FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) — The story of a little brown dog who stayed by his owner’s side after he passed away in Fresno is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking, says the woman who rescued the faithful puppy.
Mel Garcia is the founder of Mel’s Mutts , a local rescue that aims to help stray, unwanted, and homeless dogs – and offer education and assistance with spay or neuter services.
‘Either talk about euthanasia or keep watching dogs die in the streets,’ Fresno dog rescuer warns
Garcia says she frequently receives emails and messages from other shelters about dogs who are at risk or have issues; that’s how she heard the story of Canelo.
“[Canelo] was found in a car with his owner,” Garcia said. “His deceased owner.”
According to Garcia, Canelo’s owner was an unhoused undocumented immigrant known to park his van outside the O’Reily’s Auto Parts on Ventura Avenue in Fresno. One day, workers at the shop noticed the van hadn’t moved all day and called for a wellness check. That’s when police found the man’s body with Canelo by his side.