“She gave me back my life”

Silvia was eager to talk when she arrived to the low-cost sterilization campaign hosted by The GAAP in collaboration with Humane Society International. Even from afar, it was easy to see how well-loved and well-cared for Dey, her little curly-haired dog, was. And Silvia radiated love and admiration for her companion. Right away, Silvia shared that Dey had changed her life. Silvia lives with and cares for her elderly father who is battling cancer, and her mother passed away not long ago. Silvia herself struggles with crippling anxiety attacks, which keep her from being able to work. The pandemic has exacerbated her feelings of isolation and has made it even harder for her to seek support.

Thankfully, Silvia's doctor recommended she consider rescuing a pet, and she began searching. Not long after, she saw someone had found Dey on the street and was trying to match her with a new home. Silvia said the moment she met Dey she knew they were a perfect pair. Now, Dey sleeps in her own bed next to Silvia's, and Silvia does everything she can to take excellent care of her sweet dog. She proudly shared that Dey lives inside, but she does take her to play with other dogs sometimes, and Dey isn't afraid of even the biggest, strongest looking canines. She makes friends with anyone who meets her, says Silvia.

And it seems the admiration is mutual. Dey was calm and loving - just what Silvia needs in her life. Silvia looked me in the eyes when she responded to my question about what the low-cost sterilization campaign means for her. "It's an incredible relief," she exhaled. Between her father's medical expenses and her inability to work, they had to maintain a very tight budget just to get by. But, more than anything, Silvia wants to give Dey all the comforts in life because of all that Dey continues to give to her. In her words, "She gave me back my life."