Dogs are simply amazing animals, and their title of ‘man’s best friend’ couldn’t be more appropriate.
Sadly, mankind doesn’t exactly return the friendship.
After seeing this story, however, another title might also be due: ‘dog’s best friend.’
Larry, an 8-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever, was found living on the streets after his family abandoned him when they moved away.
It’s totally barbarous, but something far too common these days. A lot of people don’t seem to care about their dog once their beloved puppy grows old.
Larry had nowhere to go but people in the neighborhood noticed that he took cover in the parking lot of a landscaping business across the street from his former home.
For months he lay in the dirt, and he didn’t give up hope his family would return for him.
The poor dog’s survival depended on the generosity of construction workers, passing drivers, and good samaritans who sometimes gave him leftovers to eat.
One day, a delivery driver saw the poor condition Larry was in. He created an Instagram, oldboy909, and dedicated it to the dog.
“Everyday I see him hungry and thirsty waiting for any truck driver with enough heart to give him something to eat or drink. It breaks my heart and I wish I could help him but my situation simply will not allow me to bring him home. Im going to post pictures of him daily as he is until someone with the heart and position to give him a loving home #Oldboy,” the trucker wrote.
Horrible discoveries
Soon, the dog’s story reached Sasha Abelson, the president of Love Leo Rescue.
She acted immediately and went to pick up Larry. Abelson, along with volunteer rescuers, took the dog to a vet in Los Angeles for medical attention.
When Larry arrived at the veterinarian, several horrible discoveries were made.
The first thing they noticed… The old dog’s stomach was bloated, despite having no regular access to food or water for several months.
Larry was also missing patches of hair on his legs.
He could barely walk and the most serious issue: He was suffering from Cushing’s disease, a condition caused by a primary tumor in the adrenal cortex that directly produces cortisol.
Larry had gone through more than any dog should, but he still wagged his tail when he saw his rescuers.
Love Leo Rescue decided to help him and for almost two months Larry had to live in veterinary clinic while he adjusted to his new medication.
“In that time he was kind of sad, and a little depressed and reactive with other dogs,” Sasah Abelson told The Dodo.
”So we weren’t sure if he could live with another dog safely.”
After some time, Larry’s health began to improve. Soon he was ready to be adopted.
But Larry didn’t have luck on his side.
Three times Larry was adopted to a forever home, and three times he was returned to the rescue. They returned Larry after a couple of weeks, saying that he didn’t get along with the cat or the kids or whatever the problem was.
In addition to that, the dog’s health problems were managed by a monthly medication that cost his new owners around $180 a month.
Many people choose to not adopt Larry because of that extra cost.
But in March 2019, Regina Gifzpenc read about Larry and was touched by his story, according to NBC Los Angeles.
She adopted him and Larry finally found his “furever” home.
What a story! I’m very grateful for the woman who adopted Larry.
But I will never understand how people can leave a pet behind when they move!
I’m so happy he’s now been taken into a family with love – share if you agree!
