Cacao came to us with five other dogs, all found wandering in the mountains. He was scarred and withdrawn, and human contact was completely alien to him.
Over time, with the patience and dedication of the kennel staff, Cacao slowly learned to trust. He always hid his true nature and would often be seen sitting quietly in the background of his kennel. It was so heartwarming to see the change in him when the kennel staff arrived each morning , he would become so excited to see them.
Sadly, many people passed Cacao by for adoption because he never showed the world who he really was. But we knew. We knew there was so much more to him beneath that quiet exterior.
Earlier this year, we noticed that Cacao was having difficulty chewing his food, so we took him to the vet, thinking it was going to be a routine dental clean. Sadly, cancer of the jaw was diagnosed. The tumour was causing him pain and discomfort, and there was nothing more we could do.
The only option was to make space for him at Mark’s finca, where he could receive pain control, care and, most importantly, the chance to experience a home of his own.
And what a few wonderful months he had. Cacao knew freedom. He had his own home, space to explore, and other dogs to play with. He was able to enjoy the simple things comfort, companionship, freedom and love. But he never forgot those that loved and cared for him at the Refuge .
Time passed, and his condition continued to deteriorate. Eventually, we knew the hardest decision had to be made. We had to say goodbye.
Cacao may have spent much of his life quietly in the background, but he mattered. He was loved. And in the final months of his life, he finally knew what it was to have a home.
Run free, beautiful Cacao.
You touched many hearts when you left us and you will never be forgotten.
