Politics & Government

Rags to Riches: Alejo Adopts Criminal's Seized Puppy

Assemblyman Luis Alejo has added a terrier mix named Frida to his family.

Written by the Office of Luis Alejo:

Assemblymember Luis Alejo (whose district includes Gilroy) and his wife Karina Cervantez, Vice-Mayor of Watsonville, recently adopted a puppy from the SPCA.

Frida, a 5-month-old terrier mix puppy was one of six puppies rescued by the SPCA from Monterey County when she was less than a week old. The puppies and three adult dogs were found locked inside a small shed with no food or water, left behind to die after their owner had been evicted from a property in Salinas last February.  The story was widely reported in the local press in April capturing Alejo's attention.

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“Frida captured our hearts,” Alejo said.  “We are excited to have a new member of our family.”

Alejo and Cervantez saw the rescued puppies in April, but were put on a waiting list due to pending criminal charges against the previous owner. The SPCA filed charges with the Monterey County Office of the District Attorney and the owner is now in custody.

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“The SPCA does such a great community service. Big thanks to the SPCA for taking care of Frida and many other rescued animals from neglectful situations,” said Alejo.

“The SPCA is thrilled that Assemblymember Alejo opened his heart and home to Frida,” said Beth Brookhouser, SPCA director of community outreach. “This is a true rags to riches story. We can’t thank our supporters enough for making moments like this possible." 

Prior to the adoption, Frida was a participant dog in a program called Take the Lead Program through the SPCA where local youth programs work with the dogs for several weeks and to help improve their lives. The SPCA pairs with local foster youth, youth in juvenile halls, and at-risk kids at middle schools in Salinas, including El Sausal Middle School and Washington Middle School. The puppies learn to sit, walk on a leash, lie down and other tricks, while the youth learn important life lessons: empathy, patience, leadership, unconditional love, and positive reinforcement. 


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