Osito (meaning “little bear” in Portuguese), a medium-sized mixed-breed dog, once lived a happy and spoiled life with his owner. He was a model pet—loyal, polite, and playful, like all good dogs. But everything changed when his owner passed away. Left behind and alone, Osito was forced to cope with his grief and loneliness without the love and care he once knew.
Osito was a friendly and pleasant dog, the kind that anyone would be happy to have as a companion. However, life took a harsh turn. After his owner’s death, Osito was ignored by the family, who seemed more burdened than comforted by his presence. The little dog, who was once pampered and adored, began to experience the sting of neglect and the deep sadness that comes with it. Despite his heartache, Osito could never have imagined the even more challenging days that lay ahead.
As the family prepared to take care of Osito after the owner’s passing, their daily lives, combined with a lack of empathy, led to a steady decline in the dog’s treatment. Osito became an afterthought, often seen as a nuisance rather than a cherished pet.
In the days following his owner’s death, Osito’s frustration was palpable. He would sit still for long periods, howl in sorrow, and even refuse to eat, his way of expressing the homesickness and heartache he felt. But instead of understanding, the family grew increasingly irritated by his behavior. They found Osito to be bothersome, a dog who was now too aloof and unwilling to engage.
The situation worsened when the family decided to keep Osito in the yard of their new home, barring him from entering the house. While some dogs can thrive in gardens and large yards, Osito, who was used to a warm bed, playful games, and plenty of cuddles, found this change unbearable. The once-happy dog became withdrawn, often seen whimpering in the corners, longing for the affection he no longer received.
Despite their initial promise to care for him, the owner’s relatives failed to provide the love and attention Osito desperately needed. He grew more reclusive and forlorn with each passing day. Eventually, the family decided to get rid of the “troublesome” dog. In a heartless act, they abandoned Osito on the streets, discarding him like an unwanted object, forgetting all they had once promised.
Osito had always lived in Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa, Mexico, near the Gulf of California. Although Culiacán is a large, sunny city, for a little dog who had only known the comfort of indoor living, the streets were terrifying. For nearly two weeks, Osito roamed the streets, lost and vulnerable. He struggled to find food or shelter and faced dangers such as fights with other strays, illness, and the constant threat of being hit by a car in the bustling city.
Osito quickly became emaciated and covered in sores. The rough life on the streets took its toll, and he developed a severe inflammation that required immediate attention. Fortunately, volunteers from the Muchachos Animalistas AC Foundation, a group dedicated to helping stray animals, found Osito. The foundation, which regularly patrols the area to provide food, water, and rescue to homeless animals, recognized the dire state Osito was in.
Due to limited resources, the foundation could not take in every animal, as they did not yet have a shelter. Rescued dogs and cats were temporarily housed in foster homes until a permanent family could be found. But Osito’s condition was critical. He was in desperate need of help, and it was clear that without immediate intervention, he wouldn’t survive much longer.
The volunteers rushed Osito to a veterinary hospital, where he was diagnosed with a severe abscess on one of his rear legs. Blood tests revealed that his platelet count was dangerously low, and he was suffering from severe anemia, along with a positive test for a blood parasite. Osito was saved just in time, as the abscess was on the verge of causing sepsis, a life-threatening condition. The veterinarians immediately drained the abscess, and Osito spent several days in intensive care.
During Osito’s recovery, the foundation shared his story on social media, using his voice to describe the hardships he had faced. The posts helped raise funds to cover his medical expenses and brought attention to his need for a new home.
Finding Osito a loving home was the foundation’s top priority. After several potential adopters expressed interest, the Duarte family, who lived in rural Culiacán, was chosen to take him in.
In the final update, Osito “told” his followers that he now lived on a farm with his new family, which included three other dogs. He had plenty of space to run and explore, and he finally had the love and attention he had longed for.
Osito’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for our pets, especially when circumstances change. While some may not be able to keep a pet, abandoning them should never be an option. There are always other ways to ensure they are loved and cared for, whether through rehoming or shelters. No animal deserves to be discarded like trash.
