Some dogs find their happiness in one shot. For others, it takes years to get that chance, and sometimes, even then, it’s not enough.
Kobe, sadly, was in the latter group. After being adopted from an Illinois shelter by a family, this sweet Pitbull was left to fend for himself on the streets. He struggled, suffered, and roamed high and low in search of a better life.
As a result, all he had was a heartbreaking health condition.
Kobe’s Heartbreaking Backstory
When the rescuers of One Tail At A Time rescue from Chicago, Illinois, received a call about a hairless dog wandering the city streets, their hearts broke. It was Kobe, their resident from seven years ago.
He was adopted by a family, and the shelter thought that was about it. However, Kobe’s life turned into a real nightmare. When his family abandoned him, he developed a severe case of mange and became seriously underweight.
“When Kobe was found, he was about 25 pounds underweight, and he had horrible mange,” Erin told Cuddle Buddies.
The OTAAT team took him in again without second-guessing. They knew that if Kobe didn’t have proper care, he wouldn’t make it on his own. And then, the most amazing thing happened!
His rescuers posted a social media plea, asking if someone could take in Kobe on a foster basis.
Enter Erin, who immediately rushed into action. She welcomed Kobe with an open heart, showed him love, introduced him to her family, and in no time, he was a brand-new dog!
Thanks to Erin’s dedicated work, Kobe finally grew new fur. And, even though it still seemed a little rough, this pup looked nothing like his old self.
“He still looks a little rough even though it’s been five years,” says Erin.
Years later, he was a completely different dog, ready to take on many exciting adventures!
“Derpy Little Puppy” At 12 Years Of Age
Today, as a senior, Kobe is the epitome of the perfect companion. Despite the popular stereotype about his breed, Kobe is nothing but a cuddle bug who wants to shower everyone he meets with love.
“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 all about people, especially kids. He’s a friend to every single kid in the neighborhood, and even acts like one, despite the fact that he’s twelve years old.
At home, Kobe still preserves his puppy spirit and engages in all kinds of funny games with his mom. To say that he still has that puppy energy in this senior phase of his life would be an understatement! He truly is a puppy, and he has all the arguments on his side!
“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.
Kobe hides behind curtains, plays hide and seek, does “cute fly movements” with his ears, and enjoys every single minute of his life with Erin.
Once an abandoned dog given little chance for a new start, Kobe is now a perfectly happy dog, seeking new adventures. And, he’s not planning to stop anytime soon!