Adoption Story: Victoria

This story had been submitted to the PetCo Holiday Wishes grant contest and was chosen as one of the finalists. The results are in: CCHS didn't win a prize, but we congratulate all of the shelters and rescues who received grants! Whatever the outcome, Victoria and all the other shelter animals who have found loving homes won the biggest prize of all!

Victoria-Oldie but Goldie

by Alice Shaffer

It is said that good things come in small packages-something which was not evident at first glance when this tiny, stray dog arrived at CCHS.

 The senior Chihuahua lady was in dire need of help. She was about 12 years old, emaciated, dehydrated, her nails curling into her pads; she also had only five bad teeth left, was suffering from an ear infection, an ulcer in her eye and a severe flea allergy, leaving her skin bare, oozing, and scabby.

Despite all of her ailments, Victoria was so sweet and loving that the shelter staff was determined to give her the help she needed and find the right home for her. Knowing that my husband and I have a weakness for senior Chihuahuas, they already had an idea which home that might be.

During my five years as a CCHS volunteer, I have managed to not adopt every Chihuahua in sight and let the shelter staff know that I wasn't about to adopt this one either. My resistance started waning when they told me Victoria's age and condition. I finally agreed to see her and when I held this sweet little dog in my arms and she gave me a kiss on the nose, the deal was sealed--Victoria was coming home with us!

The old girl not only started gaining weight, but also spunk. Every day Victoria grew healthier, livelier and entertained us with her antics. Now,two months later, her hair has grown back, her health is good and she has turned out to be a real clown! Victoria dances when the treat bag comes out, she loves to roll in the grass, play on the bed, run around the yard like crazy and make us laugh.

Victoria after having regained weight
 and hair

There is much more laughter around the house and many more smiles since this little princess has arrived! One kiss from her can make the day's stress melt away, one dance and good mood is inevitable. 

It is true-good things do come in small packages. In this case, a three-pound package full of life, love, and a wagging tail!

A version of this story was submitted to the PetCo Holiday Wishes writing contest and chosen as a finalist. 33 grants worth $5,000 - $100,000  are given to shelters which adopted out the animals in the stories. Winners will be announced mid-December.