We see stories of dogs’ loyalty all around, but this one proves it can be two-sided.
A 65-year-old woman in Mexico has captured hearts across the globe after she chose to live in a plastic bag on the streets rather than in a homeless shelter so she could continue to care for her six dogs. Luz Maria Olmedo Beltran, known as “Chole,” has been living on the streets for 8 years, but despite life being cruel to her, she cares about the wellbeing of her dogs more than her own. They give her protection, warmth, and above all— love and companionship.
The shocking scene, caught by photographer Omar Camarillo’s lens, broke hearts online not only because of the unimaginable conditions an elderly woman has to live in, but as testimony that those who have the least set the greatest example of unconditional love and compassion.
Local police reportedly tried to help Chole by spending 30 minutes attempting to convince her to move to a shelter, but she is said to have burst into tears at the thought of leaving her beloved four-legged companions behind.
The woman was scared the dogs would be left all alone if she had been taken to a shelter. “I don’t want to go, I don’t need help, I’m fine here,” she said to the police. “Chole” couldn’t abandon her 6 loyal companions, one of which was about to give birth. After all, they only had each other.
The woman was scared the dogs would be left all alone if she had been taken to a shelter. “I don’t want to go, I don’t need help, I’m fine here,” she said to the police. “Chole” couldn’t abandon her 6 loyal companions, one of which was about to give birth. After all, they only had each other.
After Chole’s story went viral, Facebook user Alejandra Cordova Castro decided to reach out to try and offer her help by providing the elderly woman with water, food, blankets and socks.
In a post shared online, she explained that she loves animals and noted that Chole is ‘giving everything’ for her dogs. She urged people to think about what it would be like to be ‘barefoot without blankets’, and encouraged her followers to ‘buy her some taco[s] or a burrito’ as it ‘costs no more than 20 pesos’.
The story got a lot of attention online, but Alejandra was actually the first one to help, and she encourages others to do the same.
Nonetheless, it is essential to note that every situation is unique, and the options available to homeless individuals with pets may be limited. In such cases, local animal welfare organizations or social service agencies may be able to provide assistance, such as connecting the woman with resources that can help her care for her dogs while still addressing her own needs for shelter, food, and support.
It is crucial to approach the issue of homelessness with compassion and understanding, recognizing the complex challenges faced by individuals in these situations and the deep emotional bonds they may have with their pets. Efforts should be made to provide support and solutions that consider the well-being of both the individuals and their animals.