Some dogs never experience true love. Instead, they spend their lives trying to escape abuse and neglect, with only a few ever finding freedom.
Mistreated dogs are often labeled as aggressive, a stigma that leads to even more mistreatment. Sadly, many are unjustly condemned to euthanasia, never knowing kindness.
Such was the case for Ollie, a senior dog from California. Once completely mistreated and deemed too aggressive, Ollie was on the brink of a tragic end—until one man stepped in and gave him a second chance.
Ollie’s Heartbreaking Story
Source: Cathi Perez
When Sal Valdepeña, founder of Balooja’s Foundation in Upland, California, first met Ollie, the senior dog seemed like a lost cause. At over 15 years old, Ollie’s aggression was the result of years of mistreatment, leaving him constantly growling and barking at anyone who came near.
But Sal refused to give up. He brought Ollie to his facility, determined to change his story. Before long, he found the perfect foster home—and the perfect mom!
Cathi Perez, a devoted dog lover and experienced foster, eagerly welcomed Ollie into her home. When they first met, he was in heartbreaking condition—completely matted, covered in feces, and unable to stand, likely due to an old, untreated injury.
“He was a filthy, matted mess, covered in feces and urine stains. He couldn’t walk and was extremely aggressive, lunging and thrashing at anyone who got too close. He was on the fast track for euthanasia,” Perez shared on Facebook.
Despite his golden years, Ollie remained constantly on guard. During the first few days, he lay in his customized pen, growling at his foster mom. The mistreatment he endured had left him so broken that he wouldn’t even let Cathi near him.
A Lot Of Ups And Downs
After his initial vet exam, Ollie was prescribed multiple medications to manage his pain and anxiety. Slowly, he began to relax and even stood on his legs for brief moments. There was still a long road ahead, but the progress was undeniable.
With his foster mom’s unwavering love and support, Ollie finally started to understand what it meant to be cared for. He grew comfortable enough to let Cathi clean his pen and even give him a gentle pat on the back.
But progress wasn’t always steady. Ollie often slipped back into old habits, reverting to the fearful, aggressive behavior shaped by years of mistreatment. Each day was a constant battle between the life he had always known and the kindness he was now experiencing.
“He isn’t always feeling it, but he’s much more at ease and relaxed. His medications are finally kicking in, easing both his pain and anxiety,” Perez shared.
Despite the setbacks, Perez remained patient and dedicated. She refused to give up on Ollie, determined to stand by his side through his final days. Before long, her role shifted from foster mom to forever mom, giving Ollie the loving home he had always deserved.
Source: Cathi Perez
Sal and Cathi continued to take Ollie to regular vet appointments, ensuring he received the medications he needed. Sadly, the vet confirmed what they feared—Ollie didn’t have much time left.
His strength was fading, and the bad days began to outnumber the good. Yet, in those final moments, Ollie showed a glimmer of hope that all the love and care hadn’t been in vain.
The sadness in his eyes softened, replaced by a hint of joy. His tail, once still, finally began to wag. For the first time in his life, Ollie understood what it meant to be truly loved—and he knew his mom’s home was his safe haven.
Love And Kindness As A Final Gift
Source: Cathi Perez
Cathi did everything she could to make Ollie’s final days as special as possible. She surrounded him with constant love and affection—something he had never known but slowly learned to enjoy, despite his past trauma.
Comforted and cared for, Ollie eventually crossed the rainbow bridge with his mom by his side.
“His was a tragic life of neglect, abuse, and abandonment. But we all rallied around him. He had a community behind him, and he crossed ever so gently as I whispered, ‘I love you,’” Perez shared in a heartfelt Facebook post.
Though heartbroken by the loss, Cathi remains grateful for the chance to be there for Ollie. Most importantly, she finds peace knowing his final memories were filled with love—the way it always should have been.
Rest in peace, sweet boy. You were loved until the very end.