Littlebit

Update 4/9/24: Today we received the heartbreaking news that Little Bit has crossed the rainbow bridge at the age of 14 years and 10 months. It was not the way we had hoped to begin our day in the animal rescue and nonprofit community. Today is the Giving Challenge 2024, where we aim to raise funds to assist more pets, and we had hoped to share Little Bit's story for this purpose. Instead, we were met with the devastating news of her passing.

We want to pay tribute to Little Bit's story as it profoundly touched our hearts. Here is her story.

~~~~

When we learned about Little Bit's case, we were concerned whether or not she could be saved. But after learning about her owner, a veteran who had become homeless, we had to try to save this 13-year old chihuahua who was his entire world.

Little Bit's owner, a veteran who had recently found VA housing after homelessness, believed his life was taking a turn for the better. Unfortunately, as he settled into his new home, he noticed Little Bit's health deteriorating rapidly. Little Bit was in severe pain, hunched over, and barely able to walk. She was rushed to our veterinary partner, Suncoast Emergency & Specialty Center, which revealed a life-threatening diagnosis: pyometra, a severe uterine infection, particularly common in unspayed chihuahuas and pit bulls.


Many of the pet owners seeking assistance are from referrals of previous recipients or from our vet partners. Fortunately, in Little Bit's case, a friend knew of our work and directed Little Bit's owner to contact us. We were able to cover the cost of Little Bit's vital surgery. The timing was crucial, as the infection had begun to turn septic, and another day could have been fatal.


However, Little Bit's journey to recovery wasn't over. Loren, Little Bit's owner, lacked a vehicle, relying on a limited veteran ride program for transportation to the ER and follow-up appointments. Even Uber rides were out of reach financially.


A short time after Little Bit's surgery, another member of the LPS community stepped forward, offering to donate a reliable car to Lost Pet Services. According to the car’s owner, "it ran great but was not-so-great-looking. This unexpected gift, facilitated by Lost Pet Services, was the missing piece of the puzzle. Since LPS did not need the vehicle, Patty suggested it be donated to the veteran. Loren could now take Little Bit to her appointments and ensure her continued recovery.


Little Bit's story is a testament to the power of compassion and collaboration. A loyal companion was given a second chance at life. Your support allows us to continue offering critical support to animals like Little Bit and their families, ensuring that financial limitations never stand in the way of receiving life-saving care.


We were so happy when she recovered to share pictures of her journey with her owner. Today we say run free. Kindly keep Little Bit's owner in your thoughts and prayers as he deals with her devastating loss.

Partial funding for this was made possible through our Medical Assistance Program for emergency, trauma and surgical cases with a grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County through their Animal Welfare Grant Program thanks to the Martha Leiter and Nancy Streetman Fund I and Robert Parker Fund.