A Chicago chihuahua is recovering at home after a traumatic incident. According to a Chicago Police Department spokesperson, Jeanette Olivo, 61, was arrested Monday afternoon at about 3:20 p.m. in the 6600 block of W. Irving Park Rd in the Dunning area after reportedly stabbing a dog being walked by his owner. Authorities claim she stabbed the dog, a 12-year-old chihuahua called Bebe, three times before he was quickly treated with life-saving surgery at Premier Veterinary Hospital, according to NBC 5.
According to Chicago PD, Olivo was charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals and misdemeanor aggravated assault/use of a deadly weapon. She appeared in court on Tuesday, and her bail was $25,000. The 15-year-old girl walking the dog, who wished to remain anonymous for her safety, told NBC: “I was terrified because I thought I was going to lose him.”
She said she didn’t identify Olivo, whom the child tried to avoid because she was “a little fussy and acting a little weird.” Olivo then allegedly followed them with a knife and stabbed Bebe. “I proceeded to punch her in the face and she fell on the ground,” the girl told NBC. “She was still trying to stab Bebe, so I kicked her and that’s when my neighbor started coming out and started screaming.”
While the teen escaped unharmed and went inside with the injured animal, neighbors pursued Olivo down the street, where she was arrested. Sergio Macias, the teen’s father, told NBC that “justice” for Bebe would be Olivo’s prison. “We’re going to go to court. We’re going to be there,” he said.
According to the Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation, Bebe sustained a number of severe knife wounds that fortunately missed most of her essential organs. The small dog did require major surgery after the incident injured his diaphragm. With the family facing enormous vet expenses, a police officer approached the group for help in raising funds to meet the costs.
Garrido Stray posted on Facebook on Wednesday, “WE DID IT TOGETHER – WE SAVED BEBE!” after raising enough funds to pay for Bebe’s operation. “In the end, one person committed an unforgettable crime, but you all stepped up to help – incredibly amazing and heartwarming, turning this horrific experience into something positive,” they wrote.
“As for Bebe, he is happy to be home and is recovering surrounded by his loving family. We are grateful to the doctor who performed his life-saving surgery,” Garrido shared. “His 15-year-old sister is doing better too, but the trauma she endured will take years to overcome. Thank God she knew how to fight the attacker.” It was unclear if Olivo had hired legal representation to respond on her behalf.
