Caroline Archambault of Mirabel, QC, adopted a dog while working with the Canadian Equestrian Team at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, held July 26-Aug. 11 in Peru. She is pictured picking Milko up from the airport in Canada.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Caroline Archambault
Caroline is the Registered Massage Therapist for the Canadian Equestrian Team, and traveled to Lima to provide the team’s 13 horses with valuable care from July 26 to Aug. 11. Just several days into the trip, Caroline decided to give her hands a break and went out in search of a coffee. It was then that fate intervened, and she came across a scrawny stray preparing to cross a busy road.
“They almost hit [the dog],” recalled Caroline of the cars speeding down the street. “I called him and he happily stopped, approached me and let me touch him. I asked two cops who were close by if they knew the owner of the puppy, and they told me it was a stray. Then I asked if they knew of any shelter and was about to call someone when some people warned me that they would probably put him to sleep. I thought, ‘No way,’ but the language barrier was making communication difficult. Then, Guadalupe appeared.”
Guadalupe Chancas Mendez was volunteering at the Lima headquarters when she noticed a commotion on the walk home. Intrigued, Guadalupe approached the unusual gathering of two police officers, a flea- and tick-ridden dog, and an obvious foreigner. When Caroline explained that she wanted to adopt the hungry pup and bring it back to Canada, Guadalupe immediately joined the cause and became Caroline’s official translator. Accompanying Caroline to a nearby veterinary clinic, Guadalupe was instrumental in explaining the process of vaccines, permits and quarantines, and helping to navigate piles of paperwork.
Caroline (right) with Guadalupe Chancas Mendez (left), a Pan Am Games volunteer who played an essential role in Milko’s adoption by acting as a translator.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Caroline Archambault
Caroline decided to name the dog “Milko” in honour of the official mascot of the Lima 2019 Pan Am Games, a character that represents traditional “cuchimilco” terracotta figures matching Milko in their ruddy tan colour.
Relaxing at vet clinic during the long process of treatments that allowed Milko to join Caroline in Canada.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Caroline Archambault
A few short weeks later, Milko was deemed fit enough to fly over 6,000km north and join Caroline for his new life. The former stray joined a merry band of rescued animals – six horses, a dog and a cat – who will be loved the rest of their days by Caroline and her boyfriend at their ranch in Quebec.
“Why do I do this? Why rescue a stray dog in Peru? Because every being deserves a decent life and to be rescued when in trouble,” said Caroline. “I have helped animals since I was little. My mom tells me, ‘You can’t save all animals,’ but I answer that I can save those who cross my path, even if it happens in Peru.”
Caroline concluded, “This would not have been possible without the help of Guadalupe. Thank you for being an angel and helping me with Milko.”
Safe and sound in Quebec.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Caroline Archambault