Some dogs find luck the first time out. Others wait years for a real chance. Sometimes, even then, it still is not enough.
Kobe fell into the unlucky group. Adopted from a shelter in Illinois, this sweet Pit Bull was later cast out by the very family meant to love him. Left to fend for himself, Kobe faced hardship, hunger, and long days of wandering while he searched for hope.
What followed was a heartbreaking medical decline.
From Adopted Pup to Desperate Stray
When the Chicago based team at One Tail At A Time received a tip about a bald dog moving through city streets, their hearts sank. It was Kobe, once their resident, adopted seven years earlier.
Back then, it seemed he had found forever. Somewhere along the line, everything unraveled. His adopters abandoned him, he developed a severe case of mange, and he slipped to a dangerous weight.
“When Kobe was found, he was about 25 pounds underweight, and he had horrible mange,” Erin told Cuddle Buddies.
Without delay, OTAAT brought him back into their care. They knew he would not survive much longer outdoors without immediate help. Then something wonderful happened.
They posted a heartfelt plea for a foster who could support Kobe through recovery.
Erin answered. She opened her home and her heart, welcomed Kobe with affection, and soon the tired stray began to act like a new dog.
With Erin’s steady care, Kobe’s coat started coming in again. His look remained a little rugged, yet the progress was remarkable.
“He still looks a little rough even though it’s been five years,” says Erin.
Years later, the transformation was complete. Kobe had become a confident, curious companion, ready to enjoy life.
Twelve Years Young And Full Of Joy
Now a senior, Kobe is the definition of loyal and loving. Despite stereotypes that too often shadow his breed, he is nothing but gentle and eager to share affection.
“When people see him, they will cross the street, but the ones that can look past his rough exterior know that he is an amazing dog,” added Erin.
Kobe is especially fond of children. He has become the neighborhood’s favorite buddy, greeting every kid in sight and often acting like one himself, even at twelve.
At home, his puppy spirit never left. He plays endlessly with his mom, full of energy and goofy charm. Saying he is “young at heart” hardly covers it. He is a puppy in spirit, through and through.
“Kobe is still this derpy little puppy in a 12-year-old dog’s body. It is adorable to watch the way that he bounces and bounds around,” his mom says.
From hiding behind curtains to playing hide and seek and doing “cute fly movements” with his ears, Kobe embraces every moment.
Once discarded without hope, he now thrives in love and security, the result of a second chance that changed everything. He has no plans to slow down.