Many dogs never experience the love they truly deserve, spending their lives escaping abuse and neglect, with only a fortunate few managing to find their way to safety. Mistreated dogs are often misunderstood, viewed as aggressive by nature, which leads to further mistreatment. Tragically, most of these dogs end up waiting hopelessly for owners who decide to euthanize them without justification.
This story brings us to California, where a senior dog named Ollie was on the brink of facing that horrendous fate. Mistreated and labeled as severely aggressive, Ollie seemed doomed until a compassionate man stepped in to give him another chance.
Ollie’s Heartbreaking Story
Sal Valdepeña, founder of Balooja’s Foundation in Upland, California, met Ollie when he was seen as a lost cause; the over 15-year-old dog was extremely aggressive due to his mistreatment, constantly growling and barking at those around him. Rather than giving up, Sal took Ollie to his facility and found a perfect foster home with a loving mom.
Cathi Perez, a devoted dog lover and foster, eagerly welcomed Ollie into her home. When they first met, he was a filthy, matted mess, covered in feces, and unable to stand due to a potential old injury.
“He was a filthy matted mess covered with feces and urine, unable to walk, extremely aggressive, lunging and thrashing at anyone nearby, and he was on the fast track for euthanasia,” Perez shared on Facebook.
Though he was in his twilight years, Ollie was always defensive. Initially, he lay in a custom pen, growling at Cathi, too traumatized to let her touch him.
A Lot Of Ups And Downs
Following an initial vet visit, Ollie began multiple medications for pain and anxiety, helping him feel more comfortable and enabling him to stand briefly. While he had a long way to go, his progress was evident.
With unwavering love and support from his mom, Ollie started to understand what love felt like, permitting Cathi to clean his pen and gently pat him on the back.
However, his journey was filled with challenges as he grappled with the trauma of his past and the love he was now receiving. An emotional Perez noted, “He isn’t always feeling it but he is much more at ease; the medications relieving his pain and anxiety play a major role,” she wrote.
Perez’s patience and support proved invaluable as she chose to stand by Ollie during his last days, evolving from a foster mom into his permanent companion.
Sal and Cathi continued to take Ollie for his regular vet check-ups and ensured he received his medications. Regrettably, the vet confirmed that this elderly dog didn’t have much time left.
Despite his dwindling strength and more bad days, Ollie held onto a flicker of hope, showing that the care he received was making a difference. His sad eyes began to reveal joy, and for the first time, his tail started wagging, indicating he felt the warmth of love and knew he was safe in his momma’s home.
Love And Kindness As A Final Gift
Cathi did everything in her power to ensure that Ollie’s final days were filled with love and tenderness, showering him with affection that he had long been deprived of. Surrounded by care, Ollie peacefully crossed the rainbow bridge with Cathi by his side.
“His was a tragic life of neglect, abuse, and abandonment, but he had a community rallying behind him and as he crossed over, I whispered to him, ‘I love you,’” Perez expressed in a Facebook post.
Though heartbroken by her loss, Cathi remains thankful for the time she spent with Ollie and is grateful that his last memories were filled with love, as they should have always been. Rest in peace, good boy!
