A Dogo Argentino with a remarkable face and a truly inspiring survival story has passed away. Oogy was just a puppy when he was used as a bait dog in dogfighting. He was found severely injured, missing an ear and with deep scars riddling the side of his face.
He lay hurt and in a cage without food or water for at least 5 days before he was found by police. Larry Levin knew nothing of this when he first saw Oogy at the vet hospital.
Levin and his twin boys (then 12) were taking their elderly, terminally ill cat in to the vet hospital to be euthanized. Oogy was in the same hospital, tugging on his leash while he was being walked by hospital staff. As soon as he saw Larry’s boys and broke from his leash knocking down one of his sons and smothering him with kisses.
The family were instantly smitten and asked after Oogy. They were told about his horrific ordeal and learned he was homeless. That’s when they decided to adopt him.
Oogy’s beautiful spirit deeply affected his family and also had a strong impact on everyone who met him. He even inspired Larry to write a book, Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love. Oogy’s story not only helped raise awareness about the horrors of dog fighting but also inspires others to face challenges with courage and love like he did.
After 13 wonderful years together, Oogy’s family announced he passed away. “We covered Oogy with kisses. He kissed us back. This morning I fed Oogy a bison filet. I put moisturizer on his big fat nose and drops in his eyes so they wouldn’t itch, just like I do every day, and I put his warm orange coat on him, the one that Linda gave him, and we went for a ride. He was 100 years old and kept our spirits up through the whole ordeal but he’s gone from us,” Levin wrote. “He didn’t suffer.”
Photo credit: Oogy’s Facebook Group
“We went through so much together and I can’t tell you how much he meant to me. He gave me the life I have. He brought me joy every single day for the last 12 years. Every single day. Think about that. I know this profound sadness is inevitable, and I don’t know how the hole will be filled, or even if it can be, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
Photo credit: Oogy’s Facebook Group
I’m sure Oogy’s spirit will continue to live on and inspire others to help victims and survivors of animal cruelty. As Levin says of Oogy in the video above, “This dog is living proof you can go through the most obscene experience imaginable and come out the other side and find love on the other side.”
Photo credit: Oogy’s Facebook Group
Oogy’s book is currently available on Amazon.
Share Oogy’s touching story with your friends and family.
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links.