Nacho

Nacho is a senior Chihuahua, around ten years old and blind. His lean little legs are long and vulnerable. He was being roughly handled by a group of teens on the street. A concerned adult stepped in and sensed that they had no attachment to the dog. When she offered them ten dollars, they gladly made the exchange. That’s how devalued his little life was to these kids.

The woman then brought Nacho to us. Nacho was not just underweight, he was emaciated. His nails had grown so long they had curled under and into his feet, making it impossible to walk. Our doctors found he has a heart murmur and some age-related kidney issues. We are slowly building him up with nutrient-dense food, vitamin supplements, and IV fluids. He has gained weight and is a dream of a patient. When he recognizes a familiar voice, he playfully stands up, takes a bow, and wags his tail. Nacho had no identification. We will never know how or why they ended up alone and in harm’s way.

Nacho is much better. After a lot of intensive medical treatment, his pancreatitis is gone and he eats well. He loves to walk but on cool, rainy days, he much prefers to lounge in bed with his many toys.