‘Lola’s story was one of transformation’ April 22, 2025

When I first met Lola, she was around seven years old — her exact age was hard to determine. She had been part of a massive rescue effort led by the Nebraska Humane Society, where over 60 Chihuahuas were saved from a single home. The conditions were so horrendous that responders had to wear hazmat suits due to the overwhelming ammonia smell.

Lola wasn’t in great shape. Her fur had been shaved due to a severe flea infestation, and her teeth were in terrible condition from years of neglect. She had never even been outside to go potty before. When I first saw her in her kennel, she was timid, curled up and uncertain. But there was something about her — I just knew I had to meet this little, disheveled girl.

During our meet-and-greet, the staff warned me that she was wary of people and unlikely to be affectionate. They brought her in, and I got down on the floor to meet her at her level. Within seconds, she climbed into my lap and started covering my face in kisses. Even the staff member was shocked. In that moment, I knew—she was mine.

As we drove home, she sat in the passenger seat beside me. I looked over and asked, “Well, what should we name you?” Not that the NHS given name of Gizmo wasn’t adorable, it just wasn’t us. Just then, I turned on the radio, and The Kinks’ Lola was playing. I started singing along —L-O-L-A, Lola!— and as soon as I did, she jumped into my lap and started licking me. It was clear — she had chosen her name.

Bringing Lola home was a journey of learning and patience. It took her about six months to fully grasp the concept of having a name to respond to. Even though she was the only pet in the house, she would carry food in her mouth, run under a table or into a corner, drop it, then quickly eat while nervously looking around after each bite. It broke my heart to think about the life she had endured before.

While she bonded with me almost immediately, she was wary of anyone else if I wasn’t around. My goal was simple: to make her feel as safe and secure as possible.

Fast forward three years, and Lola had blossomed. She loved meeting people, confidently ate at her bowl without fear and absolutely adored being outside. She would trot around like the happiest little camper. At around age ten, Lola was diagnosed with heart failure. While the vet couldn’t give me an exact timeframe, I knew the prognosis wasn’t in our favor. But Lola proved them all wrong — she lived another eight years! That’s practically unheard of for such a small dog who had been so severely neglected for most of her early life.

Lola’s story was one of transformation. She went from a life of suffering and loneliness to being completely spoiled for the rest of her days. Treats, toys, love — she had it all. Even in her final weeks, she played fetch, ran around like a puppy, and remained her spunky, lovable self. When the time came to say goodbye, the staff at the Nebraska Humane Society was incredibly kind and compassionate. I’ll forever be grateful to them for their dedication to saving animals like Lola. Without their hard work, so many of us would never have found our perfect companions. Lola may have had a rough start, but she made up for it with a lifetime of love. And I was lucky enough to be the one she chose.

Lola Weyh, adopted fall of 2011 and laid to rest Feb. 27, 2022.

-Laura

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