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Celebrating Bully the Chihuahua: The 23-Year-Old Rescue Dog Defying Time and Inspiring Hope

Imagine living 104 years—long enough to witness the rise of the internet, the invention of the iPhone, and the reign of *NSYNC. For Bully the Chihuahua, that’s exactly what 23 dog years feel like. As the oldest resident at The Mr. Mo Project, a sanctuary for senior dogs, Bully’s recent birthday wasn’t just a celebration—it was a triumph of resilience, love, and the extraordinary bond between humans and their pets.

Join us as we explore Bully’s journey, uncover the science behind his longevity, and reveal how you can help senior dogs like him thrive.

A Birthday Bash for the Ages

Image credits: mrmoproject

Bully’s 23rd birthday was a spectacle of confetti, custom bone-shaped cookies, and a “Happy Birthday” banner fit for a canine centenarian. But the guest of honor? He spent most of the party napping. “He’s earned his rest,” laughs Chris Hughes, co-founder of The Mr. Mo Project. “Bully falls asleep anywhere—mid-kitchen floor, on a potty pad, even halfway through a treat.”

Despite his age, Bully’s personality remains larger than life. Described as “feisty, sweet, and stubbornly independent,” he’s notorious for bossing around younger Chihuahuas at the rescue. “He’s got an old man bark, but don’t let that fool you,” Chris says. “He rules the roost.”

From Backyard Puppy to Super Senior: Bully’s Journey

Image credits: mrmoproject

Born in 1999—the same year The Matrix hit theaters—Bully spent his early years as the beloved companion of an elderly owner. For two decades, he enjoyed park runs, belly rubs, and the simple joys of being a family dog. But when his owner could no longer care for him, Bully faced an uncertain future.

Enter Chris and Mariesa Hughes. The couple, who run The Mr. Mo Project, specialize in rescuing senior dogs from shelters and euthanasia lists. “I wasn’t sure about adopting a 21-year-old Chihuahua,” Mariesa admits. “But Bully stole our hearts. He’s a reminder that every dog, no matter their age, deserves love.”

The Mr. Mo Project: A Sanctuary for Forgotten Souls

Image credits: mrmoproject

Named after the Hughes’ late senior dog, Mr. Mo, the nonprofit rescues dogs aged 10+ from overcrowded shelters. Their mission? To provide hospice care, medical support, and a family environment for dogs in their twilight years.

Why Senior Dogs Are Overlooked (And Why They Shouldn’t Be):

• Myth: Older dogs are “damaged goods.”
• Reality: Senior dogs are calmer, often trained, and deeply grateful for love.
• Impact: Over 500,000 senior dogs enter U.S. shelters annually; only 10% are adopted.

“People think seniors come with baggage,” Chris explains. “But they’re survivors. They’ve lived full lives and still have so much love to give.”

The Science of Longevity: Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer?

Image credits: mrmoproject

Bully’s age is exceptional, but Chihuahuas are known for their longevity. Research reveals a paradox: smaller breeds often outlive larger ones.

Key Insights from Veterinarians:

1. Size Matters: Large dogs age faster due to metabolic strain. A Great Dane’s lifespan averages 7–10 years, while Chihuahuas often reach 15–20.
2. Genetics: Selective breeding in smaller dogs may favor longevity genes.
3. Lifestyle: Indoor living and reduced physical stress protect small breeds.

“It’s like comparing a sports car to a bicycle,” says Dr. Lisa Lippman, a NYC-based veterinarian. “Smaller bodies experience less wear and tear over time.”

7 Secrets to Helping Your Dog Live Longer (Backed by Science)

1. Ditch the Kibble: Opt for high-protein, low-carb diets to combat obesity.
2. Brush Those Teeth: Dental disease can shorten lifespan by 20%.
3. Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys reduce cognitive decline in senior dogs.
4. Annual Bloodwork: Early detection of kidney or thyroid issues is critical.
5. Safe Spaces: Reduce stress with cozy beds and quiet zones.
6. Socialization: Regular playdates keep dogs emotionally resilient.
7. Adopt, Don’t Shop: Senior rescues often come vaccinated and trained.

Bully’s Viral Fame: How a Birthday Post Changed Lives

Image credits: mrmoproject

When Bully’s birthday photos hit Instagram, the response was overwhelming: 10k likes, donations from 32 states, and a surprise BarkBox filled with senior-friendly treats. “He woke up from a nap to thousands of messages,” Chris shared. “It’s proof that people care deeply about these old souls.”

The Hughes use their platform to spotlight overlooked senior dogs. From “chemoversaries” (celebrating the end of cancer treatment) to adoption milestones, every victory is honored. “We focus on joy,” Mariesa says, “because seniors face so many hardships.”

FAQs: Bully, Senior Dogs, and How You Can Help

Q: How is Bully’s health at 23?
A: He’s mostly deaf and has arthritis, but with pain management and a heated bed, he’s thriving.

Q: What’s the oldest dog on record?
A: Bluey, an Australian cattle dog, lived to 29. Bully’s team is exploring a Guinness bid!

Q: Can I foster a senior dog if I work full-time?
A: Absolutely! Many seniors sleep 18 hours a day and need minimal exercise.

Q: How are donations to The Mr. Mo Project used?
A: Funds cover medical bills, hospice care, and “bucket list” adventures for terminal dogs.

In a distressing incident from a Bangkok suburb, more than two dozen chihuahuas were found trapped inside a house, surviving for days by eating their deceased owner’s body. The owner, 62-year-old Attapol Charoenpithak, had passed away from medical complications related to diabetes and hypertension, leaving the chihuahuas confined without access to food or water.

