Terrified, Matted Pup Gets Happy Ending: Diamond’s Before and After

Thursday, January 10, 2013 - 12:30pm
Before and after rescued Bichon Frise

Last year in Texas, a scared little white pup named Diamond arrived at the City of Abilene’s municipal shelter. She was dirty, painfully matted and very scared. No one knew it at the time, but she was also deaf.

If Diamond had arrived at the shelter a year earlier, she may never have found her happy ending. But the folks who work at the City of Abilene shelter are especially dedicated and strongly committed to saving animals’ lives. Naturally, they jumped at the chance to take part in the ASPCA’s Carroll Petrie Foundation Dog Rescue Project, unveiled in September.

Part of the ASPCA Animal Relocation Initiative, the Carroll Petrie Foundation Dog Rescue Project helps cash-strapped municipal shelters like Abilene’s relocate dogs to off-site adoption programs, rescues or private shelters by providing municipal shelters $50 per dog placed. That money can be spent on vet care for an animal, transportation of the pet, or on anything else that will help move the animal out of the shelter.

For Diamond, this program was a godsend. Abilene was able to use the Petrie subsidy to move her to The Pawed Squad rescue. After a desperately needed grooming, Diamond revealed herself to be an adorable little Bichon Frise! She also came out of her shell and showed she would make a wonderful companion.

Soon after rescuing Diamond, the Pawed Squad was able to place her in a loving home that cherishes her every day. Her deafness was never an issue for these awesome adopters.

Congratulations to Abilene, The Pawed Squad rescue and Diamond’s happy family. We’re so glad the Carroll Petrie Foundation Dog Rescue Project is changing lives like hers and thousands of others.

Want to help support our efforts to find homes for thousands of homeless pets like Diamond? Please consider becoming an ASPCA Guardian today.

Tags: 
Adoption
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Comments

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 17:40 — Steve (Visitor)
Go to facebook and like Pawed Squad. I have seen the work she does with these animals and it is amazing.

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 17:50 — kimberly (Visitor)
I like animals that's why I like the aspca

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 18:26 — John W. Cassell (Visitor)
I am so grateful for the job the ASPCA does, as well as all the good people in all walks of life who cooperate with them. I am on a fixed income, but give what I can to the Guardian program. My two rescues have changed my life.

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 18:34 — Sheryl McIntosh (Visitor)
I would absolutely love the opportunity to give dogs a ride. Please send me more information I live in Naugatuck (the Valley) CT and would be happy to help in anyway that I can.

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 18:37 — MARTHA LIBIA PE... (Visitor)
GRACIAS A LOS ANGELES DE LOS ANIMALES QUE HACEN POSIBLE QUE LOS ANIMALES SEAN FELICES, PERO EN EL MUNDO ENTERO SUFREN MUCHOS ANIMALES, QUE YA UNO QUISIERA SALVARLOS A TODOS, PERO EL HECHO DE QUE NOS ESFORCEMOS A BRINDAR A UN ANIMALITO UN HOGAR ES ALGO MARAVILLOSO. OJALA HAYA MUCHOS ANGELES EN TODO EL MUNDO PARA AYUDAR A RESCATAR A MUCHOS MAS ANIMALES.

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 18:55 — Tonia Green (Visitor)
Kudos to the Abilene Animal Shelter!!

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 19:13 — Ms Colleen (Visitor)
What a beautiful story. The new parents of Diamond are so blessed to have this dog in their lives. It is a sad fact that some people put such little value on the life of an animal. All life is precious. As for Obama, ie. politics....Romney did not mistreat his dog however Mr. Obama ate one.

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 19:51 — Keith Rempp (Visitor)
I live in Scottsdale/Phoenix and be happy to help with transporting any dog that needs help.

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 20:29 — AliGal (Visitor)
She is a real "diamond in the rough"--or RUFF! A real cutie-pie :)

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 20:37 — Sondra Hemler (Visitor)
This organization flew my adopted Boston Terrier from SC to Maryland along with 3 other Bostons that were being adopted in Maryland. We were so appreciative of their services. My Boston was congenitally deaf and it has not been an issue. Thank God for SCBTR for saving her for me.

