Heartbreak to Hope: How a Surrender Became a Second Chance for Pancho

In the hardest of times, love can make all the difference. For one man facing terminal cancer, his final wish was simple: that his beloved dog, Pancho, a 7-year-old Pom-Chi with one eye, would not be left alone when he was gone. 

When this man came into our shelter with an emergency surrender, our Client Services Director, who is no stranger to difficult conversations, took him aside to talk privately. As they sat together, the man shared the deeply emotional story of how Pancho had helped him through some of his darkest times. Struggling with severe PTSD from years in the military, the man often found it difficult to face each day. It was Pancho’s unconditional love and companionship that gave him the strength to keep going.  

In that moment, the man placed his trust in us to ensure Pancho’s well-being, knowing we would provide the care and compassion his beloved dog needed. He wasn’t just entrusting us with a pet, he was entrusting us with a piece of his heart. Tears filled both the man’s eyes and our Client Services Director’s eyes as he shared his story. Overcome with emotion, she reassured him that Pancho would never spend a single night in a kennel. She made the heartfelt decision to bring him into her own home, giving him the second chance he deserved. 

That promise marked the start of a beautiful new chapter for Pancho. He was welcomed into a loving home, joining two small dogs and a cat. Though it took some time to adjust, his hilarious personality soon began to shine through. Pancho quickly showed off his quirky habits, like “talking back” when things didn’t go his way, especially at dinner time, and his burrowing skills. When nowhere to be found, a quick search around the house reveals Pancho snugly tucked away in his favorite spot under the covers. 

But the most heartwarming part of Pancho’s story is his new role as a big brother. When his family welcomed their first child, Pancho immediately took it upon himself to watch over her, always ensuring her safety. Known for showering visitors with kisses, he’s now gentle and protective with his little sister, carefully vetting anyone who comes near to make sure she’s treated with the best care. 

When you donate, you give the gift of a second chance for surrendered pets like Pancho. Though Pancho’s owner is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the joy and love Pancho brings to his new family. It’s because of YOU that these special moments can happen. 

Please make a gift today of $25, $50, $100, $250, or any amount you can, to ensure more pets like Pancho get their second chance to have a happy, healthy life. Every dollar you give goes directly to providing food, shelter, medical care, and love for pets who are waiting for their own life-changing moment. No gift is too small; every dollar helps us save more lives and create more stories like Pancho’s. 

Donate today and help us continue to keep our promises to families by making the difficult decision to surrender their pet. For Pancho’s owner, knowing his beloved dog would be cared for in his final days brought him comfort and peace. Your support ensures we can provide that same peace of mind for other families, while changing the lives of pets who need us most.