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Chula: A Lesson in Grace

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Christi and chulaApril 18, 2010

We rescued Chula just 24 days ago. And, after just a few short weeks of an intense love affair with this remarkable animal, we said our goodbyes to her yesterday, euthanizing her in our home.

 

We found her in Puerto Peñasco hobbling across a busy intersection. Broken bones from head to toe were immediately evident. Her thin, misshapen silhouette seemed to radiate pain with every labored step and it was hard to tell how she was even able to support her own weight given the unnatural angles of her neck, spine, and legs, which had all been terribly injured.

 

Many times in Mexico we find street animals that are in such terrible shape immediate euthanasia is warranted. Many animals are ill beyond saving, suffering so intensely, that euthanasia is truly the best option. We were fully prepared for that with Chula, but quickly realized that was not the case.

 

chulaAfter a brief examination, I realized her injuries were very old. She herself was an older dog, and it looked as though she had endured some major trauma. She had three broken legs, which had all healed the best they could and also appeared to have endured fractures to her neck and hips, which had also healed on their own. Her deformities were marked, but she was able to get around and had clearly been living on the street like this for months, if not years.

 

This amazing dog had endured the unimaginable pain of an injury that fractured her spine, her hips, and all but one of her legs and had somehow found the will to get herself up, find food, water, and shelter. Day after day, despite the crippling pain and all of her injuries, she had survived.

 

Chula, a Mexican Street DogRealizing this, I knew that I could not euthanize her. I had to show this dog that her incredible fight for life had been worth it. I wanted, more than anything, to reward her bravery and strength and to absolutely shower her with warmth, nourishment, and, above all else, love.

 

So, we brought her home. She bonded deeply and immediately and was wagging her tail, sharing sweet kisses, and demanding to be by my side at all times within 48 hours. She sucked up every ounce of comfort we could lavish upon her and quickly chose her favorite beds, preferred foods, best cuddling positions and sunbathing locations.

 

Chula, a Mexican Street DogChula’s frail, crippled exterior was just the cage that housed her robust, powerful interior. This dog had a life force the likes of which I have yet to encounter and her grace, determination, and love were a gift to behold.

 

However, after about three weeks, Chula decided it was finally time to rest. She could finally do just that -- rest. After a life of struggle, pain, and devastating hardship she had found a place of comfort, friendship, and love and she could finally let go and be at peace. The struggle was over.

 

Chula, a Mexican Street DogChula declined quickly the past few days, her lameness progressing to the point where she was unable to move very well at all, and she let us know, very clearly, that she was ready to say goodbye. We followed her lead, as we had from the moment we found her, and helped her along to the next stage in her journey.

I like to imagine that Chula is now in a place where the grace of her spirit is matched by an equally powerful, robust body – the body of a young dog running, romping, jumping and moving freely, without pain. Her soulful chocolate eyes wide open in the bright morning sun, without a care in the world.

 

Chula restingChula’s time with us was brief, but her impact upon us profound as we extract from the experience the important lessons she taught us about grace, dignity, endurance and bravery. We promise to honor sweet Chula by allowing those very principles to guide us as we continue our work for other animals just like her all over Mexico.

 



Honor Chula’s Memory by Making a Donation toward Spay and Neuter

Sadly, millions of animals like Chula continue to languish on the streets of Mexico every day. Honor Chula’s memory by making a donation towards preventing this suffering by contributing to our spay/neuter fund. Sponsoring even just one surgery can prevent thousands of animals from every being born into the hardships of homelessness south of the border.

 

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