This was not in our plans.
Flashback: In February we were living in Viet Nam when my son Josh and his love Ana, were telling us the story of how they rescued a street dog while on a trip, in the coastal area of Oaxaca, Mexico. They found him at a gas station. He was hungry and his leg was badly damaged. They fed him and discovered his very sweet and affectionate personality…. and…. boom! Ana fell in love with him! They were on their way up the coast, but they promised him they would be back to help him.
A few days later, they returned to Puerto Escondido, went back to the gas station, and took the dog to a local vet. Ana aptly named him “Esco” (short for Puerto Escondido). The vet checked him out and assessed that Esco would need to have his bad leg amputated. They agreed to pay the vet fees for the surgery, other treatment needed and recovery period.
But then what?
One of the friends Josh and Ana were visiting in Oaxaca agreed to foster care the dog once he was declared ready to leave the care of the veterinarian. That was before things started heating up with COVID-19.
Around mid March, the U.S. issued a statement that Americans living abroad should either stay put or “come home”. Said friend, being an American, decided to return and suddenly the plan for the street dog had fallen through.
Now… very shortly after we told our sons that we had decided to go to the coast in Oaxaca Mexico, one of my other sons, Adam said “ohhh, looks as though you will be getting a dog!” At which point we all laughed.
We thought it was amusing that he immediately made that leap, although understandable why, given our history with animal rescues. But…surely not! We will have just arrived in a new country and the last thing we need or want is to have a dog in our care. The friend who was supposed to take the dog will no doubt find another friend and somehow it will work out and if not, Josh and Ana will come and get the dog and take it back with them to California. We were just following the story of Esco at this point as we were in the mode of finding a place to live and start our lives in Mexico under COVID-19
As time went by, while we were settling in to our new home, Ana was checking in with the vet periodically and continued to update the family on Esco’s status. The amputation had been done and he was making a really good recovery. The vet gave a date of mid May when Esco would be ready to leave the clinic. Ana and Josh were starting to feel the stress of having no home either temporary or permanent lined up for Esco. There simply were no options… It is hard enough to find homes for street dogs, without the complication of trying to arrange a solution from another country and in the midst of a pandemic no less! It became an unspoken obvious that we were about to become foster parents to a tripod dog.
We verbalize the obvious and offer to give Esco a (foster) home until post pandemic. Adam’s leap becomes reality!
Of course, when one adopts a street dog, there is no way to know its history. What kind of trauma, abuse, hardships the animal has endured, but one can assume that life has not been easy on the street. We also have no idea what kind of personality this dog has, other than Ana assuring us he is “very sweet!” We also don’t know how he has adjusted to having only three legs, other than the vet saying he has made a good recovery.
There are many unknowns and we have a lot of practical questions for which there are not many answers. Will he be able to manage the stairs up to our house from the street? Will he have enough stamina to get to the beach and back? Is he house trained? (Unlikely, being a street dog) Will he be a dog that barks a lot and disturbs our peace and that of neighbors? We just won’t know until he lives with us. The landlord has given us the green light to bring Esco home. We order a dog bed, dog bowls, a collar and a leash on Amazon.com.Mexico ~ we are prepared with the basics.
Operation Rescue Esco is officially ON!
This will be a two stage operation to get the dog from the vet, past the COVID street barricades, to our home in Zipolite.
(Shades of a prior Operation Rescue in Nicaragua.)
Step one: Josh arranges for a friend who lives in Puerto Escondido to pick up the dog at the vet, which is about an hour away from here. Once the dog is in his truck, the friend will call us and we will take a taxi to the gas station at the junction from the main road that enters our restricted coastal region (about half an hour and three checkpoints away.) This has the feel of a drug deal. Careful logistical planning for the transfer of precious goods.
Step two: The taxi is outside our house, engine idling. At 2.00 pm as per the plan, we start to make our way to the junction with our resident passes in hand, face masks on and hand sanitizer at the ready for the checkpoints. Movement in and out of our coastal area is still restricted and one needs a reason to go out. We explain the situation to the checkpoint officers describing our rescue mission and get approval to go and to return.
It has been five days since Esco came to live with us in Zipolite. He is very sweet and affectionate. For his first walk to the beach, ALL the dogs that live on our street, immediately smell the newcomer and make their territory well known. We are equipped with a stick to ward off any potential altercations. Esco holds his own with some timely growls telling them all to back off and after a few days the excitement calms down.
