Chivo

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 My friend and I rescued a dog four years ago. This pup had been neglected by owners – working people – who likely thought they had the time to care for him, but did not. Chivo lived 24/7 in a very small front yard with a short awning as cover from severe thunderstorms and snow. His food would be covered in ants. He would dig up the plot of earth he lived in and pace back and forth. 

The worst of it seemed that he had very little, if any, attention. Yet he was yearning for it: He would often crane his neck through the bars of the fence, lapping up any attention given to him by neighbors. 

At one point I did call Animal Services, but the officer said because he had the awning and food, we must wait for winter again and if at that time he didn’t have proper covering they would do something. During this visit, the only thing Animal Control could do was ask the owner to keep the bowl clean.

I eventually asked the owner if I could start walking Chivo, and the owner allowed me to do so. I also provided some bedding for him under the awning. 

Miraculously, when I eventually asked the owner if he would let Chivo go, he agreed. (We later found out that other neighbors had been considering asking for the dog as well.)

My friend took Chivo in – you know, Chivo had really suffered – yet with the consistent love & attention from my friend and help from Gaia, Chivo now knows he is deeply loved and I believe knows he is well cared for.

We called Gaia and asked her to help us transition Chivo to his new home. She was there from day one, literally helping my friend guide Chivo into his new abode. Gaia worked with Chivo from that moment forward. 

In his new life, Chivo was, at first, skittish. He flinched with every loud sound, and he would lower his head and smash his tail between his legs. With calm consistency, Gaia helped Chivo begin to relax, become more grounded & steady, accept caring touch, walk on a lead, play with other dogs and even find a sense of purpose. Gaia had taught Chivo to find cash!   -Geena T.

Gaia’s Note: Chivo has been hanging out at my place when his owner is at work for a while now. He plays with the pack, he loves walks, he finds cash, and he has a really funny sober sense of humor. I give gratitude to Geena for seeing this need for Chivo and for pushing for this scenario to happen. My brother calls him "A Gentle Giant."

#ItTakesAVillage