My name is: Chico
I came from: Cyprus
Now I live in: Portsmouth
My favourite things are: Snuggles on the sofa, barking at anyone who dares walk past the house, mooches in the woods and FOOD

Chico’s story

We had had our first dog since back in 2013, and had always had the intention of getting him a friend, but life (and kids!!) got in the way. In 2021 we finally felt like we were in a position to do that and add another dog to the family. Our first dog, Sonny, was bought from a breeder and we didn’t really know much about rescues at that point. But this time we were adamant we wanted to give a rescue dog a home, and I found out about Underdog online.

I didn’t hold out much hope as we had three young children, which I knew could make us a no go to lots of rescue organisations, but filled out the form anyway and crossed my fingers. Eve reached out to me herself and explained that while our circumstances would definitely make it trickier, she would do everything she could to find us a match.

When we got the email about a little chihuahua called Chico needing a home, we were over the moon. Chico’s current adopter didn’t feel that they were the right match, and he would be more suited to a family, with another resident dog.

We went to visit him and fell in love immediately. He was so gentle with the children and we knew our current small pooch wouldn’t be intimidated by him; he was the perfect fit. When the day came to pick him up we were a bundle of nerves and excitement but it was like he was always meant to be with us – he made himself at home right away.

At first he followed me everywhere I went, and this did carry on for a while, but he’s been with us for over a year now and I think he’s realised we’re not going anywhere, and can now settle happily in another room without the need to check where I’m going. He is the sweetest cuddly boy and he has a hilarious personality, and Chico and Sonny are the best of pals.

The best thing about adopting has been seeing Chico realise he’s got a family forever, he truly knows he’s loved and where he used to try and escape out of the front door when we opened it, he now stays because he doesn’t want to go anywhere else, he’s home.

- Katie