Chico experienced a lot of loneliness in the first ten years of his existence. Over ten years ago, a small-town North Carolina family adopted the pit bull. His owners kept him alone in a little dirt yard that was overrun with trash and devoid of any other animals.According to The Dodo, the dog’s miserable condition caught the attention of a neighbor named Gricel Guerrero, who made an effort to talk to the family about how they were mistreating Chico.

Guerrero told The Dodo, “I informed them the dog needed vet care and daily walks, but they always said the dog was OK and that he was naughty and was too dangerous to not be chained.

She said, “Every time I saw the dog out there abandoned, it would break my heart, but I couldn’t do anything.” Until I finally said, “Enough is enough,”

Guerrero started calling rescues for assistance in getting rid of the dog, but many of them were either unwilling or too far away. Finally, Diva’s Safe Haven & Thrift agreed to take in Chico. Guerrero spoke with the dog’s current owner about giving the pet up as a new home was in the works. Following a brief discussion, the family opted to surrender the pit bull, who was later picked up by the rescue.

Guerrero’s tenacity has enabled Chico to get the urgently required medical care. The dog arrived mostly deaf. He will spend the majority of his days at Diva’s, meeting new puppies and playing with the staff. Doctors also found multiple tumors and arthritis in his hind legs.

The dog has accepted this change with open paws. The Diva’s staff is happy to have the new addition and claims that Chico is still a charming man even after ten years of neglect.