A man who only ever rescues senior animals has gone viral after revealing some of the harrowing conditions he's saved them from over time, and he told Newsweek why he is driven to helping older pets.

When thinking about adding a furry friend to the family, many are drawn to the idea of a cute puppy or kitten from a breeder. But not Wyatt Hicks, 20, of Arkansas, who has adopted several pets overlooked and unwanted just because they were old and frail.

Hicks has always been drawn to senior animals and he loves helping them through the difficulties they experience later in life. He's not perturbed by their medical complications or ailing health, saying "they still deserve love and compassion in their final days."

In the past, Hicks has adopted a rabbit named Midnight who was used for breeding and suffered seizures, a blind cat who was so thin "her spine was protruding," a 13-year-old pug who was blind and deaf, and Alycia the 21-year-old dog who was dumped at a shelter.

"I like to rescue seniors because every animal deserves a home, even if they're older," Hicks said.

"I just think that seniors deserve a loving home in their final months, they're just so sweet and deserve the world. Giving them a second chance is just natural to me because they're severely overlooked, and I can't help but gravitate to their cute faces."

As much as Hicks loves helping senior animals, it certainly isn't easy. He explains that one of the hardest aspects is the financial cost of caring for an elderly pet with health complications. He estimates that he's spent thousands of dollars on vet bills over the years.

"Also, when they pass, it really is hard because I get so attached to them. They truly do become my babies and because they're seniors and need me more, it makes it so much harder," Hicks continued.

Adopting seniors is so important to Hicks and he hopes to encourage others to open their heart to a rescue pet in their final days or months. He posted about his experiences on TikTok (@wy.wy__04) revealing the many animals he's saved, and the clip went viral. At the time of writing, it has gained over 1.6 million views and more than 321,800 likes on TikTok.

They might have all come from different backgrounds, but Hicks wrote on TikTok that they "all hold a special place" in his heart.

Hicks told Newsweek: "Midnight was used for breeding and had seizures, the pug was dumped with a foul ear infection, then I got Fritz who was a senior shih tzu whose owner passed, and I watched him until I found a rescue. After him was Alycia, who was dumped at the shelter and was shaking. She was so scared, and her teeth were rotting so I had to get them fixed.

"I will continue to adopt seniors as I get older too. The reaction online has been very positive, and even though I just see it as me helping, I guess to others, the idea of taking in seniors is really amazing."

With over 3,500 comments on the viral TikTok post, many social media users have praised Hicks for his selfless acts toward these loving animals.

One comment reads: "You my young man, are a rare breed. You deserve all the love and happiness you give these precious soles!"

Another TikToker wrote: "It's people like you that make this world feel a little better to live in. I LOVE senior animals so much!

While another person added: "you are the best kind of human."

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.