
Chaco's Surgery
Donation protected
Our beloved dog, Chaco, injured his rear legs on October 26. The local vet told us that the ACL’s in both of Chaco’s knees are torn and that he has to have surgery to repair them. During the following 24 hours Chaco was in a lot of pain and could barely move, in spite of the pain medication the vet gave him.
Chaco is a 90 pound, six-year-old Anatolian Sheppard mix, and is loved by many for his “companion dog personality”. True to his breed, he has greeted (and watched over) more than 700 people who have come to stay at our retreat and training center in Taos, NM. One group of guests gave him the nickname of “Medicine Dog”. He’s that kind of dog. He’s helped so many people on their journeys and now he’s the one who needs help.
On Monday we took him to a specialist in Santa Fe and the diagnosis was confirmed. We immediately scheduled surgery to repair one damaged knee. The other knee will be repaired after the first one heals. We were hoping that alternative treatment could be an option but no such luck.
Chaco’s recovery is expected to take at least 3 months. He will spend much of that time in a dog crate and on a leash, which is a far cry from his active lifestyle.
The two operations will cost about $7,500. We now have over half of that and are asking people who know and love Chaco to contribute towards the cost of his surgeries. Any amount, no matter how small, will be very much appreciated.
If you know Chaco, or have known a dog like Chaco and would like to help, your contribution will be much appreciated.
If you send your picture, we will create and post a collage that includes Chaco and all of you who helped him in his time of need. Thank you for considering helping our beloved Chaco.
Daniel and Betty.
6 months old, when we rescued him from the animal shelter. Actually, they rescued him as an abandoned dog and we adopted him.
Chaco at 1 year 9 months.

Native Health Initiative group loved Chaco. And he loved them.
When Chaco doesn't understand you, he asks you to repeat yourself.
Here is Chaco doing yoga with the group.
Chaco with Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, Tamara Roske, and some of the Earth Guardians team.
Chaco is a 90 pound, six-year-old Anatolian Sheppard mix, and is loved by many for his “companion dog personality”. True to his breed, he has greeted (and watched over) more than 700 people who have come to stay at our retreat and training center in Taos, NM. One group of guests gave him the nickname of “Medicine Dog”. He’s that kind of dog. He’s helped so many people on their journeys and now he’s the one who needs help.
On Monday we took him to a specialist in Santa Fe and the diagnosis was confirmed. We immediately scheduled surgery to repair one damaged knee. The other knee will be repaired after the first one heals. We were hoping that alternative treatment could be an option but no such luck.
Chaco’s recovery is expected to take at least 3 months. He will spend much of that time in a dog crate and on a leash, which is a far cry from his active lifestyle.
The two operations will cost about $7,500. We now have over half of that and are asking people who know and love Chaco to contribute towards the cost of his surgeries. Any amount, no matter how small, will be very much appreciated.
If you know Chaco, or have known a dog like Chaco and would like to help, your contribution will be much appreciated.
If you send your picture, we will create and post a collage that includes Chaco and all of you who helped him in his time of need. Thank you for considering helping our beloved Chaco.
Daniel and Betty.







Organizer
Daniel Escalante Taos
Organizer
Ranchos de Taos, NM