NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER Hatter Diane Galvez gives her three-year-old Yorkie Little Man a kiss Saturday in her apartment suite. Little Man has been out of the hospital for more than one week after being attacked by a larger dog, losing a leg in the process. The pair will continue healing together.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@MHNmocranker
After a number of tough weeks – three-year-old Yorkie Little Man and his owner Diane Galvez are finally able to relax a little.
While spending a bit of time with Galvez feet from the entrance to their Cambridge Street apartment, Little Man was attacked by a much larger dog on Jan. 10. He was rushed to Calgary for emergency medical treatment – but doctors were forced to amputate his back right leg.
The pair were able to return home Jan. 18 and Galvez says Little Man is starting to come around to his new life.
“We’ve just been taking it day by day since we got home,” said Galvez. “I think he is just really happy to be home – when people come to visit he gets really excited.
“When we got out somewhere for errands, he seems really happy.”
While he may be down a limb, Little Man is still able to run around the apartment when he wishes.
“He hobbles really well,” said Galvez. “He is adapting really well.
“He hasn’t quite figured out jumping up yet, but he is able to jump down from the couch easily.”
The six-pound dog is slowly getting an appetite back.
“Whenever he is hungry, I try and feed him a bit,” said Galvez. “I need to make sure he doesn’t get underweight or overweight.
“I use peanut butter and Cheez Whiz to make sure he is taking his medication.”
Galvez says the pair is struggling with living right where the attack took place, especially since the dog still lives in her neighbourhood.
“I bought a snuggie to take him out for a walk with me and we couldn’t get very far,” she said. “He started crying right as we crossed the street.
“He just isn’t ready to go outside like that for a normal walk – in his carrier he is OK and he knows he is safe.”
Galvez says she has been overwhelmed by community support and that she has been recognized in the community a number of times.
“It has been amazing,” she said. “My neighbour brought me food and offered to dog sit. So many people have reached out and offered help if I needed it. The church brought us a number of items, including a blessed blanket for Little Man so he stays safe.”
Galvez says the owners of the larger dog have come through on their promise to pay for vet bills pertaining to the attack.
Anyone looking to continue following Little Man can search ‘Little Man Galvez – the 6lb Yorkie Warrior’ on Facebook and request to join the group.
To see a video of Little Man running around happily, check out a Sunday post on the News Facebook page.
