This senior chihuahua’s tonguegot him dumped on the streets and made him feel unwanted in the shelter. Though the body part lives its own life for most of the time, it only makes the pooch more adorable, at least this is what his new owner and all the passers-by on the walks think.
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Found abandoned in a box
A senior chihuahua, Don Pepe, was found abandoned in a box outside an animal rescue centre in England two years ago. The shelter’s staff suspected he’d come from a puppy farm, as he wasn’t at all used to being inside or getting affection.
The oldie was terrified, had almost no teeth left, and his tongue was always sticking out. But thanks to the charity’s care, he warmed up quickly.
Everyone thought that it wouldn’t be a problem to rehome such an adorable pup. Sadly, it wasn’t the case.
Overlooked because of his tongue
As Don Pepe only had two teeth left, it was pretty much impossible for him to keep his very long tongue in his mouth. It gave him a unique look not all people appreciated. The pooch spent nearly half a year in the shelter until the most fortunate thing happened: he was spotted by Khaya Castagnoli, a vegan food blogger from London. She wasn’t put off by either Don Pepe’s respectable age or his extra mischievous tongue.
The new owner explained:
He was at the shelter for about five months before I adopted him. People had been passing him up because of his tongue.
A tongue hard to control
Don Pepe is currently living with his mum in London, England, and enjoys everything a loving home has to offer.
His tongue is still as uncontrollable as ever, hanging and folding in funny positions.
Castagnoli admitted:
Sometimes I swear it seems like he waves with his tongue, but whether this is voluntary or involuntary, I’m not sure. He does give licks still, so he does have some control over it.
But the sweet-natured pooch seems to find ways to work around his uniqueness and doesn’t let it bother him. Most of the time, unless it’s his favourite snack - peas, he manages his food just fine.
‘He definitely cheers people up’
Even though Don Pepe’s quirky look wasn’t a show-stopper in the shelter, it’s quite popular on the walks. According to Castagnoli, passers-by can’t help but smile and laugh when they see him and his goofy tongue.
The blogger said:
He definitely cheers people up — you can’t look at him and not smile. A lot of children ask if they can touch his tongue, they’re enchanted by it. Some don’t [recognize] him as a dog but think he’s some creature they’ve never heard of. They ask why his tongue is always out — it’s a good opportunity to talk about animal rescue.
Sources used:
- The Dodo: 'Dog Who Couldn't Get A Home Because Of His Tongue Finds A Mom Who Thinks He's Perfect'
Read more:
⋙ Neglected senior dogs suffered a lifetime of abuse and need your help
⋙ This senior dog was dumped in a shelter to die but instead found her 'fountain of youth'
⋙ A senior dog who was missing for two months was accidentally found in a 22-mile cave
