Here’s a one-month update on Bugsy (fka Bugs Bunny).
First, I just want to say what a great service Muttville provides. You save the lives of thousands of little dogs who are filled with love and don’t understand how they ended up in a shelter or on the streets. That is a wonderful thing in itself, but you also save the lives of the people adopting these furry treasures. I know, because I’m one of them.
My mom, Skippy, and I have always been animal lovers. We’ve shared our home and heart with chihuahuas for over 30 years-most of them rescues. Following a heart attack and stroke, I was a full-time caregiver to mom for over three years. Our two chihuahuas, Dino and Tinkerbell came from Bay Area shelters.
Tink was particularly close to mom, and slept with her every night, especially after the heart attack. First, we lost Dino last September. Mom died at Christmas. I could see Tinkerbell lose interest in life or food. She began to mostly just sit, stare at nothing and sleep. For months, grieving, I felt pretty much the same way, unable to do much of anything, just lost in my thoughts of the past.
After a few months, I began to see Muttville posts about little and big senior dogs looking for homes. Within a few weeks I was writing down names of special dogs and engaging with Muttville and others on posts. Then I saw Bugsy.
From the moment I saw him (still wearing his e-collar from recent surgery) I knew I had to have him. I held him while I filled out the online paperwork.
Luckily, I qualified for Muttville’s amazing Senior for Seniors program. Everyone was so kind and the process went quickly. Within just a few minutes I was driving home, just south of SF, with a case of top-quality dog food, a bowl, harness, and the most adorable tiny chihuahua I’d ever seen. Once Bugsy and I arrived home, Tink greeted us, and again, it was an easy process. They met, they sniffed, they became pals, instantly.
Bugsy has a huge appetite. When he arrived, he weighed in at a whopping 3.9 lbs. Now, he’s filled in and tips the scales at 4.5 lbs. He may be tiny, but he is mighty.
Bugsy has the heart of a giant. His personality is ginormous and he is fearless of all he encounters. I make sure to give Tink lots of love. She’s also under the influence of Bugsy. She’s regained her appetite & they both race to the bottom of their bowls every meal time.
We all get loads of exercise now, walking 1.5-3 miles daily around the side of San Bruno Mountain. Bugsy gives us surprises every day. His little old man bark is not high pitched or annoying. He’s got a raspy voice, a bit like how Rod Stewart sings. Also, he loves to play.
Tink had about a half dozen forgotten squeaky toy “bunnies.” He discovered a special one, a pink piggie-bunny, that he loves to run, throw in the air and growl at while biting, running, and squeaking it. Because of Bugsy, Tink has regained her interest in her special grey elephant-bunny. Tink’s has no ears left, or legs, or tail, but it is her prized possession.
All the love that this tiny 10-year-old little guy with about two teeth has brought back to our home is more than I could have ever hoped for. Bugsy is 10 going on 2. Tink has gained a new lease on life thanks to him. He’s got me wrapped around his tiny paw, and I’m so glad for it.
Thank you, Muttville for bringing Bugsy into our lives. Long may he reign!
Biff Ohara
8/11/24
Are you the proud parent of a Muttville dog? Send us your story! Include three of your favorite photos and send it to success_stories@muttville.org with the subject line 'Success Story'.
