A few days ago, a mobile dog groomer stopped in front of a California convenience store and noticed a small animal sticking out of the bushes lining the parking lot. It was Benito, a Chihuahua abandoned there with his transport crate and his bowls. His story, relayed by The Dodo, fortunately did not end there…
We often stop in front of a convenience store for a quick errand, without imagining coming across an abandoned animal there. However, this is what happened to this groomer: a little Chihuahua had been left with all his belongings, a transport crate, a bowl of food and a bowl of water.
When the groomer approached this puppy left alonethe doggie, visibly anxious, took refuge in his crate. She then took the opportunity to close the door, then called a local shelter for help.
Volunteers arriving before the shelter
The shelter contacted is described as an entirely indoor structure, with little ventilation and a high euthanasia rate. When the news reached the association Let's Rescue Dogsits members, worried, quickly sent Cynthia Lopez, one of its volunteers, collect the puppy before the arrival of shelter staff.
Benito thus found himself safe at Elena Rodriguezthe founder of the association, who was heartbroken by this ball of fur marked by the time spent alone. “ You could see how lost and terrified he was. “, she confided to The Dodo.
A toy to gain his confidence
At her house, Elena Rodriguez created a comfortable corner in his bathroom so that Benito could decompress, then she offered him small pieces of food to try to gain his trust.
She ended up handing him a toy, and that's when everything changed. “ He was so happy to have it, and we started a little game of tug of war together. “, she says. This game of tug of war was enough: Benito felt comfortable with her, and she was finally able to give him a bath!
Waiting for his family for life
Clean and more assured, the Chihuahua then went out into the garden to meet the other rescued dogs being cared for by his benefactress. He ran into the grass with his new friends, obviously happy to be safe.
Today, Benito lives in foster care and waits for his family for life. Elena Rodriguez is happy that he has landed in the right place and hopes that he will soon find his people. “ He has a real zest for life and so much love in his tiny body. », she slips.
“ Watching him realize that he was safe and go from this terrified little puppy to an energetic, happy, bouncing boy is the whole point of this work. », assures Elena. A very nice conclusion…