Animal Stories from All-Creatures.org

Larry Mah, son of Albert

From Albert Mah
Facebook posting, March 1, 2024

On January 28 this year Larry celebrated his 12th birthday. He had lived for 12 years which is old for a greyhound but it was going to be his last birthday. A week later, his body began to fail and life started to ebb away but thankfully it was a short illness A perfect gentleman to the end, dearest Larry sadly passed away peacefully on February 17.

Larry Mah (28/01/2012 – 17/02/2024)

Nine years ago, a traumatized three-year-old ex-racing greyhound came into my life. He had a broken canine tooth and his other teeth were blunted from chewing the metal bars of his cage where he was kept isolated outdoors for many hours daily. In addition, his tail had been broken but subsequently had healed leaving a kink at the tip.

My reasons for adopting a discarded racing dog were because they had been kept outside in solitary kennels, never socialized nor toilet trained, forced to race for their lives to earn money and were deprived of the love they deserved. Surely, they deserve all the love for the rest of their lives living in a secure and comfortable home and being a part of the family. Their age, colour and sex were irrelevant to me. What mattered was giving them the best life possible.

This large 40 kg muscular and handsome boy was called Larry by his rescue group, Greyhound Adoptions of Western Australia who is dedicated to rescuing, fostering and then adopting out these wonderful dogs to loving homes. It took time for Larry to adjust to a new home because he felt insecure in new surroundings but he had free range inside and soon he made himself comfortable lying on the couch and the bed.

Once settled in, Larry turned out to be a gentle giant; calm, undemanding, patient, affectionate and of course totally trusting. On our daily walks he would gently approach everyone, wagging his tail to greet them and get pats. Larry loved car rides, meeting other greyhounds, tossing his soft toys around and doing zoomies. In short, he loved a sweet and comfortable life.

Our relationship was father and son and I was always protective of him. On quite a few occasions, other dogs attacked Larry and each time I would place myself in front of him to fend off the attacker. As the years progressed, Larry became greyer at the muzzle. His walking slowed noticeably in the last year. Aging is inevitable for all of us; however, he remained without health issues.

On January 28 this year Larry celebrated his 12th birthday. He had lived for 12 years which is old for a greyhound but it was going to be his last birthday. A week later, his body began to fail and life started to ebb away but thankfully it was a short illness A perfect gentleman to the end, dearest Larry sadly passed away peacefully on February 17.

I am forever grateful to son Larry who shared his life with me for nine years providing unconditional love. I miss you dearly and will never forget you.

P.S. I’m heartbroken but it is the price I willingly bear to help a victim of cruelty from humans. Many friends personally came to say goodbye to Larry and many more have been very kind and provided empathy and support at this difficult time, before and after his passing. I’m very thankful for that and you are the best of humankind.

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