The Underdog Series: The "tail" of Little Larry

by Lisa Kropp - ONLYforPETLOVERS.com

After nearly a year of barely surviving in an abandoned house with three border collies, Little Larry was far from the healthy and happy Chihuahua he used to be.

His tiny body was frail and weak. Most of his fur, back legs and tail were bald and the top of his head was matted because the border collies licked him constantly. He lived under a bed for months, scared and lonely, never knowing if the next day would bring safety or if he would continue to live a life of uncertainty. It was challenging enough to survive with inadequate care, but Little Larry had another predicament. He was blind, deaf and diabetic.

During his time of isolation, the tiny Chihuahua needed at least two insulin shots a day. He also needed many small meals to keep his blood sugar at an acceptable level. He received minimal treatments from a friend of his deceased owner, and it was just enough to keep him alive. It became so severe, that there was a time when Little Larry was found unconscious on a couch from the lack of insulin.

Eleven months after his owner died, the deserted house was finally sold. The three border collies found new homes, but not Little Larry. He was sent to an animal shelter where chances of adoption were unlikely for an animal with disabilities. A glimmer of hope arrived though with Larry and Pat Donoho.

The Donohos are mobile adoption coordinators for the Best Friends Animal Society. They participate in mobile adoption events all over the Southwest, in locations such as California, Colorado, and Utah. It was on one these adoption missions that they came across Little Larry. A friend at the adoption event mentioned that there was a 13-year-old blind, deaf and diabetic Chihuahua that desperately needed a home.

"I immediately said that we would take him," said Pat Donoho. "When I said yes, Larry didn't know about him. It took a few minutes to talk him into it when I got home. The dog’s name was already Larry, so I told him ‘it's Little Larry, we have to help’ and that worked!"

Once Little Larry arrived at the Donoho’s home, he was very cautious of his surroundings. The absence of humans had made him nervous and timid around people. However, Little Larry soon adjusted to his new home life and allowed Larry and Pat to lift him up and play with him. He even began chewing on marrow bones.

"We learned from experiences with our previous blind and deaf dogs that it takes time," said Larry. "I place a crate in the house and allow the dog to come to me when he or she feels ready. Let them adjust to the environment. It may take days or even months for the dog to become comfortable."

Pat and Larry stress that patience is an important factor while caring for an animal with a disability. "Just have patience," said Pat Donoho. "Let them come to you, especially the little dogs. Let them love you."

Little Larry did indeed love his owners. He became comfortable with the Donohos and thrived in his new "forever" home. Pat and Larry provided sincere devotion, love, and nurturing that gave a Chihuahua another chance at living a happy life. Little Larry’s physical appearance even improved. Most of his hair grew back and he became stronger.

But maybe more importantly, his spirit was revitalized. "You never know how long you have with these animals and sometimes it’s tough to keep going," said Larry. "But we just do it because they need us. Little lives are just as important."

Little Larry lived with Larry and Pat for four months until he passed away. Even though the Donohos’ time with Little Larry was brief, they learned to appreciate everyday with him. "If Little Larry could tell us how he felt, I think he would say thank you,"said Pat Donoho. "Thank you for loving me. Thank you for saving my life."

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Lisa Kropp is a correspondent out of Michigan for Only For Pet Lovers. Check out our site to view the rest of our articles and register for our online community for pet lovers like yourself. To keep up to date on what's going on in the pet world, visit our site and check out the pet news section.