A 65-year-old homeless woman from Tijuana, Mexico shows us that humans can deliver the same loyalty that dogs have.
For eight years, Luz Maria Olmedo Beltran, or “Chole,” has called the streets her home. One day, she was discovered hiding from the rain and cold inside an improvised plastic bag she used as a shelter for her and the six dogs under her care. Even though life has also been unkind to her, her canine companions’ well-being has reigned supreme over her own. Aside from protection and warmth, they also give her two of the most fundamental securities of all: love and companionship.
The desolate scene was captured through photographs by Omar Camarillo. This tugged at the heartstrings of many people online, not just because of the unthinkable scenario that an old woman has to live with, but it was a testament that those who have nothing are those who are capable of giving more.
For almost half an hour, local officers coaxed her into accepting their help to transfer to a shelter. Chole broke into tears because she refused to leave her beloved pets behind who weren’t permitted to stay at the facility, so she would rather stay outside. The old woman couldn’t bear the idea of abandoning them if she chose to live in another place.
She kept saying to the police that she didn’t want to go and didn’t need any help, saying she was fine where she was. One of her six pets was about to give birth and couldn’t just leave her behind, especially when they only had each other.
When the story went viral, Alejandra Cordova Castro was moved like many others. She decided to help Chole by giving her and her companions the necessities they required, such as water, food, blankets, and socks. It was a gesture that didn’t cost too much, but it meant everything to the old woman who was doing her best to survive the harsh realities of life.
Alejandra posted her kind act on Facebook, but she said that it wasn’t for publicity or attention, but as a way of encouraging others to contribute what they can. She even offered to transport any donations towards Chole’s cause.
Currently, Chole dwells in between Constitución street and Baja California, located in Tijuana.
Alejandra shares that the elderly woman told her ‘thank you’ many times, that it brought her to tears.
And Omar Camarillo, the man behind Chole’s photos, said that while he was shocked at the harsh condition upon which the woman lived, it also made him realize how ‘La Chole’ has a great heart—despite her shortcomings, she still has it in her to help those animals.
Source: Omar Camarillo / Facebook
