“Everyone is more interested in the puppies …” 💔
When 9-year-old mini poodle Chiqui arrived at the San Luis Obispo County Animal Shelter, everyone who heard her story felt heartbroken. Chiqui had recently lost her beloved owner, and the person’s extended family, unable to care for her, made the difficult decision to surrender her.
Although Chiqui was confused and grieving, shelter staff could immediately tell she was a special dog. They were determined to help her find another home where she would be loved again.
Soon, Chiqui was placed in a foster home through Woods Humane Society. There, she had a quiet space to relax before undergoing surgery to remove a mass. Thankfully, the surgery went well, and Chiqui moved to a second foster home while she recovered and waited for her test results.
Her second foster mom, Arianne, quickly saw that Chiqui was a gentle dog who simply wanted comfort and affection. But after losing her person and going through so many changes, Chiqui was understandably anxious. She didn’t like being alone and felt happiest when she was close to Arianne.
Walks helped Chiqui feel better, especially when Arianne’s dog, Gator, came along. She also enjoyed spending calm time in the backyard, slowly learning that she was safe.
As the days passed, Chiqui grew more confident. Then came wonderful news: the mass removed during surgery was benign. With her health improving, Chiqui was officially ready to find a forever home.
At a recent adoption event, Arianne hoped people would see what she saw — a loving, sweet senior dog with so much life left to share. Chiqui sat near her foster mom’s feet, excitedly watching families enter the room.
But one by one, people walked past her.
Most visitors seemed more interested in the puppies, and Chiqui didn’t understand why no one stopped to meet her. She loved people and wanted so badly to make friends, but the event ended without a single adoption application for her.
Arianne was heartbroken. Chiqui was friendly, house-trained, good with dogs and cats, and energetic enough to enjoy walks with younger pups. She would have made a wonderful companion, but no one at the event gave her a chance.
Still, Arianne didn’t give up. She shared Chiqui’s story online, and that changed everything.
A couple named Tish and Joe, who had been hoping to adopt a senior dog, saw Chiqui’s video and immediately fell in love. They applied to adopt her, and everyone was thrilled when the application was approved.
When Chiqui finally met her new family, she knew exactly what to do. She jumped into Tish and Joe’s laps and covered them with kisses, as if she already understood she was going home.
Now Chiqui is settling beautifully into her new life. She enjoys walks around the neighborhood and spends plenty of time curled up beside her new parents.
After losing the person she loved most, Chiqui had to face confusion, grief and uncertainty. But thanks to the shelter, Woods Humane Society, her foster families and the couple who saw her worth, Chiqui now has the happy ending she deserved.