Disclaimer: I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician (nurse) and Paco has been receiving medical care at my veterinary practice. My hospital was not involved with the relinquishing of ownership between Paco’s previous owners and myself. I adopted Paco out of the kindness of my own heart. Paco’s previous family relinquished their ownership out of the love for their pet. Paco was named by his previous family; I may change his name with his new chapter in life.

I met little Paco, a brown chihuahua puppy, about 1 month ago. At this time, he was 2 months old and only weighing 3 pounds. Paco presented at my veterinary hospital for an emergency exam. Paco‘s owners said he had ran out of their home, early that morning, and a few hours later they found him on the side of the road unable to use his hind legs. When presented at my hospital, he was quickly rushed to the hospital’s treatment room and received immediate care. He was hypothermic, had pale gum colors, was very dull and a multitude of other issues. After the veterinarian examined him, it was suspected he was anemic and had traumatic injuries to his hind legs and pelvis. The owner’s were presented with a treatment plan recommending lab work, radiographs and strong pain medications. Unfortunately, his owners did not have the finances to afford any type of care that day. The veterinarian urged, to his owners, that he had extensive injuries and he needed immediate medical care. Against the veterinarians recommendations, Paco’s family elected to take him home. We provided resources, including information for veterinary hospitals that work with owners on a fixed income, financial options, and shelters who may be able to help. Before they took him home, I paid for pain medication for Paco. I told the owners if they were unable to find help, from the resources provided, I would adopt.

The following day, the owners relinquished ownership to me. I am unsure if they looked into the resources they were provided with. As soon as Paco was legally mine, his diagnostic work-up was initiated. This included lab work, a FAST-scan ultrasound, and radiographs. His lab work showed he was anemic, he had low electrolytes, and elevated liver enzymes. The radiology report showed his right femur was broken in multiple spots and the left side of his pelvis was fractured and subluxated. Thankfully, his ultrasound came back normal, but he did have significant swelling and bruising in his pelvic and hip region. After speaking with the veterinarian, surgical amputation was recommended of his right hind leg.

It was at this time the weight and seriousness of this commitment hit me. I had taken on a puppy needing around the clock care and extensive medical treatment that was going to be financially straining.

We decided it was the best option to postpone surgical intervention to see if his lab work would stabilize. For five days, Paco was on strict cage rest, on a multitude of different medication’s, and needing a lot of TLC. He was unable to walk during this time, but this little guy had so much life in him. I could see he was a fighter.

After that weekend, we rechecked his lab work and thankfully, he was no longer anemic and not requiring a blood transfusion. His surgery was scheduled for the following day. The veterinarians and nurses, at my hospital, provided amazing surgical care. Thankfully, his surgery was successful without any complications. Surgery was not performed on his pelvis. The veterinarians believed it would heal and fuse with lots of rest. Thankfully, young animals are resilient and tend to heal quicker compared to older animals.

Paco was still on medications and strict cage rest following his surgery. About a week later, I saw him stand and walk for the first time. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. All of the stress had been worth it. Two weeks later his sutures were removed and after that I watched him play with his with his toys for the first time. Paco was finally feeling well enough to be a puppy again and he was thriving.

Since then, Paco has still been on continued cage rest to ensure that his pelvis has enough time to heal. It will be another few weeks before he is able to return to his normal doggy lifestyle. I know he is ready for it. This little baby has been incredibly resilient, loving, and overall such a great dog. Though this has been a stressful time, for both Paco and myself, I do not regret taking this on.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Paco’s story and considering to donate to his medical care.