happily shakes off the powder and settles in next to our space heater to nap on the sweater she refuses to wear.
“She is never left alone. I step out with her and get to enjoy the winter with her.”
How to Keep Senior Dogs Warm in Winter
According to guidance from the American Kennel Club, small dogs, senior canines and those with short coats often need help staying warm in cold weather. The AKC recommends:
- Dog sweaters or jackets to help maintain body heat—especially for thin or elderly dogs.
- Limiting time outdoors in freezing temperatures and monitoring for signs of cold stress such as shivering or lifting paws off the ground.
- Providing warm resting areas indoors, ideally away from drafts and with soft bedding.
- Using booties if ice, salt or extreme cold irritate a dog’s paws.
While Hemi refuses clothing, her owner compensates by supervising her closely, keeping outings brief and ensuring she warms up immediately afterward.
Reddit Reacts
Hemi’s story struck Reddit users as both heartbreaking and inspiring—a reminder of the loyalty, persistence and quiet dignity older dogs often carry, even after experiencing neglect.
The comments section quickly filled with dog owners sharing their own strong-willed pups:
“If you dare to even say the word ‘sweater’ around my doxie‑chi mix he will run off and hide. He absolutely hates any sort of clothing despite his short legs and having a naked belly! You’d think at least with snow he’d want one but nope,” said one user.
Another posted, “The hate of her internal rage keeps her warm,” and a third pointed out: “Every little dog thinks they’re a big dog, every big dog thinks they’re a little dog.”
Newsweek reached out to u/Beautiful-Manner-290 for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.