Esco manages to walk to the beach okay, other than an occasional stumble when he looses balance. The walk home is usually a little more challenging, because by then he is tired. However, he is building stamina and he starts to pick up speed as we get closer to the house, in his excitement over getting back home to safety. The walks to and from the beach are good therapy to rebuild his strength and adjust to the loss of a leg.
The beach itself, is another story.
We assumed Esco would love the beach.. What dog doesn’t love the beach? Well, meet Esco. On his first visit, he is totally freaked out both by the sight and sound of the waves and is ready to bolt. However, having done this kind of thing before, we are armed and ready with small bits of chicken, so that Esco will associate the beach with treats and develop over time, positive associations. (Thank you Dr. Pavlov.)
Each time we return to the beach, we stay longer and get closer to the water. Each time he is calmer. It’s a process…
And the really good news is, that Esco from day one, sleeps through the night, soundly and quietly. And when he needs to “do his business”, he stands up and goes to the front door. No accidents in the house. Nada! Yay!
Our current mindset is that we are his foster parents. We want to show him abundant love, the good life, and transition him well to his life as a three legged dog and then when the time is right, find him a good forever home.
Esco may not have been part of our plan, but here he is ~ life is always full of unexpected surprises. When it comes to animals, this seems to be a recurring theme in our lives.
There were numerous dog rescues, feedings, adoptions, and home finding for street dogs when we lived in Nicaragua and then again in Sri Lanka.
Below a few of the animals that have touched our hearts over the years:
From Left to Right:
Princessa in Nicaragua the sweetest soul who adopted US! Teddy in Sri Lanka who was already an old lady when we met her, but had not lost her fierce spirit. Scarface at our door in Nicaragua, he too was an old man who had lived a rough life on the streets and had a face that showed it. So thankful to have enriched his last few years of life. The “white dog” that lived in a cage at a neighbor’s house in Sri Lanka until we rescued her and found her a new loving home. “Puppy” who was found in the street in Nicaragua, under our Aussie’s watchful maternal eye, until we found her a loving home. Sweetest little “grey dog” that I saw dejected and despondent on the street in the Dominican Republic. Made the decision to help her, got her to a vet where she was treated and fed and found her a home (during a 2 day stop over in D.R.)
And there were cats, lots of cats. Here are but a few of the many kittens and cats that were rescued and loved over the years in Nicaragua (about 35 of them over a period of six years).
Maybe with my name (PeTA) I was pre destined for a life of animals in need finding me.
So glad you could come to Esco’s rescue.
Thanks Peggy. So are we and so is he.
Wow, Esco looks SO happy! What a full-circle story. Cheers to your adventures with him and helping him get back to living a happy dog’s life. Truly, one lucky dog!
Kelly he has been with us now for six days and he really is showing signs of being happy especially compared with when we first picked him up and understandably he was somewhat skittish. Hoping he continues to adjust to his new reality.
Peta
He’s adorable!
He is very sweet.
There have been stories here of animal shelters being sold out because everyone wanted a quarantine pet. Hope they all get to stay put when folks go back to work. Good job taking on another needy case, and I hope you are well rewarded with kisses. Plus you get big points with your kids.
It is wonderful that so many people are adopting from shelters at this time. As you say, we have to hope that the shelters don’t start filling up again once the stay at home protocol lifts.
Yes I am sure you are not surprised to read about us having adopted a needy animal… nothing out of the ordinary for us, but certainly not something we would have sought out. He does seem very grateful in a way that dogs from the street or a shelter always are.
I hope we do get lots of brownie points with the kids!
Peta
It is no surprise, based on Benโs dog whispering skills, this beautiful guy looks so happy.
Hoping you are able to source a good home for him, one where they will shower him with the love he deserves ๐
One of the best things about adopting dogs is that they are always so appreciative of having found a home. We will wait until he is well adjusted to his new life reality before we find him a permanent home.
Peta
Both of our children have adopted rescues & have been so happy they did. Although they often come with a bit of baggage, with patience & love, they develop into the most wonderful companions.
Yes, it often takes at least six months, in our experience for an animal to really settle into their forever home. So many of them have experienced abuse and or abandonment.. time and patience is key. Always worth it though, could not agree more. Wonderful that both your children adopted rescues.
