In October, a heart-wrenching discovery was made near Cancun, Mexico, where a 3-year-old pit bull mix named Totopo was found chained outside a house. His conditions were deplorable—he lacked food, water, and shelter. The chain that bound him was so short that he couldn’t even lie down, forcing him to rest his head against the chain in discomfort. Totopo suffered from ringworm, mange, burnt skin, and had undergone a crude ear-cropping procedure.
Tiffany Lacey, the director of Animal Haven, an organization dedicated to finding homes for abandoned animals, described Totopo’s condition as one of the most horrific she had ever seen. The severe neglect and abuse shocked animal advocates globally.
The woman who discovered Totopo learned that he was being subjected to such conditions as punishment for chasing a chicken. Fortunately, she managed to convince the family to surrender Totopo, and she took him to her friend Matteo Saucedo, who runs Riviera Rescue AC.
Despite being based in New York City, Tiffany Lacey was determined to help Totopo. She reached out to Saucedo and organized his transfer to New York, where Animal Haven would assist him in finding a new, loving home.
The journey to recovery has been challenging for Totopo. His fur hasn’t fully grown back, and his injuries are still healing. Remarkably, though, he has shown no signs of behavioral issues.
“He’s unfazed by all the terrible things that humans have done to him. It either hasn’t sunk in, or he’s just so loving… it’s unbelievable,” said Lacey.
Totopo’s adjustment to life in New York City has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite the trauma he endured, he radiates happiness. Lacey marvels at his resilience, noting that he behaves as though he grew up in a loving home, which sadly was not the case for him.
“He’s just about the sweetest dog ever. He walks up on the leash really well. He loves people. He wants to hug all the time. He’s great with other dogs,” Lacey added.
Totopo’s story has garnered significant interest, with numerous people expressing a desire to adopt him. Lacey anticipates making an adoption announcement soon. She believes Totopo’s story is an opportunity for someone to change a dog’s life and contribute to the final chapter where the dog is surrounded by love and warmth, free from any harm.
In the face of adversity, Totopo’s resilience and capacity for love serve as a testament to the transformative power of compassion and care.