INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Tuesday afternoon, a timid gray pit bull puppy emerged from Noah’s Westside Animal Hospital, looking tired but content to be in the arms of Savannah Allen. 20.
It’s was a reunion Allen wasn't sure would even happen.
“I was so scared to lose him. I’m so happy he’s back. I can’t help it,” said Allen, crying.
Just a month ago, the seven-month old named Littlefoot, was malnourished and sickly when Allen took him in to her home.
“He didn’t have any vaccines. He was nothing but skin and bones and we got him a little bigger, but then he tested positive for parvo,” Allen explained.
Parvo is a potentially deadly virus that usually attacks younger dogs, infecting the cells in their intestinal track and bone marrow.
Allen didn’t know that’s what Littlefoot had. She just knew something was wrong.
“Just wouldn’t move, wouldn’t eat, wouldn’t drink,” she said.
When Allen took the dog to a vet, she learned it would cost at least $1,000 to start treating Littlefoot, money the convenience store employee didn’t have, especially COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s been pretty rough. Cut hours, not really much business coming in,” Allen said.
She reached out to Lucci’s House Bully Rescue, an Indianapolis animal rescue that specializes in pit bulls and other bully breeds.
Luccis’ brought Littlefoot to Noah’s Westside Animal Hospital where they agreed to treat the dog.
“They try to help us out as much as they can,” said the rescue’s founder, Laurie Collins.
So, too, have donors who have given money to the rescue to help pay for Littlefoot’s treatment which has racked up a bill in the thousands.
“Who would have thought that one little pit bull could bring us all together, because there’s so many people fighting for him and all the other dogs,” said Collins.
Collins said Littlefoot’s story is a reminder of why it’s so important to get your pets vaccinated.
“Please message us and we will help them get the vaccines that they need. We’re going to partner with Noah’s and get them their shots so they don’t have to go through this,” said Collins.
After a week in the hospital and several close calls, Littlefoot is back on the road to recovery.
“This little guy, he’s so forgiving, just shows unconditional love,” said Allen of Littlefoot.
It's something there’ll be no shortage for the puppy with Allen in his forever home.
“Forever and ever,” said Allen of the bond she already has with Littlefoot.