Hi Peta and Ben, Your post did not show up in my email feed (yet?). I saw your photos on IG. where I saw Escoโs friendly and smiling eyes. ๐ Like you say, many unknowns. Interesting how he was initially afraid of the beach. A win/win for everyone. And yes, touched everyoneโs heart. More people are fostering and adopting pets right now. A positive for these uncertain and challenging times. Take care and stay well.
Each day that we return to the beach Esco gets more and more at ease with the new sounds of the waves and the whole environment. Just requires time and patience.
It is great that more people are fostering and adopting pets but lets hope that they maintain the level of care and love once life gets “back to normal” again and they start to return to work.
Thanks for stopping by to read us and to comment.
Peta
You tow have the biggest hearts. How fortunate for Esco to find his way into your loving care. Wonderful to hear that he is adapting to the beach, other dogs and his new foster home. I very much look forward to updates and expect one day you will be showing us Esco in the water. I think your two are capable of most anything. Hugs to you both a a special pat for Esco.
Thanks Sue. Ben has carried Esco to the edge of the ocean and let him feel the water, but it definitely will be a slow process. When we had our two dogs back in Chicago, one of them, the Aussie, loved the water, and the other, an adopted mutt, never liked it! So it could just be a preference thing… time will tell.
Peta
Aww you saved his life!
Thanks but I think Josh and Ana get the credit for that!!
xoxo
What a wonderful story, and what a delightful dog. Given some of his behaviors (asking to go out, sleeping through the night, and so on) do you think he might have had a real home in the past? Whichever, he quite obviously is appreciative and happy — kudos to you for stepping in to help!
Thank you. Yes, he might possibly have lived in a home at some point, we have no way of knowing but it did occur to us as well. However, he might have learnt to “hold his pee” while staying at the veterinarian clinic as well.
Peta
I’m so glad you were able to save Esco! (And I love that your son was the one who got the process started, clearly you raised him right.) So many dogs just need a chance to show their true personalities. Thank you…for doing this and for sharing the story with the rest of us. We need positive news right now!
Thanks Ann. It is great that one of my sons was instrumental in this rescue. As much credit goes to his girlfriend Ana as well. She clearly fits right in to our family!
As Ghandi said “you can judge a nation by the way it treats its animals” and as my one sister says “never trust someone that doesn’t like animals”.
Peta
You must be up there on the dog grapevine, this one found you no problem. Well done! Doesn’t his aversion to the beach (or should we say ex-aversion) say something about his former life? At any rate, when you do find a permanent home for him, you might now have to insist it includes beach romps.
Johnny maybe there is a dog yelp review for humans and he saw that. But seriously, animals do seem to find me or maybe it is just that I have such a hard time turning my back on them. Especially those in need.
Perhaps he had a bad experience on the beach as he is from an area that has a beach, or perhaps he has never ever been on a beach and it was just too overwhelming for him at first. He still doesn’t love it, but lets just say, he tolerates it.
Peta
Esco looks like a real snuggle bug, and he is so fortunate to have found his way to your home. I wonder if he was always a street dog. He seems very socialized, for one. Iโve only met one other street dog, and that animal was so shy and skittish of humans that it slunk from the room whenever people entered it.
Deb
You make a good point. One thing we do know about Esco is that apparently the firemen that work at the firestation across the road would feed him occasionally when they had scraps left over. So perhaps he learnt to trust humans from that experience. Or perhaps he had owners and for whatever reason was abandoned as so often sadly, seems to happen. I have met many street dogs that are skittish around humans and usually because they have been hit or had things thrown at them, but I have met many others that are the opposite and love people. Hard to say….
Peta
What a wonderful thing it is to rescue an animal – good for the animal, good for the rescuer, good for the community. You and your son did a great thing by caring for Esco and now fostering him until he finds his forever home.
Sharon I agree that rescuing an animal is very rewarding. All credit goes to Ana and Josh for not looking away but rather, taking action. They took time, energy and it also cost them quite a bit in vet fees. But I know the feeling.. I would always rather help if possible, than look away. Animals depend on us.
Peta
Thank you for sharing this lovely story about Esco, Josh and Ana and your open hearts. Esco has such a handsome face. I am so glad that he is easy to manage and now making friends at the beach. I look forward to more photos and more Esco stories. I enjoyed seeing some of the many of your past animals, all of whom, I believe will return to bless you 2 for your love and generosity<3
Thanks Lois. We sincerely believe that the souls of these animals become part of the puppeteering guardian angels. We have loved every single one of those that we have rescued. Time consuming and often heart breaking but oh so worth it. Domesticated animals rely on us humans to take care of them. xoxo
Peta
Esco is absolutely adorable!
