07/28/2026
We want to address a concern that was recently reported regarding our rescue dog, Little Man.
Before making assumptions about an animal's appearance, we kindly ask that you take a moment to ask about their story. Little Man is not an underweight or neglected dog—he is a rescue with significant medical conditions resulting from severe abuse before he came into our care. Anyone who had asked would have gladly been shown photos of where he started compared to where he is today.
Little Man lives with several serious medical conditions, including megaesophagus, severe neurological damage, an S-shaped spine, fused and malformed spinal discs, an enlarged heart, and an oversized tongue. Despite these challenges, he is loved beyond measure and receives specialized care every single day.
Caring for a dog with megaesophagus is extremely time-consuming. Little Man is hand-fed canned food with a spoon, then must be held upright for 15–30 minutes after every meal to allow food to reach his stomach safely. Without this process, he is at risk of regurgitation and potentially life-threatening aspiration pneumonia. His care has been directed by our veterinarian, and we follow those instructions diligently.
To make sure he receives the care he needs while we continue caring for the many other animals in our store, we even purchased a front carrier so he can remain upright after meals while we work. His health and well-being are always our priority.
What makes us happiest is how far he has come. When Little Man first arrived, he couldn't even bark. Today he has found his voice, loves to play fetch, squeaks his favorite toys, enjoys a comfortable therapeutic bed, plenty of blankets, special treats, and all the love we can give him. Watching him experience joy after everything he has endured has been one of the greatest rewards.
We understand that people care about animal welfare, and we genuinely appreciate those concerns. However, if you ever have a question about one of our animals, please ask us first. We are always happy to explain their medical history and the care they receive. A conversation is far more productive than assumptions or anonymous complaints.
We also want to be clear that false allegations and the spread of misinformation can seriously harm both our business and our reputation. While we welcome legitimate questions and concerns, we will not tolerate harassment, bullying, or knowingly false claims. If necessary, we will take appropriate steps to protect ourselves and our business.
Our mission has always been—and will continue to be—to provide the very best care possible for every animal entrusted to us. Little Man is a perfect example of why rescue matters. He may not look like every other dog, but he is deeply loved, carefully cared for, and living a life that he never had before.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support us, ask questions, and advocate for animals with compassion rather than assumptions. ❤️
Pic of him standing on the floor is a few days after we got him. We took him to the groomer to get pampered!
Pic of him in the carrier that we purchased to help with his megaesophagus. Auntie Shay carrying him