By Kevin Smith
Pancho, a 75-pound rescue pit bull, truly lives up to the title of “good boy”—and his recent heroism has cemented that status even further.
In June, Pancho became a local hero in Española, New Mexico, when he bravely defended his family’s home from an armed intruder. Despite being repeatedly kicked and suffering a spinal injury, Pancho fought valiantly to protect his family—a father, mother, and daughter. His courage didn’t falter even when he was stabbed in the neck. Pancho bit the intruder’s arm and held on until his family was safe.
Pancho’s injuries were severe, including a severed jugular vein. The urgency of his situation prompted his family to seek help from various veterinary clinics until they reached Española Humane, the shelter where Pancho was adopted eight years ago.
Mattie Allen, the communications director at Española Humane, recounts Pancho’s arrival in shock and the critical treatment he required. “We had to do a lot of work to treat the area because it was dirty,” Allen explains. At one point, Pancho stopped breathing and needed lifesaving chest compressions and medications to stabilize him for surgery. Despite his dire condition, Pancho’s tail wagged whenever he was called a “good boy,” even after his heart had stopped.
Allen reflects on how Pancho’s reaction defied pit bull stereotypes. “People might think he could show aggression towards us, but he didn’t. He knew we were here to help,” she says. “It’s incredible how he wagged his tail at all the strangers after such a traumatic experience.”
Following surgery, Pancho was joyfully reunited with his family. Allen describes the touching moment when Pancho’s mom cried tears of relief and his dad called him a “good boy” repeatedly. The family decided Pancho deserved rib-eye steaks for the rest of his life.
“Dogs are so loyal that they would die for their people,” Allen says, her voice filled with emotion. “The love they show every day is unbelievable. Pancho’s heroism in such a dramatic way is a powerful reminder of how our dogs protect us.”
Now, with the worst of his recovery behind him, Pancho is back on his feet, albeit a bit wobbly. “He’s a miracle,” says Allen. “Considering how badly he was injured, it’s amazing he survived.”
Pancho’s story has touched the community deeply. The veterinary team performed his surgery pro bono, and his family brings him to the clinic regularly for follow-up care. Additionally, a local vet’s office provided free acupuncture and laser therapy for Pancho’s spine. His story went viral, leading Omaha Steaks to send a cooler full of rib-eyes just for him.
Allen continues to assist Pancho’s family by transporting him to and from treatments. “I feel so indebted to this dog for his bravery and heroism,” she says.
On June 19, a week after his surgery, the community held a barbecue to celebrate Pancho’s recovery. A mariachi band serenaded him, and local bakers created a peanut butter-filled cake for Pancho, with a separate cake for the human guests.
As the party wound down, Pancho continued to wag his tail, embodying the spirit of the “goodest boy” he truly is.
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