Rico's Christmas Miracle

Grab your tissues for this heartwarming story of selflessness and love—a true Christmas Miracle.

While visiting Mexico, Michael and Andrea encountered a man caring for a pack of dogs who then begged Andrea to save a puppy in dire need. That puppy was Rico, who had been brutally beaten with a metal pipe. Lying in the bushes, Rico was in severe pain, but still managed to greet Andrea with gentle kisses and sorrowful eyes.  Michael and Andrea knew they couldn’t leave Rico to die in the streets of Mexico and were driven to do everything they could in order to save Rico’s life.

Michael and Andrea couldn't leave Rico to die. They took him to a veterinary hospital where they learned he had broken hips, and severe internal organ damage. Additionally, he had been shot at, with pellets remaining near his vertebrae—a surgery too risky to undergo in Mexico. Despite these injuries, they were moved to save him, proceeding with surgery, physical therapy, vaccinations, neutering, and microchipping.

Finally, it would appear that Rico's life had begun to turn around, but there were still concerns about his kidney inflammation. Determined to bring him back to the US for better care, Michael flew to Mexico on December 12th, "The Day of The Protector," and returned with Rico on December 13th into the caring arms of the volunteers at Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue.

Despite his ordeal, Rico remains gentle and loving. He is currently with a foster family but needs another surgery for his damaged kidneys, which is now scheduled for January 7th, 2025. The cost of his care and surgeries is substantial - right around $20,000, but Rico's story is nothing short of a Christmas Miracle.

Will you help Rico continue to heal and be one of his Guardian Angels?