As another hardcore animal lover — thank you for taking him in!
He is, isn’t he?
Yup. “Hardcore animal lovers”… that’s us! Nice to know you feel the same way.
Peta
It looks like Esco is adapting well to a life on three legs. He clearly found the right foster family, and I’m sure your son must be very relieved.
Apparently dogs do adjust well to three legs. Esco has the occasional slip or misstep, but for the most part, he is doing really well.
Yes, Josh and Ana are very relieved to not have to worry about a home for him.
Peta
What a great story! Glad he turned out to be such a good boy! Itโs so wonderful to feel and see the growth in these dogs as they learn trust and become used to comforts of homes and kind humans.
We too have taken in a foster dog over here in Baja. And…our parallel lives continue. Ours had never seen stairs or TV. So fun to watch them figure things out. And yes, cool tile all the way although ours does voluntarily lay out in the sun on tile so hot I canโt walk on it. Heโs a true Baja dog and we are so happy to be helping him on his way.
What color is Oaxaca on the great reopening scale? Here in La Paz weโre red so still shut down until June 15. But, like you, at least we can get out to the water. Makes it bearable. Wish we could swim like you but ours is a very shallow bay.
Marcy and Scott
Glad you enjoyed the Esco rescue story, Marcy and Scott. I agree that it is something special to see a dog finally get the love and affection they deserve. Sometimes it takes six months before their “true” personality can show.. once they relax and learn to trust, yes.
Ohhh how funny that you too have taken in a foster dog in Baja.That’s great. How is he adjusting to his new life?
The state of Oaxaca is erring towards green in the sense that they want to get things moving but it is at the level of the local municipality that concrete decisions are made. Our local district around the larger town known as Pochutla is a lot more conservative in its approach than at the Oaxaca state level, so we are probably in the orange zone.
Thank goodness we can swim, it honestly is the saving grace of these hot humid days.
Peta
On our visits to Mexico (especially Oaxaca) we see so many street dogs. Most are skittish, but some look at us with big, sad eyes, begging to be taken home and loved. Weโve never been in the position to do that but we have several neighbors here who have adopted from agencies whose mission is to bring those dogs over the border. Angels, all of them. Esco is a very lucky dog to have been โtemporarilyโ ๐ adopted by you. It looks like heโll be happy to stick around if heโs able.
Janis, we got very accustomed to street dogs in Nicaragua and at the very least I always tried to feed them whenever I could. Wonderful to know that there are agencies who help these dogs to find homes in the U.S.
While we are here for the pandemic shutdown, it is definitely as decent a time as any to be foster parents to an animal in need.
Peta
I so remember princesa and scarface! And the first kitty too! Are those 3 ginger ones my kitties that you took in before finding them forever homes? ๐
This story comes as no surprise to me ๐
PeTA – of course you were always destined to find furry friends wherever you go. Esco is one lucky dog!
So nice to have someone read this and actually have met and remember Princessa and Scarface!! Those two were pretty special. The ginger ones are not your kitties, I know we have photos somewhere of you with those….!! And there were SO many more…. Seemed like every week we found a cat in need and often had 5-7 cats being fostered at one time.
Haha I know it IS my destiny, and they always do find me…
Peta
You know the old saying… everything happens for a reason. Happy people and happy puppy.
Patti, when talking with neighbors today we found out there was a house burglary in our neighborhood… so maybe Esco will turn out to be a good guard dog.
Peta
Again (and again and again): you two are unbelievable! In the name of all those rescued pups and cats and in my own, animal-loving name, thank you for being so compassionate, dedicated, and caring. Esco looks like a sweetheart and Iโm so happy and relieved he knows where (and where not) to pee. ๐
As you know, street dogs, or adopted adult dogs, have a history we donโt know and that brings challenges. But, your experience, patience, and love will solve every issue along the way. Maya didnโt like water and especially waves at first, but sheโs doing much better with it all now. Like Esco, she turned into a fun and sweet companion.
Liesbet, I think that if as children we are brought up with and to love animals then this runs deep in our veins as adults and throughout life. It makes it harder to look away and easier to help. I have an older sister who feeds about 25 street cats outside her house as well as having quite a few of her own living inside.
We are pretty pleased that he knows where and when to pee as of course, if he did not, it would have just been a different level of effort and patience required. Same thing for the fact that he is such a good sleeper and really overall so very well behaved inside!
