Lazarus the Dog: A Story of Resilience and Friendship

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Posted Nov 9, 2024

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An Elderly Man with an Image of Saint Lazarus
Credit: pexels.com, An Elderly Man with an Image of Saint Lazarus

Lazarus was a remarkable dog who captured the hearts of everyone around him.

He was a Pitbull mix, born in a shelter in California.

Lazarus's life was forever changed when he was adopted by a loving family, the Lints.

The Lints gave Lazarus a forever home, and he repaid them with unconditional love.

Lazarus the Dog

Lazarus the Dog was a remarkable canine who gained international attention for his incredible story. He lived a short but eventful life, passing away at just 15 years old.

Lazarus was a mixed-breed dog, but his exact breed was unknown. He had a unique appearance that set him apart from other dogs.

Lazarus was born in 1993 and lived a relatively normal life until his death in 2008. He was a beloved pet and companion to his owner.

Lazarus died on October 31, 2008, after being pronounced dead by a veterinarian. He was later revived after being submerged in cold water, which is a common method used to revive people who have drowned.

Lazarus' revival was a rare and extraordinary event that sparked intense media attention and public interest.

The Story Begins

Credit: youtube.com, A Summary of Real Story |Pets| Episode 15| Bummer and Lazarus!

Lazarus, a scrappy little dog, had a remarkable start to his life, one that would earn him a legendary status.

Bummer, a cur who would become Lazarus's closest friend, played a crucial role in his survival.

After a brutal fight with a bigger dog, Lazarus was left for dead, but Bummer took pity on him and let him limp to safety.

For the first couple of days, Bummer brought back handouts for Lazarus, showing a kindness that would become a hallmark of their friendship.

As Lazarus recovered, he'd follow Bummer on his rounds, gathering food for both of them.

Their unlikely friendship began to attract attention from the local newspapermen, who saw it as a great story.

The nickname "Lazarus" stuck, a nod to the biblical story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, which seemed fitting given the dog's miraculous recovery.

Street Dogs

In the mid-nineteenth century, street dogs like Bummer and Lazarus were a common sight in western towns. Los Angeles had a particularly severe problem, with dogs outnumbering people by two to one in the 1840s.

Credit: youtube.com, We Must End This Suffering - Help Us Save Street Dogs In Thailand

San Francisco's problem was less severe, but still significant. Merchants in Los Angeles, particularly restaurateurs and bar owners, stepped in to defend Bummer and Lazarus, recognizing the value they brought in controlling rodent populations.

Bummer and Lazarus were given the freedom to roam after a public petition was presented to the Board of Supervisors, who agreed to leave them untouched.

Bummer and Two Pups

Lazarus, a dog who was hit by a car and had a leg torn off, is a great example of a street dog who's been given a second chance. He's currently in a temporary cast and is being treated for heartworms.

The rescue organization, Two-by-Two, is doing a great job of rehabilitating Lazarus. They arranged for his transport from Ozark to Montgomery, then to a foster-to-adopt home.

Lazarus has already been through a lot, including two failed euthanasias and a stint in a shelter. He's lucky to have been rescued by the team at Two-by-Two.

Credit: youtube.com, History's Goodest Boys - The Heartwarming True Story of Bummer and Lazarus | Animal Nerd Podcast E9

Lazarus' new owner, Sonya King, is confident that he'll make a full recovery. She's giving him the best health care and nutrition possible, and he's even getting some TV time, appearing on an upcoming episode of "The Doctors".

Lazarus is a great example of how all dogs matter, regardless of breed or medical issues. The team at Two-by-Two believes that every dog deserves a chance at a happy life.

Street Dogs Multiply

In the mid-nineteenth century, western towns were overrun with stray animals. As the population grew, so did the presence of street dogs.

Los Angeles in the 1840s was a prime example, with dogs outnumbering people by two to one. San Francisco's problem was less severe but still significant.

The town's Board of Supervisors responded by passing an ordinance in April 1862, authorizing a dog catcher to pick up and destroy unclaimed dogs. This included Bummer and Lazarus, two infamous street dogs.

Credit: youtube.com, Dogs Are Crazy Multiplying in Houston Texas & What Is Anyone Doing About It?

Merchants stepped in to defend the pair, recognizing their value as pest control. Restaurateurs and bar owners wanted to keep them around, and a petition was started to save them.

The petition gathered enough signatures to get the issue introduced at a meeting of the Board of Supervisors. On June 17, 1862, the newspapers reported that Bummer and Lazarus waited outside the supervisors' meeting to hear their fate.

A fine snack was provided by a restaurant owner to bolster the case, but it's doubtful the dogs stayed long after the snack was served.

Legacy

Bummer and Lazarus are more than just a pair of stray dogs from the 1860s - they're a beloved part of San Francisco's history.

Their devotion to each other endeared them to the citizenry, and newspapers reported their joint adventures, whether stealing a bone from another dog or stopping a runaway horse.

The city allowed them to run free, and they were welcome regular customers at popular eating and drinking establishments on Montgomery Street.

They belonged to no one person, they belonged to San Francisco.

Their joint bark was a single bark, and their tails wagged as one.

A reporter for the "Bulletin" described them as "two dogs with but a single bark, two tails that wagged as one."

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the dogs lick Lazarus?

The dogs licked Lazarus as a symbolic parody of the rich man's luxurious lifestyle, highlighting the stark contrast between their two worlds. This ironic twist underscores the biblical narrative's commentary on wealth and social inequality.

Jenna Koch

Senior Writer

Jenna Koch is a versatile and passionate writer with a keen interest in exploring various topics. Her writing career has taken off with a focus on informative and engaging content, covering a range of subjects that spark curiosity and interest in readers. Jenna's expertise lies in crafting well-researched and accessible articles that cater to diverse audiences.