A New Jersey dog is looking for a new home after both of her owners, two brothers, died due to coronavirus.
Monmouth County SPCA shared photos of Che-Che on Facebook on April 13, saying that the nine-pound pup will receive some medical care before they find her a new family.
‘Unfortunately, Che-Che is the first of many animals that we anticipate needing a safe haven in these uncertain times,’ the post read.
Sad puppy: A New Jersey dog is looking for a new home after both of her owners died after contracting coronavirus
All alone: Monmouth County SPCA shared photos of Che-Che on Facebook on April 13, saying that the nine-pound pup will receive some medical care before they find her a new family
Frightening: She was ‘scared and shaking when she arrived,’ they said
‘Che-Che came to the Monmouth County SPCA this past weekend when two members of her family passed away due to the virus,’ the post explained.
She was ‘scared and shaking when she arrived.’
Che-Che was brought into the shelter by members of her owners’ family, who were unable to offer her a home themselves after losing two relatives, who left behind four dogs.
Dennis Traverso, 79, and his brother, James ‘Cricket’ Traverso, 73, died within one week of each other, both from complications from COVID-19.
‘These were tireless, self-made men that worked labor jobs their whole life,’ Dennis’ daughter Denise told Good Morning America.
‘They’re heroes…they were not formally educated, but were two of the most intelligent men I know.’
Denise and her sister were left not only with the grief of losing their beloved father and uncle, but also with the task of finding loving homes for the brothers’ pets, something that they weren’t able to do while also looking after their own families.
Loss: Che-Che was owned by two brothers, James Traverso (left), 73, and Dennis Traverso (right), 79, who both passed away a week apart after contracting coronavirus
So, they turned to the local shelter, who arranged for them to drop the dogs off in the safest way possible.
‘We met them outside in full PPE,’ the shelter’s executive director revealed, while adding that the family had done all they good to give Che-Che the home that she deserves.
‘Che-Che was scared, the kids were in the car crying,’ he continued. ‘They tried their hardest and just couldn’t do it. WE told them we could give her a good home.’
‘We can’t imagine what it’s like for a dog like her to suddenly lose everything she’s ever known and then end up in an unfamiliar place,’ the shelter staff added in the Facebook post.
‘Our staff knew Che-Che needed some comfort and even through our PPE, we could tell a loving touch was all it took to help her to feel safe.’
According to her late owner James’ niece Gina Mellish, Che-Che was abused before she was taken in by the brothers, and needs a calm and stable home without any children or other pets.
All clean! They’re giving her veterinary care and also treated her to a bath
Improving: On Thursday, the organization offered an update, saying hat Che-Che ‘has done a beautiful job of settling in with us’
Help out: The SPCA has other animals who also need care and adoption, and they’re soliciting donations now
Che-Che has more changes ahead. The SPCA said she’ll get veterinary care, vaccines, and a dental cleaning in the next few days, plus ‘a warm bubbly bath so that rubbery gloves and crinkly gowns are no longer needed to give her some affection!
‘When Che-Che is ready, we plan to honor the family and those they lost by finding this sweet little girl the perfect home,’ they wrote.
While Che-Che is not available to adopt just yet, the SPCA has other animals who also need care and adoption, and they’re soliciting donations now — which will be matched up to $200,000 as part of their ‘Compassion Counts’ Matching Gift Campaign.
On Thursday, the organization offered an update, saying hat Che-Che ‘has done a beautiful job of settling in with us.’
‘She’s received nothing but love and affection (and a warm, soapy bath) and has been feeling MUCH better compared to when she first arrived,’ the wrote.