Yes it really is all about giving a dog a chance and the time to adjust to everything new, and for them to be able to relax without worrying about their next meal and their survival.
The two dogs we had for years, Mango and Dwayne had the most opposite personalities possible. Mango as an Aussie, loved the water, any water! Dwayne was just not a fan. Ever.
Thanks for your animal loving outlook and give Maya a big doggie hug from us.
Peta & Ben
Chills up and down my spine. If I had fur, it would be raised in delight and joy that people like you two exist in this world. Ah, Esco, You’re a lucky dog, even with one leg missing and a tough past. You are loved. No one could ask for more.
Pam you had us both chuckling visualizing your fur. It is true isn’t, that for people and for animals, love conquers all.
Peta
P.S. love that photo on instagram of you and your sand colored lab puppy. How is he doing??
Sometimes, when loving/petting/communing with dogs, I can’t tell the difference between my hair/skin and her fur! I think (hope) you know what I mean. My granddog, Charlotte, is a lovebug and fortunately has bonded with me. Somehow she knows that I’m the ‘Madre’ of the family and have a full load of love for her. On the other hand, I’m fast to correct her bad behaviour, like jumping up to kiss me. Instead, I let her sit on my lap to do that. ๐
Yup I know exactly what you mean. It’s good when our pet’s mane matches our own hair.. I can think of a few good cases of that. My oldest son has strawberry blonde hair and a huge cat with the exact same color of fur and they do blend well together.
Awww sounds adorable…. ๐
P
Here I am with our new four-legged puppy, feeling sorry that I can’t even begin to function as I normally do with all the new dog care duties and trips outside. We’ve had him almost exactly the amount of time you’ve had Esco (picked ours up as I drove back into Houston from Colorado last week)! But you guys …?! … as always, you are game for a bigger and nobler challenge than most other people, and I applaud you for your mission of goodheartedness and love for those creatures that cannot take care of themselves. Makes my heart happy. Hope all continues to go with Esco and his road to a forever family!
Lex, puppies are a whole other level of time commitment, energy and effort. It is almost like having a baby in terms of the demand and responsibility. Thank you for the flattering words. Sometimes it just feels like less of a choice and more of a “it’s happening again” response.
Let’s hear more about your new puppy.. what kind of dog is it and how is he/she adjusting to life as a Klein?
Peta
Such a beautiful boy! Iโm sure he canโt believe his luck.
Anabel, he has such an endearing personality and has so far been pretty easy so we can’t believe OUR luck!
Peta
Ooooooh! I knew where this story was going as soon as I read the first line. Love it!! Puppies are the best – even if they do take over your life and wreck all your plans! Esco is a total cutie and it looks like he’s got tons of personality. Sounds like he got real lucky finding a good home to help him adjust to his new situation. I’m glad to hear the adjustment is going well and I’d bet as he grows more confident, he’ll be a GREAT dog! Have fun!
Laura, you are quite right that as Esco grows more confident we are discovering more of his personality. He is quite funny and is able to communicate his needs, such as “get me the hell of this beach NOW” quite well.
Another discovery is that he is only demanding of affection and cuddles but other than that, he is very easy. No loud barking, or scratching at the door or whining or begging for food or chewing shoes.. The stuff that can be challenging and requires time and training to change. So we sure lucked out with him!!
Peta
I love Esco and he is so lucky to have you as foster parents. All they need is love and they adapt quickly. I’m not sure how we would have dealt with the lockdown without our Dot. Stay safe.
It’s interesting Darlene but part of the reason we did not hesitate to take Esco is that we are in lockdown. So with the fact that we can’t travel anyway and have a set routine with our only outings being to the beach, the food truck and occasional ATM, we may as well give a dog a chance at some love and happiness.
The pandemic is sure highlighting for many people the added value of having pets in our lives…. for stress reduction and companionship and amusement. NO doubt.
Peta
Dear Esco, Canine Dog,
I’m pleased to see you are training your new humans well. Just remember to be patient because human’s are slow learners and rarely learn how to bark without an accent and have no idea how to identify hidden scents and have a very limited range of hearing.
I will add the Chicken-bit-Ploy of pretending not to like the beach to my trainer’s manual for new humans.
Frankly,
Freddie Parker Westerfield, CHT
Certified Human Trainer
Dear Freddie,
WOOF!! Finally someone really understands me and has the right perspective!! As humans go, these guys are not too bad. I have them bringing extra treats to the beach, which shhh I really do like as you figured out and I have them buying me a cushy bed and giving me all sorts of attention.
