Imagine this: a two-year-old pit bull pup, whose tail once wagged eagerly at the sight of his owner, found himself alongside some old boxes, clueless that it was a goodbye. It was a chilly day in December 2016, and Ollie-Loo, a sweet pit bull mix, was left behind as his owner moved on to a new chapter without him.
Ollie-Loo, not realizing he’d been left for good, stayed put, loyal to the last moment, hoping for a reunion that wouldn’t come. Detroit’s winters are unforgiving, often plunging below freezing when the sun dips, but Ollie-Loo’s hope didn’t waver.
As fate would have it, his perseverance caught someone’s attention, and a call was made to the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) just in time for the holiday spirit to work its magic.
Volunteers, with Terri Looby among them, sprang into action. They found Ollie-Loo sheltering beneath the discarded boxes, seeking a shred of warmth. Recounting the rescue, Looby shared with The Dodo how Ollie-Loo, upon hearing a friendly voice, seemed to understand help had arrived. His response? A happy tail and an eager approach, even with a limp.
The story took a turn when they learned from a neighbor that this wasn’t Ollie-Loo’s first lonely night; it had been over a week. His previous owner, having been evicted, left him and another smaller dog behind, only to return for the smaller one, leaving Ollie-Loo to fend for himself.
And when it came to the matter of his empty belly, Ollie-Loo didn’t hold back. The scent of a chicken patty had him hopping into the back seat of the car, where he was reassured with gentle words and allowed to satisfy his hunger.
Despite the cold’s bite, Ollie-Loo was fortunate—his only ailment was a broken femur, which was treated with surgery at the animal shelter.
Looby’s heart was warmed seeing Ollie-Loo settle into his new, loving home, not long after his rescue. He blossomed into a joyful pup, full of affection, simply seeking a family to return his love and never again regard him as disposable.
It’s a poignant reminder of the bond between dogs and their owners, and Ollie-Loo’s story, from waiting in the cold to finding a new beginning, is a testament to resilience and hope. Here’s to Ollie-Loo, a furry testament to undying loyalty, and to the brighter days that lay ahead in his forever home.
