My heart aches to think how scared a tiny Chihuahua named Cricket must’ve been while wandering the Colorado Desert in Southern California.
Instead of being adored in a cozy home, she scraped by, searching for scraps of food and a sip of water just to survive.
Thankfully, kind people saw her darting along the date fields and contacted The Animal Rescue Center Of California for help.
Determined to reach her before coyotes did, rescuers grabbed their gear and hurried out.
The Pup Is No Longer In Danger
The team set a humane trap baited with food and waited.
Starving, Cricket couldn’t resist the smell and stepped inside. When the door clicked shut, confusion and fear set in. She had no idea her life was about to turn around.
Finding her curled up in the crate the next morning, the rescuers breathed a sigh of relief. She was finally safe from predators.
As they approached, Cricket lifted her head, her big brown eyes wide with fear, and began barking to warn them off. It was clear she’d had little human contact.
They transported her to a shelter in Coachella, California. She was in rough shape – malnourished and drained from the relentless heat.
What she needed most was care and compassion.
Cricket Needs A Foster Home
Her rescuers spent time with her, gently working to earn her trust. High-calorie meals helped rebuild her strength.
At first, Cricket was wary and stayed tucked inside her crate.
But with patient visits and steady meals, her attitude began to shift. Two days after her rescue, curiosity won out, she stepped from the crate, though she still wouldn’t allow pets.
Now, The Animal Rescue Center of California is searching for an experienced foster who can shower Cricket with the affection she’s missed.
Despite minimal interaction with people, she isn’t aggressive, just a sweet dog who needs socialization to learn humans can be safe.
Here’s hoping this brave little Chihuahua lands the foster home and second chance she so deserves.