Yesterday I heard the new humans talking about how they think I might like to get a body massage because of my tripod situation. NOW we talking!!!! YESSSSS……
Sincerely
Esco (as they call me)
Human trainer (in training)
Message to your human from ours… they thought this was VERY FUNNY!!!
This is so wonderful! Great to see pictures of you two and happy to read about your rescue operations! Keep the love shining on these friends ๐ Much love from Chicago
Hi Mark
Thanks for stopping by…
(Did we meet in Chicago? Just wondering….)
Always shining love on animals…… Namaste
Peta
What a wonderful story and good on you all for doing so much to save him! He looks very happy with you and you look very comfortable with him! All the best to you all.
Hi Debbie… So far so good. Usually with adopted dogs it can take months before they trust their new humans and their true personality shines through. Very surprised and pleased he has settled and accepted us so quickly and easily.
Thanks for the good wishes.
Peta
Who says dogs don’t have karma? I’m more of a cat person so I can’t speak for dogs, but when I was volunteering at the shelter I was always amazed at how well the tripods get around.
Ahh Dave, truth be told I am also a cat person, with Ben being the dog person. I love all animals but if I had a choice of having a cat or a dog, I would go with the cat any day… So much easier.
Apparently the tripod dogs adjust well and do manage just fine. Good to know.
Peta
Such a great story! Smiled all the way through. Especially at helping Esco desensitize to the sea. This is why I love you guys. I’m surprised you haven’t adopted a few others from your beach.
Thanks Lisa… Haha, because we knew we were getting Esco, we kinda held that space for him while he was recovering and recouping at the clinic. But we do have lots of doggie friends on the beach.
Peta
In this time of corona virus hell, a sweet story about the rescue of a three legged dog is just what the doctor ordered! Thank you guys for sharing.
Paul!! So nice to read you!! Awww thanks, so glad you enjoyed the story of Esco’s rescue.
xoxox
P
I think it was just meant to be that yโall be Escoโs adoptive pet parents! And Iโm sure Josh and Ana are thrilled that all the pieces came together for it to happen and that they are at piece knowing Esco is in loving hands! And it seems you are thoroughly enjoying the unplanned adventure!
Rosita, yes Josh and Ana are super pleased and relieved that they found a good first foster home for Esco and they know that we will find a super good permanent home for him when the time is ready.
We are enjoying getting to know him and each day he gets sweeter and sweeterโฆ.
Peta
So glad he’s made a friend. Apart from you two, of course. ๐ ๐
Yes, so important for animals to have other 3 or 4 legged friends. He continues to meet more dogs and make new friends. Doing well, thanks Johanna.
Peta
You two are the best. I loved the story of Esco, and I loved seeing the photo gallery of all of the critters you’ve rescued in your life journeys. Esco has such a sweet face. I think he already knows he’s a lucky guy. Hugs to you kind-hearted two-leggeds and your new three-legged friend. ๐
Aw Laurel, thank you! That photo gallery was a mere snippet of so many… when we lived in Nicaragua we found a rescue almost every month. Either a cat being abused on the street, or someone telling us they had found a kitten and could not take care of it. Fostering animals back to good health and then finding them permanent homes was wonderfully rewarding and every single animal expressed their gratitude very clearly.
Peta
Having seen first hand in Sri Lanka how much you both care about animals, it is not a surprise to me that you are fostering Esco. The photos are adorable (I love the cats too). You guys are the best and Esco is a lucky doggie!
I guess bottom line, it is not a surprise to us either. Animals in need find their way to me. Glad you enjoyed the photos of Esco and the gallery of rescues (just a few)โฆ. Thanks Caroline.
Peta
Such a heartwarming story, Peta. Esco looks happy to have found a good home and to be making friends. ๐
Esco continues to get happier and more adjusted to life at the beach. We are enjoying watching him settle in to his new life.
Peta
That’s great. Give him a hug from me. ๐
Just the most beautiful story Peta! What a adorable dog Esco is! What adventures he is having while being safe in a loving home. I had to smile at the story of your becoming adoptive caretakers. This has happened to us on a few occasions. My older son who rescued kittens at different times, became our cats. Though the last one Angie, is now back with him after several years of living with us.
