For every dog, the ultimate hope is to live in a secure home full of love and care. Unfortunately, many dogs are deprived of this opportunity, forced to survive on their own or, if they’re lucky, find shelter.
Chico, a ten-year-old Chihuahua, once thought he had found such a home. He had lived with his family since birth, enjoying the warmth of companionship and a secure environment. However, when he needed them most, his family abandoned him, leaving him heartbroken and confused.
Unable to comprehend why his family had suddenly disappeared, Chico could not accept that the people he had loved were no longer there for him.
Still Hoping
For ten years, Chico enjoyed a life full of love in the home he believed would always be his. He could never have imagined that one day he would be abandoned. Yet, in North Carolina, that’s exactly what happened, leaving rescuers stunned.
According to McClatchy News, Chico’s family gave him up because “they still had trouble potty-training him after 10 years.” However, staff at the shelter quickly observed something different: “Chico’s kennel has been clean since he arrived at the shelter.”
Chico was taken to the Humane Society of Concord & Greater Cabarrus County in Concord, North Carolina, where he arrived bewildered and refused to eat. What stood out the most was his heartbreaking response whenever a car pulled into the driveway.
“Every time a car would pull up in our driveway, he would be looking aggressively to try to get to that vehicle thinking it was his people coming back,” Judy Sims, executive director of the Humane Society of Concord & Greater Cabarrus County in Concord, North Carolina, told McClatchy News. “We see this so often when people surrender their animals.”
The staff quickly realized that it was hope keeping him alive. Their hearts broke for him, and his longing for his family only strengthened their resolve to find him the happy ending he deserved.
A New Beginning for Chico
In an effort to help Chico, the shelter shared his story in a post on Facebook.
“Chico is an older gentleman that recently came to us after losing his home of ten years. He quickly attaches to certain people and can often have choice words for others he doesn’t know. Chico is a guy that needs to build trust to feel safe, and we don’t blame him due to what he’s been through,” the post stated.
They went on to say that Chico would do best in “a low traffic home that has plenty of free time and love to give him.” He also needed to be the only pet in the household, with no other animals around.
The post resonated with many, and adoption offers began to pour in. However, none of them seemed to fit Chico’s very specific needs.
Just when his hope seemed to be fading, destiny intervened. One day, a car pulled up outside the shelter, bringing with it the right family at last. Chico’s long wait had finally come to an end.
After experiencing years of love followed by unexpected loss, Chico now had the chance for a fresh start. His new family promised they would never abandon him, regardless of how long potty training might take.