Shorty Graves

Shorty Graves

Shorty Graves, age 16, beloved son of Marian Graves, passed peacefully in her arms at home, July 22, 2024, after a struggle with dementia.

Since his adoption in 2014 from Moreno Valley Animal Shelter in CA, Shorty became a prominent fixture in Paris society and a social media star. He enjoyed alfresco dining with his Mom at Clay’s Downtown, the Country Club, and Trackside, antique shopping at Ardery’s, and enjoyed daily walks with his Mom and brothers. From 2016-2020, Shorty routinely attended evening law classes at NKU Salmon P. Chase College of Law. He became a well-known campus figure. He was once called a “marvelous creature” by a renowned Constitutional law professor for exemplary behavior in class. In 2023, Shorty was honored with a brick at Secretariat Park, even though he never liked horses.

Shorty was an avid ball chaser in his younger years, earning the nicknames “Ball Boy/BB/Beebs.” Shorty tolerated everyone he met, except for small children and dumb dogs. His dignified demeanor and Mensa intelligence served as a model for lesser canines. Shorty welcomed Suburu adventures to area trails, but preferred the finer things in life, like street tacos, warm Costco rotisserie, naps, and riding in his Benz, always beside his Mom. Shorty was his Mama’s constant companion and fierce guardian, and he was known to school interlopers on proper social boundaries. Shorty rarely barked. He never participated in rogue behavior, with two exceptions-first, he chased a raccoon up a hollow tree, resulting in a face-to-face standoff, sheer panic for his Mom, a call to Paris Fire Dept, and two chainsaws; and second, the time he fled on foot from gunshots, causing a neighborhood grid search on Fords Mill Rd and the Industrial Park, ending in an ATV pursuit and foot chase.

Shorty finally joins the light which always shined upon him. Shorty leaves behind his Mom, Marian Graves, brothers Timmy, Rocky, Barnaby and Chapo, and Dad, Jim Little, of Georgetown, KY. He leaves many friends. Shorty was loved more than heart or mind can conceive, in a way that most dogs or humans seldom experience or are capable of. He loved his Mama more. His blatant devotion to his Mom for over ten years, evidenced by his smile, shining eyes and constant focus on her, made an impact on those who knew him. His exuding love and vibrant spirit brought joy to all who followed him, even those he never met. He was a gift to us all.

Shorty would want to make others aware of how pet adoption changes lives. He would also emphasize the importance of early detection of canine prostate cancer, a devastating disease. Since September 2023, Shorty fought a valiant battle against prostate cancer and was part of the novel Yale canine cancer vaccine trial, which helped him immeasurably. His family wishes to thank Dr. Faller and Team of MedVet Cincinnati for their compassionate oncology care, Dr. Mark Mamula for the vaccine which gave him precious time, Dr. Kendra Healy at Lap of Love, and Bluegrass Pet Crematorium, Lexington.

To honor Shorty, his Mom asks that a donation be made in his name to a shelter pet in need or a tree planted in his honor anywhere dogs love to walk.