Happily Homed: A Tail of Healing: Chiquita Finds Her Perfect Place

Sometimes the right dog doesn’t just find a home - she restores calm, comfort and connection. Chiquita’s story is a tender reminder of the extraordinary emotional intelligence dogs bring into our lives, especially when it’s needed most.

When Chiquita arrived at Woodrock, it was immediately clear that she was something special. This tiny Chihuahua-cross was quickly identified as an ideal candidate for our Paws @ Work wellness programme. These are a very special group of dogs selected for their gentle nature, emotional intuition and ability to provide comfort and support to people in need.

So, too, Chiquita is remarkably perceptive. She has an innate ability to read people, sense emotion and respond with quiet reassurance. The kind of four-legged healer who will settle comfortably on your lap, gaze deeply into your eyes, and somehow make the world feel lighter.

Shortly after arriving, Chiquita required knee surgery, which she bravely underwent. It was while she was recovering, that Woodrock received a heartfelt call from a woman who was desperately seeking help for her husband, who lives with dementia.

He had recently lost his beloved dog and was struggling profoundly - inconsolable, unsettled, and finding it difficult to cope. In turn, his wife was exhausted and overwhelmed. Her request was simple but urgent:

“Please, I need to find him a dog. A small one, please. My husband is quite frail.”

We knew immediately that the answer might lie within our Paws @ Work family. These dogs are carefully assessed not only for temperament, but for their ability to offer emotional support, companionship and calm, often becoming lifelines for people facing illness, trauma or loneliness.

By then, Chiquita had recovered well from her surgery. As one of the older, gentler dogs in the programme, she felt like the perfect match.

When the couple arrived at Woodrock, the moment was quietly magical. Chiquita was placed on his lap as he sat in his wheelchair, accompanied by his wife and his carer. The connection was instantaneous: Love at first sight, felt deeply on both sides!

Today, Chiquita accompanies him on regular outings, sitting happily on his lap as his nurse takes him for walks in his wheelchair. Because she struggles with mobility herself, this arrangement suits them both perfectly. She also loves curling up on his hospital bed, offering comfort, warmth and an unwavering presence.

The change has been remarkable.

He is calmer, more settled, and emotionally soothed (As much as can be hoped for when living with dementia). And Chiquita? She is thriving! She adores her role, her person, and the deep sense of belonging she’s found.

Chiquita’s Happily Homed story is a powerful reminder that successful adoptions are about more than finding a house; they’re about matching hearts, needs and spirits. She is doing exactly what she was meant to do, and in the process, has transformed a life.

Another beautiful Woodrock story. One we’ll treasure always.

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