Three-Pound Tennessee Pup Spent Years Confined To A Bathtub, And Her Unusual Walk Still Tells The Story

Lola the Chihuahua survived years of neglect, living in a bathtub and eating only bread. Now 14, blind, and toothless, she is living her golden years in Tennessee surrounded by love.

A Hot Summer Discovery

Some dogs endure unimaginable hardships before they ever know what a warm bed feels like. For a tiny Chihuahua named Lola, the world was a very small, lonely place for a long time.

Due to financial struggles, her original family could not afford proper dog food. Instead, they fed her nothing but bread and kept her confined to a bathtub.

But fate had a different plan for the tiny pup. Her incredible story of survival would eventually lead her into the arms of people who would cherish her every quirk.

It all started when Lola was found roaming the streets of Nashville on a sweltering summer day. A kind-hearted woman spotted the tiny dog and immediately scooped her up to get her out of the heat.

Unsure of what to do next, the rescuer headed to a Taco Bell drive-thru. She then called a friend who volunteered for Russell Rescue, explaining she had a stray Chihuahua in her car and was hoping some fast food would hold the dog over.

The Heartbreaking Truth

The women managed to get the little dog some food and quickly noticed she was wearing a tag. Hoping for a simple reunion, they dialed the phone number listed on it.

When the original owner answered, the heartbreaking reality of Lola’s life came to light. The owner explained that the dog had been living in a bathtub.

They admitted that they could only afford to feed her bread. Because they could no longer care for her, they told the rescuers that the dog needed to be rehomed.

Mrs. Faye Steps In

Mrs. Faye, the dedicated volunteer at Russell Rescue, listened to the devastating story. Without hesitation, she knew she had to help the neglected pup.

“I think I want to keep her,” Mrs. Faye decided, opening her home and her heart to the fragile Chihuahua.

However, the years of eating nothing but bread had taken a severe toll on Lola’s health. A veterinary visit revealed that all of her teeth were completely decayed.

The tiny dog had to undergo surgery to have every single tooth removed. Despite the painful procedure, she was finally safe and on the road to recovery.

A New Chapter Begins

Mrs. Faye provided a loving home for Lola for many years, giving her the comfort she had always deserved. The two formed a beautiful bond during their time together.

But life brought another unexpected change last year when Mrs. Faye had to transition into an assisted living facility. She could no longer care for her beloved companion.

That was when Melody and her family stepped into the picture. Knowing the little dog needed a quiet, loving place to spend her senior years, they officially decided to adopt her.

Navigating A Quiet World

Today, Lola is an incredible 14 years old and weighs a mere three pounds. Her age and difficult past have left their mark, but her spirit remains unbroken.

She is now fully blind and mostly deaf, navigating the world in her own special way. However, she can still pick up on certain sounds.

Because she can hear high frequencies, her new family has adapted their communication style. They talk to her in very high-pitched, loud voices whenever they need to get her attention.

Quirks From The Past

Lola’s years of confinement have left her with a few unique physical traits. When she walks, she has a very distinct, sweet little gait.

Her family believes this unusual walk is a direct result of being kept in a slippery, curved bathtub for so many years. She is also directionally challenged, often just walking in happy little circles during her outings.

Despite having no teeth and limited senses, Lola is as happy as can be. She does not know any different, and she embraces every day with joy.

Making Big Friends

Melody’s family lives in a very dog-friendly neighborhood, which makes for some adorable encounters. Lola frequently crosses paths with dogs that are massively larger than her.

These giant neighbors will walk right up to the three-pound senior to investigate. They gently sniff each other, and the big dogs’ tails immediately start wagging.

Melody laughs, suspecting that the large dogs think Lola is actually a squirrel or a rabbit. After a quick sniff, they simply go on their merry way, leaving the tiny Chihuahua to her stroll.

An Unexpected Crush

Before moving in with Melody, Lola had not spent much time around men. But when she met Melody’s husband, it was absolute love at first sight.

The tiny dog developed the biggest crush on him, and they now share a very special bond. She loves to snuggle deep into his arms.

Within just three or four minutes of being held by him, Lola will fall fast asleep and start snoring softly. She also still gets to visit with her previous owner, whom the family affectionately calls “Granny Faye.”

Pup Cups And Outdoor Adventures

Lola is a quiet companion; she never barks or makes much sound. When she tries to give kisses, she usually misses, air-kissing about two inches away from your face.

Her family always knows she is comfortable when her little ears start to twitch and relax. She also has an incredibly long tongue that hangs out of her mouth, which Melody jokes could win a Guinness record.

That long tongue comes in handy when it is time for her favorite treat: a pup cup. She also loves being outdoors and taking in all the fascinating smells of the neighborhood.

Because she is so small, her family has to stay incredibly vigilant outside. They watch her closely to ensure hawks and other predators do not mistake her for a quick snack.

A Healing Journey For Everyone

When Lola first came into their lives, Melody and her husband were still grieving. They had recently lost their “soul dog” and were not quite sure they were ready to open their hearts to another pet.

But bringing Lola into their home ended up being exactly what they needed. Caring for the fragile senior dog brought a new sense of purpose and healing to their household.

Knowing that Lola will spend her final years feeling completely safe, comfortable, and adored is everything to them. For a dog who started life in a bathtub, finding this kind of unconditional love is the ultimate happy ending.