The first decade of Chico’s life was lonely. The pit bull was adopted by a rural North Carolina family more than ten years ago. His owners locked him in a small dirt yard full of garbage and without any company.

According to The Dodo, the dog’s sad existence caught the attention of neighbor Gricel Guerrero, who tried to talk to the family about Chico’s abandonment.

“I told them that the dog needed veterinary care and daily walks, but they always insisted that the dog was fine and that he was mischievous and too violent with other dogs to not be chained,” Guerrero told The Dodo.

“Every time I saw the dog abandoned there my heart hurt, but I couldn’t do anything,” he continued. “Until one day I declared, enough is enough.”

Guerrero began calling rescues for help getting the dog out, but many of them were too far away or reluctant to help. Finally, Diva’s Safe Haven & Thrift agreed to take Chico in. With a new home for the canine in sight, Guerrero spoke with his current owner about releasing the dog. After a brief talk, the family decided to surrender the pitbull and the rescue recovered him that day.

Thanks to Guerrero’s determination, Chico is receiving the medical care he so desperately needs. The dog arrived almost deaf. Doctors also identified several tumors and arthritis in his hind legs. He will spend much of his days at Diva’s, welcoming new puppies and playing with the staff.

This is a change that the dog has welcomed with open arms. The staff at Diva’s appreciates the new addition and says that even after a decade of neglect, Chico is still a pleasant gentleman.