Some dogs get lucky on their first try. For others, it takes years before they catch a break. And sometimes, even then, it’s still not enough.
Sadly, Kobe was one of the unlucky ones. After being adopted from a shelter in Illinois, this sweet Pit Bull was later cast out by the very family meant to love him. Left to survive on his own, Kobe endured hardship, hunger, and endless wandering in search of hope.
What he ended up with was a heartbreaking medical condition.
Kobe’s Devastating Journey
When the team at One Tail At A Time rescue, a Chicago-based rescue, received a tip about a bald dog roaming the city streets, their hearts sank. It was Kobe, once their resident, adopted seven years earlier.
Back then, he had found what seemed like a forever home. But somewhere along the way, his life unraveled. His adoptive family abandoned him, and he developed a severe form of mange while becoming dangerously underweight.
“When Kobe was found, he was about 25 pounds underweight, and he had horrible mange,” Erin told Cuddle Buddies.
Without hesitation, OTAAT stepped in to save him again. They knew Kobe wouldn’t survive much longer on the streets without immediate help. And then something wonderful happened.
The rescue shared a heartfelt plea on social media, hoping to find a foster willing to care for Kobe while he recovered.
That’s when Erin answered the call. She took Kobe in with open arms, welcomed him into her home, showered him with affection, and before long, he was like a brand-new pup!
Thanks to Erin’s tireless care, Kobe’s fur finally started to grow back. Even though his appearance remained a bit rugged, the change was remarkable.
“He still looks a little rough even though it’s been five years,” says Erin.
Years later, Kobe was hardly recognizable. He had turned into a confident, curious dog, ready to embrace life to the fullest.
Still A “Derpy Little Puppy” At 12 Years Old
Now a senior dog, Kobe has become the definition of a loyal, loving companion. Despite the unfortunate stereotypes surrounding his breed, he is nothing but a gentle soul who wants to share his affection with everyone he meets.
“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 especially adores children. He’s the neighborhood’s favorite buddy—befriending every kid in sight and often acting like one himself, despite his age of twelve.
At home, Kobe hasn’t lost his puppy charm. He plays endlessly with his mom, full of energy and goofy antics. Saying he acts like a pup at heart doesn’t quite capture it: Kobe 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 lives every moment to the fullest.
Once a dog discarded without hope, Kobe now thrives in the love and joy of a second chance. And he’s not slowing down anytime soon.