NORMAN — Described as a unique, sweet dog, Little Bit, a schnauzer mix, had been a permanent fixture at the Norman Veteran’s Center since her adoption from Second Chance Animal Sanctuary in July 2002.
News of Little Bit’s death spread quickly around the facility Friday morning. According to Veteran’s Center employee Shelly McKee, at about 10:01 p.m. on Thursday, a night shift nurse sent an email saying that Little Bit had died at 9:40 p.m.
Little Bit could usually be seen lounging comfortably on a leather sofa in the front lobby of the veteran’s center.
“She never stopped going,” McKee said. “She had congestive heart failure. She had been doing really well and we had been treating her for it.”
Little Bit’s remains have been buried on the campus of the Norman Veteran’s Center.
“She is under a shade tree. It is really beautiful where she’s at and all the guys have access to pay their respects,” McKee said.
Although Little Bit had free range of the grounds at the veterans center, she never ran away.
“She never had any reason to leave,” McKee said.
McKee adds that veteran’s center residents were saddened by the news. Little Bit was known to be a room hopper, sleeping with various residents during the day and night.
“She knew who had treats,” McKee said.
Now that Little Bit is gone, there is discussion of adopting another resident dog. However, Callie the cat seems to have made herself at home at the facility.
“What is remarkable is that Little Bit was very protective of the building. If another dog came in, she wasn’t happy, but she loved this cat,” McKee said.
Like many of her friends at the veteran’s center, Little Bit also was well decorated. In 2005, Little Bit was inducted into the Oklahoma Animal Hall of Fame, Hero Category, by the Oklahoma Veterinarian Medical Association.
“We will never be able to replace her. She was unique. There’s not another dog like her.” McKee said.
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