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 20:37 — Jaime Perez (Visitor)
What a pretty little girl Diamond is. I'm so happy that she has found her forever home. God bless all who give so much of themselves to help rescue animals!

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 20:50 — Claudia Gray (Visitor)
This story and it's wonderful ending has particular resonance for me and my own deaf dog Vivian. The thought of this terrified little sweetheart and all she has been through will hopefully motivate all of us to work together and prevent further suffering

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 20:52 — einparis (Visitor)
I love the comment from the pilot! knew a guy who flys for AA, named alderink. would be great if it were him...prob not though. this would be a bigger help to have animals flown to forever homes from places that couldn't care for them!

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 21:30 — Jennifer (Visitor)
What a beauty she is! Thank you ASPCA and everyone who rescued her, cared for her, and placed her in a loving home. Please continue to do this for more dogs everywhere. They all deserve a loving home.

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 21:46 — Lisa (Visitor)
Yeah for Diamond! Diamond is a man's best friend! Forget politics WE the people are making it happen With our own efforts!

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 23:26 — Melissa (Visitor)
Yay! Abilene is not far from where I live in New Mexico. Since I donate monthly to ASPCA, it's nice to know some funds are used in our area. She is adorable.

Sat, 01/12/2013 - 00:18 — Ellen (Visitor)
I was so happy to read about Diamond's rescue. So many kind people are stepping forward to help rescue dogs such as Diamond. My husband is one of them; he rescues dogs by flying them to New England where some amazing dog rescue groups place them in foster homes until they can be ready for adoption. I have taken hundreds of pictures of these lovely animals as they step off of his plane. It is the best feeling to know they will be going to new loving homes. My husband is affiliated with a group of pilots who fly different legs of the trips; many of these dogs start from Georgia, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, etc. These poor animals don't have much of a chance as there are far too many of them being trashed, dumped, and abused. Many of the shelters do care, but don't have the physical space to keep all of them. Unfortunately, many dogs and puppies are left at shelters or just abandoned on the road. There are some wonderful people who visit these shelters and take as many of these dogs as they can; then contact the pilots who fly them north to their forever homes. I am so proud of my husband and the other pilots who help these dogs, and most grateful to ASPCA and the smaller shelters who spend the money and time to help these animals be adopted. Let's all find a way to help our shelters and save more loving dogs and cats!! Every rescue is an act of kindness!

Sat, 01/12/2013 - 01:51 — Paula Martin (Visitor)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7ucQz1oZ6o another happy ending /Diamond is a delight

Sat, 01/12/2013 - 06:04 — Susan Pope (Visitor)
I live over 2 hrs from Abilene but I continue to share their animals needing homes on my fb page thru the rescue Pawed Squad! Everyone I've sent there has said the shelter workers were great to adopt from & I know for a fact that Pawed Squad is awesome! They have a great networking system there to pull, adopt & arrange transport for A LOT of fur babies to new homes or even other rescues. Pawed Squad is a very caring, professional rescue! We need more rescues & shelters working together like this! Glad they are being recognized for their great work! Diamond is a beautiful success story indeed , but just one of many provided by this caring group of people in that area! Keep up the GREAT work!

Sat, 01/12/2013 - 11:45 — Lynn (Visitor)
What we need are stronger laws for this kind of abuse. We also need laws the make it a requirement to have all animals fixed to they can't produce more. It kills me to know how many puppies and dogs are put to sleep because there are to many. I help animals all the time. I lived where there were so many stray cats. I caught everyone of them and had them fixed then put them back. I made sure they were fed and had shelter. People have no regard for life. Not human or amimal. Why can't we all get alone and work toward resolving the issue. If you help or feed one animal a day or be kind to people every day maybe this would be a better world. Even in here I see people being hateful to each other and not just how can we solve the problem of these poor animals. We have to bring up the president cut down each other. Its sad.

