Can you imagine moving away, and not taking your dog with you? It seems so cruel, since dogs are incredibly loyal, loving and protective. In fact, it's not just cruel - it's reckless. After getting accustomed to a domestic life, the pup might not not able to survive on its own. The world is full of dangers and diseases, even if your pet survives its broken heart.
A truck driver in California noticed an eight-year-old Labrador living in a parking lot outside a warehouse on his delivery route. According to The Dodo, the dog used to live with his owners in the house across the street, but the family moved away and left him behind. It broke the driver's heart to see the forlorn dog living in the dirt, so he uploaded a photo of the "poor old boy" on Instagram. Due to his living situation, he was unable to adopt a pet, but hoped someone would give the Lab a forever home.
For who-knows-how-many months, the dog survived on scraps from strangers. Luckily, in July, the delivery driver's heartbreaking Instagram post caught the attention of Love Leo Rescue, a foster-based rescue group located in Los Angeles. As soon they became aware of "Larry the Lab," they picked him up and took him to their rescue.
On Instagram, they shared a photo of Larry, writing, "all we want for him is a forever home. Isn’t there someone, somewhere out there that wants to give this beautiful, #goldenlab his fairytale ending? He is eight-years old and has been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease which is manageable through daily medication. His can get a little stiff he’s a little slow. He prefers sleeping outside in the garden versus being confined to a crate. He would do well with another old dog that stays out of his business."
Cushing's disease is condition caused when the dog's body produces too much of the hormone cortisol, according to Blue Cross. The symptoms include excess thirst, frequent urination, hair loss, weight gain, panting, changes to the skin’s appearance and abdominal swelling. The dog will probably need to take medication for the rest of its life, which can be costly. The rescue wrote on Instagram that Larry's medication costs $180 a month.
"When we first rescued him, he was reactive to other dogs and would growl when they got too close," wrote Love Leo Rescue on Instagram. "Now that he’s feeling better, he’s turned into a social butterfly. We are super happy to report that he is having the time of his life in doggy daycare. To date, Larry has been kicked out of 3 foster homes (due to separation anxiety) and had 2 adopters bail on him. He deserves better than that."
The rescue continued, "Larry not do well when he’s left alone and would need a secure backyard or a heavy duty crate and lots of doggy daycare. He needs to be on a medication for life that costs about $180 a month. Other than that, he’s a kind and gentle dog who really deserves a forever home to call his own. Please consider adding him to your family. He has been through so much and wants to spend his golden years being loved and adored."
If you are able to adopt Larry, check him out on their website here, and you can contact Love Leo Rescue at loveleorescue(at)gmail(d0t)com. Hopefully he will meet a new family soon, that won't abandon him in the dirt.
