We all know how it feels to get lost in the excitement of a soccer match. Sitting on the edge of our seats, we’re yelling, cheering, and maybe even thinking we could play as well as the pros out there. But let’s face it, none of us can just stop a match in its tracks—only the ref has that kind of power…or so we thought.
How about a dog?
On December 24th, during a match between Nacional Potosí and The Strongest at Bolivia’s Hernando Siles Stadium, an unexpected “player” took the field. A stray dog ran onto the pitch, proudly carrying a soccer boot in his mouth. For a full three minutes, he had the crowd and players’ complete attention, trotting around the field like he owned it.
Instead of chasing him off, the players couldn’t resist his charm. They gave him belly rubs before Raúl Castro, a player from the home team, finally escorted the playful pooch off the pitch.
The team named him “Cachito.” Not only did he steal hearts; maybe he brought a little extra luck, too, because The Strongest went on to win 3-0 on Christmas Eve.
But Cachito’s story doesn’t end there. Just days after his spotlight moment, Cachito was found injured and alone after a car accident. A local shelter stepped in, caring for him until he was strong enough to leave. When Raúl Castro heard what happened, he knew exactly what to do.
When he returned to Bolivia, Castro decided to adopt Cachito, giving him the loving home he deserves.
Cachito’s three minutes of fame became a lifetime of love.
