Poncho’s Story
Pancho’s Story – From Broken Bones to a New Life
After a morning rain just outside Antigua, I found a motionless puppy on the side of the road. He wasn’t breathing well, ripped apart with bones showing, in unbearable pain. A motorcycle had run him over and left him for dead. I wrapped him in a traditional Guatemalan poncho and rushed him home. For weeks, our vet Dr. Ligia Reyes from Clinica Veterinaria Limivet came daily. She stitched, cleaned, and dressed his wounds, often shaking her head in disbelief at the damage. Still, despite everything, Pancho’s tail wagged. No matter how painful the treatments, he never gave up.
With volunteers like Mark, Zuzana, Jimena, and Cedric by our side, we took shifts cleaning and redressing his wounds. Tears mixed with sweat as we whispered, “Just one more time, buddy... this will be the last.”
The Road to Recovery
Over the next three months, Pancho endured multiple surgeries and countless bandage changes. Slowly, he grew stronger. He learned to sit, follow, and walk comfortably both on and off leash. He discovered play again, naps in the sun, and the joy of being part of a pack. Just over four months after rescue, Pancho had made a miraculous recovery.
A New Beginning
Pancho was placed for adoption as a healthy, happy, playful puppy. He was great with dogs of all sizes, loved children, and thrived in an active environment. What he needed most was simple: Food, Love & Shelter. Almost one year later, Pancho’s journey came full circle. He was adopted by someone who gave him the forever home he deserved. His days are now filled with beach walks, family love, and the freedom to live the life he fought so hard to keep.
Why Pancho’s Story Matters
Pancho’s survival wasn’t luck—it was the result of a community coming together. Volunteers, doctors, and supporters gave him a second chance. His resilience reminds us why we do this work: to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs who deserve nothing less than love. Pancho’s legacy is one of strength, gratitude and joy.