Mill life amounts to cruel and unusual treatment for any dog. As a breed, though, Italian greyhounds like Lil Olive have it particularly tough.
Consider, for instance, the basics of their physical makeup. At less than 15 pounds, and with little body fat and very short hair, Italian greyhounds are commonly included on lists of dog breeds that are poorly suited for cold weather. On the day Lil Olive was found in a Missouri puppy mill, the temperature was 9 degrees Fahrenheit, and she — like all dogs on the premises — was outside.
On an emotional level, Italian greyhounds are known as one of the most affectionate dog breeds. But at the mill, Lil Olive was cut off from contact with caring humans for more than a dozen years, which is a full lifespan for many Italian greyhounds.
If you want to get a sense of just how remarkable Lil Olive’s late-life renaissance actually was — and how remarkable Lil Olive herself was — take a moment to read through the items below. In quotes are basic Italian greyhound characteristics given on Animal Planet’s website. Underneath each of them, in italics, are truths about Lil Olive shared by Pam Horton, the “momma” who took her in and gave her the chance to live as a dog should.
“Original function: lap dog. Today’s function: companion.”
Olive was a breeding mother for 12½ years.
“[The Italian greyhound] embodies the same qualities that enable the full-sized greyhound to run at top speed using the double-suspension gallop: a curvaceous outline with a slight arch over the loin and good rear angulation. Its gait is high-stepping and free.”
Olive’s back legs didn’t bend and her hips were wide from having given birth to more than 20 litters.
“Essentially a slender miniature greyhound, the Italian greyhound is exceptionally elegant and graceful. … It loves to run and chase.”
Olive waddled when she walked, and never ran. Pam carried her most of the time when they went out.
“The coat is short and glossy, like satin.”
Olive’s skin would tear if she bumped into something or was picked up incorrectly. And because her skin was so thin and frail, Olive had little hair on her body. She required coconut oil baths up to three times per week and had coconut lotion applied daily.
“[The Italian greyhound] is extremely gentle and sensitive. Reserved, often timid, with strangers, it is devoted to its family and is good with children, and other dogs and pets.”
It took about five months of living with Pam before Olive would come to her. But after she approached for the first time, she rarely left Pam’s side.
Perhaps the most amazing thing is that all of this just scratches the surface of Lil Olive’s story. We look forward to sharing so much more with the late 2016 release of A Voice for Lil Olive.