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 13:55 — AnneOnymous (Visitor)
TY for caring about stray and feral cats. It does my heart good to know ther are people like you out there, not ignoring a huge problem. I am very happy this sweet dog got a loving home, especially being unable to see. But let's not forget there are countless animals that fall by the wayside, because they are "not dogs".

Sat, 01/12/2013 - 18:14 — Diane (Visitor)
How could anyone let this happen to a sweet little dog when a dogs hair is matted like that it feels to the dog like it's getting pinched !!!!! I know that GOD answers my PRAYERS !!!! Thank GOD for the wonderful people that HELP these animals....

Sat, 01/12/2013 - 23:55 — Janet (Visitor)
Everyone who posted their comments is what the word human is.Give yourself a hand.You all are the special people in this world that truely describe the words compassion,true love and caring.You truely are special people who can step out of yourselves to love something else and realize that animals feel pain too just like people.For god not only put people on this earth he also created animals and he sees how you all are helping and you all will have treasures in heaven.GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Sun, 01/13/2013 - 00:13 — Merryl (Visitor)
While we are at it, I heard it is supposed to snow tomorrow... I think we should blame President Obama. People, this is a forum about transporting dogs. It has nothing to do with your like, or dislike of the President. Please choose a different website if you want to whine about the President. I want to thank all the folks who have transported dogs. I got my Lab from Louisiana through a transport. Without these dedicated folks dogs would have very limited access to good,caring homes.

Sun, 01/13/2013 - 07:49 — Jen (Visitor)
What a sweet little dog. Nice work!

Sun, 01/13/2013 - 09:47 — Susan Spencer (Visitor)
...my heart is soooo full.... this is why I give to the ASPCA... God Bless You, one and all!!! :)

Sun, 01/13/2013 - 19:30 — Ellen Gaston (Visitor)
It is very nice to hear about Diamond's success story at my own hometown pound! They I believe are a high-kill pound but try very hard to adopt as many as possible. Our city has cut their funding and so I know they need help as everyone else does, but we rescued one of our dogs from there and was very surprised at the kindness of the staff and cleanliness of the facilities. I am thankful they received the grant. As for politics, I wish all politicians would agree that animal welfare should be a priority and something we can all agree on. Humane slaughter and livestock/farm animal cruelty is particularly partisan. Let's pester our representatives mercilessly!

Mon, 01/14/2013 - 06:55 — Carolyn Edwards (Visitor)
What a precious baby. I have two Bichons and they are adorable. I would have rescued this little one if she hadn't found a loving home.

Mon, 01/14/2013 - 07:43 — B D (Visitor)
That looks like a very good program, as it appears Diamond is smiling. She is adorable. Congratulations to the furry happy family, and all of the furry happy families. Feathered families too, if that applies.

Mon, 01/14/2013 - 10:03 — shelby letson (Visitor)
thats so cool well nice both. cool-how she came to them. nice-is she got adopted

Tue, 01/15/2013 - 03:02 — Thomas white (Visitor)
I to adopted or should I say acquired a bishon while living in Scottsdale AZ I named him Reggie he was found on Christmas morning he was dirty & matted a dog rescue helped pay the bills for neutering & gromming , he did not come with out problems they were miner .. I fostered him for three months.. A family with a farm & two kid's adopted him I never found out what happened to him that was 12Yrs ago ...I believe I was a small part in GODS plan.. ..

Tue, 01/15/2013 - 20:03 — Michelle (Visitor)
On Jan 15, 2013 I love the story of Diamond but I agree with the others about keeping Politics out of it. I thank all a spca Friends I would like to think if that had been my boy that they would have come to his add and all but my baby boy is a Bichon and I and My Family love him so much.....

Wed, 01/16/2013 - 09:33 — Alan Weiskott (Visitor)
Love to hear such wonderful stories about animal rescue

Wed, 01/16/2013 - 16:36 — Dagmar (Visitor)
I loved this story, it is so heart-warming! Hats off to all these magnificent people who do so much for animals!

