West Michigan's community mourns the passing of Stinger, a pit bull mix who became famous after enduring thousands of bee stings and a subsequent battle with cancer. Stinger's story of survival and resilience captivated people across the nation following his abandonment in 2016. Big Rapids News reported that the dog died on Tuesday, with the Luvnpupz rescue announcing his passing.
Stinger was initially taken to the vet by his owners after the bee stings but they quickly abandoned him there. "He was a beacon of hope for many suffering animals," Luvnpupz's founder Carri Shipaila said, and shared that Stinger's plight had resonated with many—especially proponents for his breed. Despite the efforts to fully recover, he was later diagnosed with pemphigus, an autoimmune disease. Luvnpupz took him in and provided care, which was supported by donations from the community. He lived nearly eight years in a loving foster home, never formally adopted due to the costliness of his required care.
According to WZZM13, Stinger was set to turn nine years old in November. The news of his passing was shared in a heartfelt Facebook post by Luvnpupz, where they assured that "We will honor him furever and see him again someday," expressing deep gratitude for everyone who supported Stinger throughout his journey.
Luvnpupz's Facebook post captured the pain and closure that Stinger's passing brought. "It's a pitbull - breed doesn't matter. It's just a rescue dog - doesn't mean he isn't loved. It's gonna be expensive - It's just money. It might not even work - don't we have to try," wrote Shipaila, summarizing the ethos that fueled their commitment to helping Stinger thrive against the odds. Emphasizing that the loss was devastating, the rescue group underscored its message of unconditional love and determination in the face of adversity.
