Three weeks ago, the Spadafora family welcomed a young, small, tan rescue dog named Rico into their home. He now never wants to leave their arms.
“If you could see him in my arms right now,” said Olivia Spadafore, the oldest daughter of the family. “He’s just sleeping in my arms… He just loves to be warm.”
Rico’s life started roughly three years ago, thousands of kilometres away. He is believed to be a street dog from Mexico. Similar to many dogs there, his future was uncertain. According to World Footprints, an estimated 70 per cent of the 18 million dogs in Mexico live on the street. Due to this many dogs are caught and euthanized. Rescue organizations are working hard to move some of these dogs to countries like Canada, where they can be adopted and find a home.
Rico was picked up by a shelter in Mexico this past summer where he was vaccinated. Later he was transported to a rescue in Calgary and eventually neutered. Once he was healthy and recovered he was ready to be adopted.
Dana Spadafore, the family’s mother, was the first to find his adoption profile.
“I just saw the picture of him, and his eyes captured me,” she said, who saw Rico’s photo while scrolling on social media. “I sent the picture around to the family… and everything just lined up.”
Just days after seeing his photo the family decided to contact Pawsitive Match Rescue Foundation. The Spadafora’s found out Rico would be at an adoption event in a couple days, and so they went to meet him in person.
After meeting him they knew he was a perfect match for the family, it was a series of perfect events.
“We couldn’t be more blessed,” Dana said
Not long before finding Rico the Spadafora family had to say goodbye to their beloved childhood dog, Chachi. His loss left a noticeable hole in their lives.
“The hallways were quiet,” Dana recalls.
The family didn’t have plans to adopt right away, but the feeling for a new companion was hard to ignore. And so they began to casually look at various rescue foundations.
“We didn’t want a puppy.” Dana explained. “It’s a lot of work. We felt like a rescue dog [would] appreciate getting adopted into a safe place.”
Rico is a mix of what they’re not sure about, possibly a “pug-wa” (Chihuahua + pug) or a mix of many smaller sized dogs. None the less unique with his long legs and adorable underbite. And his personality is beginning to really shine.
He is such a snuggler,” Olivia said. “He’s very energetic… and very food motivated.”
Experts through Adopt A Pet say the ‘3-3-3 rule’ for rescue dogs: three days to decompress, three weeks to start adjusting and three months to feel at home. In just three weeks the Spadafora family is starting to really figure out Rico.
“He is very sassy,” Olivia laughed. “And he doesn’t know his name yet… but he’ll catch on.”
Rico is still settling into his new home and getting used to life in Canada, but he is doing so surrounded by love.
When the family was asked what has been most noticeable so far, the family’s answer reflects how quickly he’s become part of their lives.
“Having to share him,” they all said together.
The connection is undeniable, and for a family still healing from loss, Rico has helped fill their hearts in a new way.
“Dogs can give you something nobody else can,” said Dana.” It’s just unconditional love.”
Their message for anyone considering adoption is simple.
“Do your research and be prepared, because it’s a journey of learning, loving and patience,” said Olivia and Dana together. “But do it, you save their lives, and your lives too.”