Authorities discovered the tragic scene after Attapol’s neighbor, Sompong Phasuksri, noticed that his car had been stationary for several days. Sompong, who regularly saw Attapol drive to the market, became concerned when the car remained unmoved and no one answered the door despite the lights being on inside. He reported his concerns to the police, who responded to investigate.

Upon entering the home, Thai police were met with a grim sight—garbage strewn across the house and chihuahua excreta covering the floor. The dogs had clearly been left unattended for days. After finding Attapol’s body, the authorities contacted the Voice Foundation, a local animal rescue group, to intervene and save the chihuahuas.

A total of 28 chihuahuas were rescued, but sadly, two had already succumbed to starvation and dehydration. “Initially, reports indicated that around 15 chihuahuas were gathered near the owner’s body, but when our team arrived, we found the dogs scattered throughout the house, with two having already passed away,” the Voice Foundation shared on social media.

The foundation released a video showing the frightened chihuahuas, mostly a mix of Chihuahua and Shih Tzu breeds, being carefully removed from the home. “All 28 surviving siblings have been taken to the hospital to receive medical care, treatment, and spaying before we begin the process of finding them new homes,” the foundation said in a follow-up statement.

The dogs, facing severe malnutrition, had reportedly survived by consuming part of their owner’s body, specifically his left leg. This harrowing detail highlights the desperation the animals endured while trapped in the house.

Supawadee Srithassanakarn, a leader of the rescue team, noted that Attapol had previously agreed to relinquish the chihuahuas to the charity following complaints about their welfare. Attapol had been observed driving around with the dogs in cages, raising concerns among animal welfare groups about the conditions the pets were living in, particularly the risk of heat exposure.

The Voice Foundation has since issued a public appeal for donations, asking for help to cover the costs of caring for the chihuahuas. “These dogs were severely weakened due to the lack of food and water,” the charity stated, urging the community to assist with the rehabilitation process and help find homes for the rescued animals.

Spring 2023 was a time of growth, but this was something I failed to realize at the time. On that sunny Sunday morning, I took Bandit, my 12-year-old Chihuahua, on one of his daily walks. Then came Milly Mae, and changed our life forever.

We followed our usual route: the one we had gone thousands of times before through the neighborhood park and then by the coffee shop, where I got a latte many mornings on my way to work. But this morning was different. I certainly didn’t know that something extraordinary would come from this ordinary walk.

Strolling along, suddenly in our path was this small, leggy white dog. Her eyes were very striking, almost as if she had purloined some of Elizabeth Taylor’s mascara for Cleopatra. No more than 20 pounds, though full of life—desperate, even—for a friend.

She had no collar and would later be found to have no microchip at the vet’s office. She was a Jack Russell terrier mix, though her pleading eyes and wagging tail spoke volumes on their own.

I was in a state of shock. I knew I must do something. I took her home, fed her, and gave her water, hoping to find her owner. We put up posters, shared her picture on social media, and asked around the neighborhood, but nobody responded to it. After some days, we rather sadly decided that she must have been abandoned.

Milly Mae – The Pup That Changed It All

It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, and something inside just told me Millie Mae—after we decided to finally name her that—was supposed to be part of our family. The vet figured that she was probably only about two years old.

She was now part of the household, and she seemed to adjust really well to her new life with Bandit and me. I couldn’t imagine how much this little dog would end up changing my whole life.

Millie Mae brought with her unexpected joy, energy, and love that we didn’t realize we were missing. She was a balm to the real, unspoken sadness of losing Bandit’s big sister, Zohie, the 15-year-old Chihuahua who had been a part of so much for so many years of our lives. Millie Mae was our new beginning, our chance to heal and grow again.

My mind kept going back to the many other animals that desperately needed someone to speak on their behalf. One article I read brought me to tears regarding Metro Animal Care and Control in Nashville, Tennessee.

That shelter was so full that rolling kennels held dogs. Matt Peters of the Metro Public Health Department said it was the worst he had ever seen, and their partners were also at full capacity.

Almost to punctuate the same report, around 900,000 cats and dogs have entered and remained in shelters since January 2021 in the United States. It showed that it was a matter of so many animals waiting for their turn to have a better life.

Why Fostering Matters

Reflecting on my personal journey from fearing dogs as a child to now finding joy in Millie Mae’s companionship, I became very aware of the importance of adopting and fostering animals in need.

I remember how my father, raised on a farm in Colombia, viewed dogs as outdoor animals. My tough Chicago childhood—the cold winters, the crowding—took pets out of the question for my siblings and me.

I didn’t become a dog owner until I started my adult life. Dear companion, Bubba, my miniature Schnauzer and first dog, lived until 2012. The loss was huge, so in a sense, it took time in my heart for another dog to enter.

When we took in Bandit and Zohie from a neighbor six months after Bubba’s passing, it was a step toward healing. Now Millie Mae was here and brought a new kind of joy and connection into our lives. I always hear people say, “She chose you,” and there’s truth in that, I think.

Stories like South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s confession to having shot and killed her 14-month-old wirehaired pointer, Cricket, just because it was developing behavioral issues, are understandable.

Stories like these, however, show the importance of giving dogs a chance, working through problems, and finding solutions rather than just giving up on them.

Wrapping Up

Now, any stories about dogs in need of a shelter crisis always bring back the remembrance of what one single rescue, Millie Mae, taught me about making a difference.

Millie Mae came into our lives at a time of quiet reflection. In return, she gave us thousands upon thousands of blessings. Her story is one of the very real, powerful ways rescue dogs can change our lives—often beyond anything we could ever imagine.