“His skin was in terrible condition, his nails were severely overgrown and he was clearly in pain.”
When a New York family spotted a sick stray dog on the streets last year, they didn’t hesitate to bring him in. But after a few days of trying to care for him, they realized he needed more help than they could provide. So, with heavy hearts and hopeful intentions, they turned to AMA Animal Rescue.
The dog, later named Choco, arrived at the rescue in heartbreaking condition. His body was ravaged by a painful skin infection, his nails were severely overgrown, and his paws—swollen from mange—made even standing a challenge. Most devastating of all, Choco was terrified of humans.
“The moment we saw him, we knew he was in rough shape,” said Mariya Vlasova, cofounder of AMA Animal Rescue. “He was clearly in pain, and completely shut down emotionally.”
Without hesitation, the team rushed Choco to the vet and committed to giving him the care he so desperately needed. Thanks to the support of the 15/10 Foundation, Choco was able to stay at the vet’s office for extended care—receiving antibiotics, medicated baths, and round-the-clock attention.
Little by little, the transformation began.
“As his skin started to heal and the pain began to lessen, it was like watching a different dog emerge,” Vlasova shared. “His paws stopped being inflamed, and he could walk—then run—without pain.”
Physically, Choco was healing. But what touched the team most was his emotional recovery. As trust began to take root where fear once lived, Choco started showing glimpses of the dog he was meant to be: gentle, sweet, and full of potential.
One of the vet techs, who had been by his side since day one, had fallen for Choco’s quiet strength. When he was finally well enough to leave the clinic, she stepped forward to foster him—and brought him home.
The bond between them only deepened. Choco fit seamlessly into her life, forming a close friendship with her other dog and accompanying her to work at the clinic, where he strutted down the halls like he owned the place.
“Eventually, it became clear: This wasn’t just a foster placement. It was home,” Vlasova said.
And just like that, Choco found his forever family.
Today, Choco is barely recognizable from the frightened, broken dog who first arrived at the rescue. He’s playful. He’s goofy. He’s loyal. And most importantly—he knows he’s loved.