The Three Chis + One

Mid-November, A Leg Up Rescue (the rescue group we foster for...) received a call about an old Chihuahua at the Contra Costa Animal Shelter.  Considered not adoptable because he was TOO OLD and he had BAD TEETH, this little dog named Savio was scheduled to be euthanized that very afternoon.  Tim jumped in the car and drove 1.5 hours to get this dog.  Even the thoughtless clerk at the shelter questioned ALUR on our decision to save this little dog pointing out his age and eyes and teeth.  

Savio came into the house and instantly made friends with the other dogs.  He obviously had been in a home before as he knew how to use the doggy stairs, doggy door and sure knew that a sofa was as much for dogs as people.  We did re-name him to Capio! 

We quickly found out that Capio enjoyed hiking...being 10 yrs old did NOT slow him down.  And flirt!...He loved to walk right up to people and get his hugs and compliments.

In January, Capio was hiking with us at the wonderful park where we have been going for over five years.  The dogs were happily sniffing and exploring when we were attacked by a large Bull Terrier.  The dog snapped up Capio and ha him in his mouth but thanks to the HARD work by Tim, Capio was pried out of the attacker's mouth.  What we saw was indeed horrific..Capio's eye was out of his socket.  He never screamed or cried.  Tough boy that he was!  Within 10 minutes, he was at Redwood Pet Hospital.  And they knew as awful as the injury looked, it was one he could survive and so A Leg Up Rescue agreed to do all that could be done for dog.  After getting pain meds and oxygen,Capioo was transferred to the group's emergency hospital, San Carlos Pet Hospital.

It was very, very tough.  Capio's eye had to be surgically removed.  His head was swollen and he was in a great deal of pain but he always let the vets and the vet tech care for him.  He thrived on the gentle touches of people but was depressed.  He was carried outside to see the sun and it would briefly lift his spirits.  It was hard to see him during the first few days.  He was so sad and obviously in such pain.  As great as the care he received and it was great...he still was in a kennel in a very active emergency setting.  I wanted to have him home and wrapped in our arms.  But he was too too ill to come home.

After five days in the hospital, Capio was released.  It was tough...lots of meds and he would not eat.  But he has a broken nose and facial fractures.  So on top of the eye surgery, I am sure eating was painful.  Nearly two weeks went by with no eating...he lost 2lbs.  Good thing he had a bit extra padding.  But at last he ate and he's been eating ever since.

The news only gets better.  Capio is now living in a foster-to-adopt situation!  One of the SF Chi Meetup members, Tirzah felt something when she saw the pics and she came to the meetup to meet him.  And then on Thursday, she came and intro the little guy to her pack of pups..Adam, Snookie and Bella.  And off they went.  Capio is healing happily at Tirzah's.  And soon it will be official...as soon as he is 100% healed.  

Twice this little guy escaped death...he obviously has plans to be around and to keep enjoying life and enhancing people all around him.