Imagine if dogs could talk. They’d probably tell us that their idea of pure joy is a loving family and a safe, cozy home. Sadly, not all dogs are lucky enough to experience this bliss.
The Long Wait for Love
Meet Chiquitita, a 12-year-old dog with a heart full of hope and a tale that tugs at your heartstrings. She has spent over 650 days in a shelter, waiting for someone to see her worth and make her dream of a family come true. Every day, she watches as other dogs leave with their new families, wondering when it will be her turn.
Chiquitita’s Tough Journey
Source: Watauga Humane Society
Chiquitita’s life hasn’t been easy. In her past, she endured the harsh world of dog fighting, used as bait to train fighting dogs. After her rescue, she was brought to a shelter, a place of safety but also one of uncertainty and fear. To make matters worse, she suffers from arthritis, adding physical pain to her emotional scars.
Shelter Life: A Stopgap, Not a Solution
The shelter was running out of space, and Chiquitita’s name was heartbreakingly added to the euthanasia list. But fate stepped in when a former shelter staff member contacted the Watauga Humane Society in Boone, North Carolina. They agreed to take Chiquitita in, hoping to give her a chance at a better life.
Source: Watauga Humane Society
The shelter staff quickly fell in love with Chiquitita. They saw her fear but also her potential for love and happiness. The shelter, with its constant noise and uncomfortable conditions, was far from ideal for her. Chiquitita spent her first weeks there in the administrative offices, a quieter space where she could begin to adjust to her new environment.
Temporary Refuge: A Foster Home
Fortunately, a compassionate couple decided to foster Chiquitita. In their care, she began to blossom. They showered her with love, helping her overcome her fears. She enjoyed snuggles on the couch, car rides, and all the affection her foster family could offer. Life in a loving home allowed Chiquitita to thrive.
Her fosters also worked on practical skills with her, like walking on a leash, and took her to events to increase her visibility. They even shared her adorable photos with strangers during their outings, hoping to find her a permanent home.
Challenges in Finding the ‘Forever’ Home
Despite her charm and the dedication of her fosters, Chiquitita struggled to find her forever home. Her difficulty getting along with other animals meant she needed to be the only pet, which limited her adoption options.
Source: Watauga Humane Society
After her foster family had to move to a less pet-friendly apartment, Chiquitita was once again placed with a new foster family. This change was hard on her, but her loving nature remained unchanged.
A Brief Taste of Forever
In December of 2023, Chiquitita’s foster family decided to adopt her officially. The shelter celebrated, believing that Chiquitita had finally found her happy ending after waiting for so long. However, a few months later, her family faced unforeseen circumstances and, unable to provide the care Chiquitita needed, made the tough decision to return her to the shelter.
No Shame, Just Hope
The shelter urged the community not to judge the family who returned Chiquitita. They emphasized that while not every adoption works out perfectly, every pet deserves a chance at finding the right home.
Source: Watauga Humane Society
Chiquitita’s Continued Journey
Despite this setback, Chiquitita hasn’t given up on her dream of finding a forever family. The shelter remains hopeful that the right family will come along — one that will offer her the love and stability she deserves.
A Call to Action
Chiquitita’s story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of shelter animals and the challenges they face in finding their forever homes. She’s a sweet, loving dog who has faced more than her share of hardships but still holds onto the hope of finding a family to call her own. If her story touches your heart, consider how you might help animals like Chiquitita, whether through adoption, fostering, or supporting animal shelters in their vital work. Every dog deserves a chance at happiness, just like Chiquitita.