The photographs are lovely. I hope you’re both settling in well. It certainly looks like it. Keep well and stay safe ๐
Susan, I grew up on a hillside in Johannesburg (Linksfield Ridge) where we had a menagerie of animals, from dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, to birds and rabbits. And from a young age abandoned or lost kittens started to find me, much like the story of your son. You raised him well, if he rescues kittens when he can! As Ghandi said (one of my favorite quotes) “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
Thanks for the compliments on the photography.
Peta
What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to your updates and really appreciated Esco’s story and to see pictures of other dogs and cats that you have taken into your homes and hearts. Sheba is a black and tan mix but with more black than Esco and a deeper tan, but have some similar looks. , Esco is a blessed dog.
Thanks Michele…
Each of those cats, kittens and dogs were well loved. Each with their own stories and personalities. Some we kept and some we found homes for. When the count of felines got to 7 we had to draw a line and not adopt any more but rather just foster them and find them permanent homes. We also made sure that any adopting any kittens would promise to neuter them when they were old enough.
Peta
P.S.
Tried to find your blog… but could not. Could you share the link with us please?
My Heart is overflowing w/ gratitude for your compassion and love from our furry, unwanted, homeless friends.
THANK YOU for being their voice.
I am SMILING in Minnesota knowing people like you exist.
Love you, Peta ๐ xxxx KISSSSSSSSS stay safe and give that 3 legged pup a BIG hug from me.
Awwww thank you Kim for such a supportive and loving note. It is nice to read you again, it has been a while.
We will give Esco an extra hug today, with your name on it.
xoxo
Peta
Esco is one lucky dog! When our youngest son and his wife went into the hospital to have their first baby, we told them we would keep the dog while they were away. That baby is now 9 years old and we still have the dog! ๐
Laurie, welcome to our Green Global Trek.
That is a very funny story about your keeping your son and his wife’s dog! I am left wondering if they got another dog once you kept theirs?
Peta
Peta and Ben, I really admire your commitment at rescuing Esco. Particularly considering all the difficulties of navigating a global pandemic at the same time. He looks super happy and settled. I am so glad that he has even made new dog friends. Such a heartwarming story.
Thanks Gilda. Yes the pandemic really made things more complicated and in the end I think we both felt that it was serendipitous that we happen to live in the area where he is and where he needs a home. He really is a sweetheart of a dog. Soon we will start to find him a permanent home because ultimately we know we will be travelling to visit our family as soon as that is feasible and also around the state of Oaxaca.
Peta
The thought that came to mind as I was reading this is that angels walk among us, and surely you and Ben are 2 of them. I suspect Esco knows he is one very lucky dog ๐
Joanne thank you for such kind words. Esco is certainly enjoying the life… sprawled out on the couch at night and eating fresh fish flavored dog food in-between jaunts on the beach.
Peta
I’m late to the party here, but I’m glad all is well for Esco. It’s nice to read something positive.
Thanks Ally, the party goes on…
Esco is doing really well and has settled down nicely and even enjoys the beach these days. Real progress.
Peta
Oh Esco, you charmer you! Iโm so touched by how much heโs overcome because of the love you and Ben gave so freely while maneuvering the myriad challenges to get to him. This story is just what I needed! Thank you Peta & Ben!
Esco is quite the charmer.. he has been making canine and human friends every day since we got him. He certainly can endear himself to people and just is loving all the attention and affection. He is quite at home now and has taken over the couch!
Peta
Esco is one lucky fellow, having found you two. Iโve had a whole series of rescue cats and one dog. In each case we were able to give them their forever home. We still have our dear cat Oliver, now fifteen, and he is one of the most loving cats Iโve ever met. Our geriatric dog, Kate, is not a rescue dog but was gifted to Rob by my step-daughter when just a puppy. Sheโs partially blind and deaf and struggling to get around now, but still enthusiastic about life (especially treats).
Jude
Ah yes, we too, as you must have read, have a whole history of rescues. Truth be told I am much more of a cat person than a dog person but shhhhh don’t tell Esco! We are hoping to find Esco a forever home but in the meantime we are all enjoying each other’s company and Esco has made great strides in all areas of life…. More on that in the upcoming post.
Peta
Oh, wow, you guys deserve an award for all the pets you’ve taken in. What beautiful soft eyes he has. Very nice post
Frank, the award is the recovery to health and appreciation that we have received from the animals themselves. They have always made it clear how grateful how they are and have made it well worth our while, in each and every case.
Esco is a sweetie…
Thanks for your feedback.
Peta