Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Skippy’s perspective on Skippy’s Rescue

by Erin Nauta

LANSING, Ill. (September 21, 2019) – Ed Trevino, now of Crown Point, was a resident of Lansing for nearly his whole life, and he recently published his first book, Skippy’s Rescue. Released in in April, the book tells how Trevino and his wife, Angelique, found a puppy while vacationing on Easter Island. After the Trevinos returned to the states, Angelique couldn’t get Skippy out of her mind. Finally she decided Skippy needed to come to the US. They needed to rescue Skippy.

Thus begins the story of a couple rescuing a dog from the other side of the world. If it sounds complicated, it was. If it sounds like some miracles were required, they were. As plans unfolded, Ed kept friends and family updated via Facebook, where they followed the ordeal with rapt attention, eagerly awaiting the next installment of the adventure. “You have to write a book,” they said. So, Ed did.

Skippy (left) brought her owner Ed and her brother Lobo to Lansing for photos and an interview. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)

The Lansing Journal met with Ed, Skippy, and Skippy’s adopted brother Lobo to hear the story straight from Skippy:

Skippy Trevino (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Skippy: I didn’t used to be Skippy. On Easter Island, I was Here Puppy. My mom and I lived on the street, and we had to beg for food from the tourists.

TLJ: That must have been tough.

Skippy: Yeah, some people didn’t like us, so we had to be careful.

TLJ: But there were sparks between you and Angelique….

Skippy: Mom and I met a lot of tourists, but Angelique was different. When she picked me up, I felt all warm inside. (I was a lot smaller then.)

Let it be noted that Skippy currently tips the scales at 80 lbs, though at the time, she was definitely cuddle-sized.

TLJ: Did you want to go with Angelique and Ed?

Skippy: Well, Mom and I weren’t allowed in hotels or anything, so we had to stay outside. I was always excited to see Angelique and Ed every day. I was sad when they left. My mom said, “The tourists always leave, honey.”

TLJ: Did you forget them after they left? I mean, they were just another tourist couple, weren’t they?

Skippy: Oh no, they weren’t! I knew they were special from the start. I thought about them all the time, and hoped I would see them again. Sometimes tourists come back.

TLJ: And you were right—Ed did come back.

Skippy: “Yes! Months had gone by, but I recognized him immediately; he’d hardly changed at all! He brought a leash and collar though, I didn’t like that so much.

TLJ: You had changed though….

Skippy: Yeah, I got bigger while he was gone.

TLJ: Did I hear correctly that you weighed 40 lbs?

Skippy: Um, I’m not good with numbers, but I was getting big—like my mom.

TLJ: Was Ed surprised?

Skippy: Oh yeah. He had brought a little carrying case, but I was too big for it.

TLJ: You had to go to the vet before you could leave Easter Island.”

Skippy: Yeah, the doctor was nice. And he said I could go with Ed, to Ed’s house!

TLJ: That must have been a very long trip—from Easter Island to Chili to Colombia, and then to the United States.

Skippy: I slept in a crate at first, but then I got to sit with Ed on the plane. Sometimes I got scared, but mostly I was ok.

TLJ: So, are you living happily ever after?

Skippy: Oh yeah, I’m really, really happy! I don’t get to eat tourist food any more, but dog food is yummy. I get to play with Lobo. I get hugs from Angelique and Ed every day.

Ed interjected at this point, laughing, “Well the story was a whole lot more complicated than that. So many people had to get involved—customs and immigration, the state department, the CDC—it was crazy. And what if I did all that, and got to Easter Island and couldn’t find Skippy? It was a miracle that it all came together in the end.”

Ed has expressed interest in doing a book-signing at Lansing’s dog park, and The Lansing Journal hopes to report the details as they become confirmed.

Skippy’s Rescue: An Easter Island Adventure is published by Page Publishing, Inc. and is available at bookstores everywhere, or online at:

Trevino is also considering writing a second book.

Reporter’s note: Just so we’re clear, Skippy did not write the book. Ed wrote the book, from his point of view. Without opposable thumbs, Skippy can’t hold a pencil, and has not yet mastered the use of a computer. Just so we’re clear.

Erin Nauta
Erin Nauta
Erin brings a variety of experience — both creative and practical — to her work with The Lansing Journal. Whether she is designing ads, writing articles, answering phones, or doing pre-press proofing, her goal is excellence with a servant's heart.

3 COMMENTS

  1. What a wonderful feel good story to start a Sunday. Thank you. II’m looking forward to hearing about the book signing.
    Pat Kremer

  2. Thank you for the story it was a wonderful perspective. We solidified plans for a book signing on October 12th between 11am and 2pm. Hope to meet and greet many dogs and friends. See you there, Skippy and Ed.

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