Chihuahua lost in flood has new family

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Lamendola

An elderly, blind Chihuahua found wandering near the historic Stockade neighborhood in Schenectady following Hurricane Irene went home Friday with new owners.

George and Betty Chew of Ballston Spa and their daughter, Cheryl Chew of Glenville, adopted the dog after learning of its plight through media reports.

Cheryl Chew said the family is calling the dog Baby Angel Cordero, after the famous jockey. Cordero the Chihuahua will live with the couple in Ballston Spa and Cheryl will baby-sit as needed.

“My mother called me and was upset to hear about this little guy’s plight, of his being lost in the terrible flood,” Cheryl Chew said. “He was not one of the animals the shelter could typically adopt out and we did not want to see this little guy be put down.”

The Animal Protective Foundation of Glenville obtained Cordero Aug. 31 after someone found him wandering the streets, hungry and in need of medical attention. Cordero is about 12 years old and weighs 5 pounds. He appears to have been blind for several years, but can distinguish shadows during daylight.

The APF released Cordero’s story to The Daily Gazette and CBS 6 in an attempt to find his owner. When the owner did not come forward, the shelter tried to find a new home. The media attention generated hundreds of responses, said APF spokeswoman Marguerite Pearson. The APF selected the Chews after a screening process.

The APF donated about $1,000 in medical care for Cordero. He had five teeth pulled because of decay, and was neutered.

Ramon Pruisscher, an APF technician who cared for Cordero at his home for a week, called him “a real friendly guy” who wags his tail fiercely and loves to be held.

Cheryl Chew said she met Cordero for the first time Monday; her parents met him Friday. “I was expecting to be so sad when I met him, but I ended up giggling. He has a wonder disposition. Every day is a new day for him,” she said. As she spoke during a news conference, Cordero appeared to fall asleep in her arms.

Pearson said that while Cordero’s story ended happily, the shelter has other animals that need adoption. Chew said she hopes more people will come forward and adopt shelter animals. “There are so many others here and at other shelters that desperately need a home,” she said.