On the evening of October 21, 2012, the Fresno Police Department brought a yellow Chihuahua to our facility after a severe hit and run accident which involved the Chihuahua’s owner. Judy Ochoa, the owner, had been walking with Goldie, the Chihuahua, across the street when she was hit by a vehicle. The driver did not stop after hitting Ochoa. When police and paramedics arrived to the scene, Goldie would not let anyone near Ochoa. She was growling, snapping and protecting her owner from the strangers. After a while, one of the paramedics snuck up behind Goldie and grabbed her, and scooped her into one of the police squad cars so they could attend to Ochoa. Judy was persistent that she did not want anyone to take her dog. However, she had no relatives or friends nearby that would care for Goldie. Ochoa sustained a severely broken leg and was rushed to the hospital. She had surgery on her leg and has been in the hospital recovering since that night.
The CCSPCA staff has cared for Goldie for the past two months, as she had nowhere else to go. She was very frightened when she first arrived, but finally made friends with one of the staff members and allowed him to take her for walks several times a day. Ochoa would call everyday to check on her beloved pet and our dispatchers would ask how she was feeling, then transfer her to the person in charge of Goldie’s care.
As soon as Ochoa was stable one of the hospital nurses would bring her to the Central California SPCA to visit Goldie. She visited her pet many times.
Ochoa is still recovering from her surgeries and injuries, but has been released from the hospital. As soon as she was released, Ochoa came to pick up Goldie. As of December 18, 2012, Goldie has been reunited with Ochoa. Goldie and Ochoa were so excited to be together again and very, very happy. Wishing both of them the best of health in the New Year and a quick recovery!
by Sasha Bell