Chupa

Available for Adoption

Their Journey So Far

1. Chupa Needs a Very Special Kind of Foster

   October 14, 2026

   Chupacabra needs a very special kind of foster. Not every rescue dog is ready to jump into your lap and shower you with kisses. Some need a little time to learn that the world isn't such a scary place, and that's where Chupa is right now. Chupa is incredibly timid and shy, but underneath all that fear is a very sweet boy who hasn't shown an ounce of aggression. He's already receiving medical care, and we're starting to see little victories as he slowly becomes more comfortable being handled. We're also still working to locate and safely trap his buddy, who was running loose with him. We haven't given up on his friend. In the meantime, Chupa needs a quiet, patient foster home where he can decompress at his own pace. And here's the good news: he's actually a pretty easy houseguest! He's quiet, reserved, and isn't asking for much. Just a safe place to land, some kindness, and someone who understands that trust takes time. He may not greet you with kisses tomorrow. But the day he finally wags his tail because he's happy to see you? That's going to be worth everything. Can you give Chupa the time and love he deserves?

   • Apply to foster

2. From Struggling to Snuggling

   October 17, 2026

   From struggling to snuggling, this little boy is hard at work on his comeback. You may remember the two little Chihuahuas running loose in Wildomar. One was successfully trapped, but his buddy was nowhere to be found. We named him Chupacabra (Chupa for short), and we've been tending to his wounds, both physical and emotional, while trying to locate an owner. Sadly, we suspect he may have been dumped in the first place. When Chupa first arrived, he was absolutely terrified. He curled himself into a little ball in the corner of his crate and refused to come out. Even the gentlest attempt to pet him made him flinch. We've been working on building his trust, little by little, day by day. And one night, we had a breakthrough. For the first time, Chupa willingly came out of his crate to his foster. He got a much-needed bath, climbed into bed for some snuggles, and eventually fell fast asleep, snoring right in his foster's ear. Watching a dog who was once so terrified of human touch finally allow himself to be completely vulnerable, relaxed, and safe is one of the most rewarding parts of rescue. Sometimes a comeback isn't a dramatic transformation. Sometimes it's a tiny dog snoring in your ear. And by the way, Chupa is looking for a foster home! As much as his foster would love to keep this little nugget snuggled up beside them forever, there are more dogs who need saving, and Chupa deserves a foster home where he can continue building his confidence. He's gentle, crate trained, and making wonderful progress. He just needs someone patient who understands that trust takes time.

3. Chupa and His Brother

   October 19, 2026

   Chupa has a brother. The two little dogs running loose in Wildomar turned out to be Chupacabra and Cadejo, and we believe they are brothers. Rovers Return Dog Rescue trapped Chupa first, but his buddy had vanished, and we feared the worst. They refused to give up, and days later they caught the second boy. When the two were finally reunited, Chupa, who had been absolutely terrified, started coming out of his shell, and they were so happy to see each other. Both had injuries consistent with being thrown from a moving vehicle and animal attacks, and no owners have come forward, so we suspect they were abandoned. Chupa is our shy little underbite king, with the most ridiculous little teeth, and once he trusts you he wants nothing more than to be cradled upside down like a human baby. Both boys are gentle, affectionate, dog-friendly, cat-friendly, and now crate trained, and they're healing beautifully. They have neuter appointments coming up and will then be available for adoption. We'd love to keep the two together in a foster home local to Murrieta, CA, or surrounding communities, and we think they'd do well in many types of homes, potentially even with children. A huge thank you to Rovers Return Dog Rescue.

   • Meet Cadejo, his brother

4. Ready for Adoption

   October 24, 2026

   Two little survivors, two big personalities, one happy ending still to come! Remember Chupacabra and Cadejo, our two little Wildomar wanderers who were likely dumped and left to fend for themselves near a busy road in an area full of coyotes? These boys have come a long way. They've healed, they've settled into rescue life, and they've officially been de-weaponized! And now both are ready for adoption! Chupacabra (Chupa) is 13 pounds of floppy ears, an absolutely ridiculous underbite, and professional-level snuggling. He's our shy little guy: he needs a little patience while he learns to trust, but once you're in his inner circle, prepare to hold him upside down like a baby while he melts into your arms. He's crate trained and great with dogs and cats. Cadejo (Cade) is also 13 pounds, but with pointy ears and the confidence of a dog three times his size. Cade is outgoing, friendly, playful, and an all-around delightful little dude. He's crate trained, great with dogs and cats, and always ready to make a new friend. Two are better than one! We'd absolutely love to see these boys adopted together. Cade's outgoing personality helps Chupa feel brave, and they make a wonderful little team. But being adopted together is not a requirement! Both deserve amazing homes, whether that's together or separately. These boys have already survived more than any little dog should have to. Now it's time for soft beds, full bellies, ridiculous amounts of love, and absolutely zero more adventures on the streets. Both are neutered and accepting adoption applications now!

5. Marc Has Been Chosen

   October 28, 2026

   Marc would like everyone to know that he has been chosen. Chupacabra used to be absolutely terrified of Marc. Chupa is a sweet little guy, but he's cautious with new people, and earning his trust takes some patience. Well, apparently Marc has officially cracked the code, and he sent photographic evidence of his victory, with two proud faces to prove it. This is why we love fostering: watching a scared little dog slowly realize that people can be safe, that love feels good, and that maybe the world isn't such a scary place after all. Chupacabra is a 13-pound Chihuahua mix with the most adorable underbite, a heart full of love, and a little bit of trust that you'll have to earn. As Marc can now proudly attest, it's so worth it.

   

6. Bananas and Grapeful

   October 29, 2026

   Meet Cadejo (Cade) and Chupacabra (Chupa), two 13-pound brothers who are equal parts fruit salad and ridiculously adorable. Cade is the life of the party: outgoing, silly, sassy and generous with the kisses, a little banana with a big personality. Chupa is our shy little grape, but once he trusts you he's a total cuddle bug, and his favorite position is upside down like a baby, feet in the air, soaking up all the snuggles. Both boys are dog friendly, cat friendly and fully crate trained. They'd make an amazing little fruit basket together, but they can also be adopted separately. Don't let these sweet little fruits go unpicked!