Dog who lost owner to COVID-19 searching for a home

"Che-Che will need some love" and is currently at a shelter in New Jersey.

Dog who lost owner to COVID-19 searching for a home
Lindsay Sanator, Monmouth County SPCA
April 17, 2020, 12:07 PM

A dog who lost her owner to coronavirus is waiting for a new, forever home.

As of today, Che-Che is ready for adoption and is currently living with Monmouth County SPCA in Eatontown, New Jersey.

The 9-year-old pup was recently surrendered to the shelter after the Traverso family of Neptune, New Jersey, were unable to care for her after their father and uncle died.

"Che-Che will need some love ... probably would need a one-person family," Denise Traverso told "Good Morning America." "I know they will give the best scenario for Che-Che."

Dennis Traverso, 79, died April 4 and his brother, James "Cricket" Traverso, 73, died one week later -- both from complications of COVID-19, said Denise, who is Dennis' daughter.

PHOTO: Dennis Traverso, 79, died April 4 and his brother, James "Cricket" Traverso, 73, died one week later -- both from complications of COVID-19 in New Jersey.
Dennis Traverso, 79, died April 4 and his brother, James "Cricket" Traverso, 73, died one week later -- both from complications of COVID-19 in New Jersey.
Denise Traverso

"These were tireless, self-made men that worked labor jobs their whole life," Denise added. "They're heroes...they were not formally educated, but were two of the most intelligent men I know."

The Traverso brothers left behind a total of four dogs. Denise and her sister had to find a home for at least one of them, so they asked Monmouth County SPCA to take in Che-Che, who Denise said is a poodle breed.

PHOTO: As of today, Che-Che is ready for adoption and is currently living with Monmouth County SPCA in Eatontown, New Jersey, after losing her owner to coronavirus.
As of today, Che-Che is ready for adoption and is currently living with Monmouth County SPCA in Eatontown, New Jersey, after losing her owner to coronavirus.
Lindsay Sanator, Monmouth County SPCA

"We met them outside in full PPE," said Ross Licitra, chief of humane law enforcement and the executive director of the non-profit shelter. "[Che-Che] was scared, the kids were in the car crying. They tried their hardest and just couldn't do it. We told them we could give her a good home."

Che-Che is not good with children or other animals. She's had veterinary and dental care, and a "great bubble bath," Licitra said.

So far, hundreds have inquired about giving Che-Che a home.

Amid COVID-19, the shelter is operating by appointment only, and strict precautions to maintain public safety. Applications to foster or adopt are available on the shelter's website.

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