Your Pet SPecial
Chaco
Loving
W
e found Chaco on Petfinder while searching for a puppy to add to our family. He was in a pound in Utah. Since we lived in Albuquerque and it had been a very bitter winter, getting to him was going to be difficult. Our contact at the pound said he only had until the end of the week before he was to be put down. He and his littermates had been found abandoned in a cardboard box. They had been waiting for homes for several weeks. When Friday rolled around, we contacted the pound and tearfully asked what we could do to make sure he was not put down. Our contact said she just felt right about this little guy and told us if we bought him a plane ticket, she would take him to the airport. We expected to see a scared little puppy cowering at the back of the crate when we went to pick him up, but instead he bounded out with a “tah dah” kind of attitude. That attitude never stopped. He made himself at home and showed an aptitude for learning as well as a love for all people. By the age of one and a half, he passed his first therapy dog certification. We were able to bring him to the school where we both taught. He began working with children of all ages: visiting classes, listening to kids read, teaching autistic and blind students how to touch and pet appropriately, as well as bringing smiles to the faces of all the staff members and parents. During his birthday month, we put a large box in the school lobby. He barked along to the morning announcements to encourage the kids to bring dog/ pet items for the birthday box. Sometimes the box would get filled several times. Chaco picked out one favorite treat from his birthday box and the rest was donated to local animal shelters. He is definitely a “be kind to others” and “pay it forward” kind of dog. Chaco also has a Shutterfly book about his life. We use it to teach students when we visit classrooms. Discussions range from dog safety tips to rescuing animals in shelters, as well as spaying and neutering pets. The children also learn about what a therapy dog does and how that is different from service dogs who also wear vests.
In addition to our school, Chaco began visiting a home for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Elderly people in homes have often left their pets behind, so he happily went to see people who missed having a furry one around. His presence would encourage those with quiet and withdrawn personalities to join in a group and love on this happy dog. We have seen many eyes light up as he made his visits. Chaco also volunteers at a local hospice. He has been there to offer his special brand of love for those about to die and to comfort their families during this difficult time. Managing to bring smiles under these circumstances is nothing short of a miracle, but we have seen it time and time again. Because of Chaco’s magic, we have met people from all over the world and heard many amazing life stories. We have also found Chaco to be incredibly comforting to the nurses and staff at the hospice, who do their amazing work under such difficult circumstances. He has even been requested to attend memorial services. Our awesome pup’s next accomplishment has been his work at the Children’s Psychiatric Center. More than once, the counselors have told us that Chaco’s presence has encouraged a patient to talk and engage when they have been silent all week. He gets sad kids to smile, angry kids to calm, frightened kids to hug and pet him… it is truly magical to watch. Recently, he has begun to visit an assisted living facility. He has quickly made new friends and looks forward to visiting each week. The people at this facility miss having their pets and enjoy being able to have