Thu, 01/24/2013 - 11:40 — Kathrin (Visitor)
my friend's step-aunt makes $76/hour on the laptop. She has been unemployed for 10 months but last month her payment was $20624 just working on the laptop for a few hours. Read more on this web site FAB33.COM

Sun, 01/27/2013 - 13:49 — BjSides (Visitor)
I am surprised no one has disscussed dog adoption as opposed to puppy mills. If Obamma had adopted a dog instead of buying from a puppy mill it would have given much support to that idea. Yes! and all the presidents back to the start. I work with Petsmart when they have a big adoption day and we have adopted out up to 300 in one day, as well as many cats and kittens. Please support pet adoption. If you know some one who wants a pet encourage them to go to a shelter or Petsmart. You can find wonderful pure breed pets if that is what you want. I like the mixed up ones myself. my part schnauser is so cute and sweet as well as my Airedale. Volunteer to work in the shelters. It is a very gratifying work.

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 03:56 — Wendye Kolles (Visitor)
Darling Diamond, I'm so THRILLED you're now a valued member of a wonderful family who truly love. God bless you sweetheart! xo xo xo xo xo xo

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 04:49 — Connie (Visitor)
AMEN! Vistied our ASPCA shelter yesterday, to join Volunteer program! We rescued our little POLLY, a Therapy dog now, who LOVES attention and all people from the ASPC ain Fresno, CA five years ago. Poll was almost dead weighing 11 puonds, full of worms, bloodied etc. The blessed folks there (foster Mum Whitney in particular, worked to save her. She was my "birthday present" five weeks later. Thank you, ASPCA's everywhere!!

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 07:55 — Annmari Lundin (Visitor)
So glad to here about this lovely and beautiful dog finding a forever home! Please, all political pundits and disagreer and trolls: Could you please minimize your appearance on an animal rescue site and direct your animosity at the objects in hand? Thanks ASPCA for all that you do!

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 08:48 — Ann Brus (Visitor)
The 3 photos showed the progression to misery to pure happiness! It wonderful that there are wonderful organizations out there to turn a abused and neglected dog into a once again happy pet in his forever home! I support animal adoption 100%!

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 09:46 — Fina Johnson (Visitor)
Why are we involving politics with this beautiful story. Its not about politics. Missing the point here people. Its about the angels who devote themselves to saving animals. Its about the inhumanity and lack of love and respect for God's creatures. We need to involve ourselves in our communities to teach the young and to educate the old of ways to help the dog and cat population from becoming articles that people just get tired of and just discard them. Its about helping our community and our local shelters in whatever way we can. If you don't have money, you can give of your time.

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 10:50 — karen vinson (Visitor)
Congratulations to Diamond and the ASPCA. Been a member for 2 years and am very happy to see results like this.Keep up the good work.:)

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 11:16 — LINDA (Visitor)
C'mon people. Who cares about the politics. It's not about Romney or Obama, it's about the animals. Wake up and just do all you can to help them instead of defending or vififying these politians who only care about themselves. God bless the people who rescued Diamond and the family that adopted her.

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 12:05 — dorian canalizo (Visitor)
Are you people for real?????Blaming Obama? Having lived in the north and the south, the southern rednecks take better care of their plants than of their animals. Most are Republicans too.

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 12:37 — AnitaB (Visitor)
Abuse and neglect of animals (and children) has been going on in this country forever. Someone, of course, always has to blame the President (especially if it's Obama) for not taking care of that. The problem is that there are no strict laws in this country for those who hurt animals because animals are considered second to humans. (It has been this way since the American Indian was nearly annihalated and the buffalo nearly driven to extinction). If the President tried to make the laws stricter he would be criticized for having "too much control". This story isn't about politics it is about this little dog and other amazing animals who are rescued every day. Each one of us can do our part by signing petitions to ban dogfighting, breeding and euthanizing healthy animals. We also can adopt for foster those who would otherwise end up in kill shelters. Veternarians can offer there services for less money and shelters can start spaying and neutering cats and releasing them to colonies rather than waiting until a problem arises and then trapping and killing them all. We as individuals have to make a difference because we are a "free country" and this abuse is allowed to continue.

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 13:47 — AnneOnymous (Visitor)
Thank goodness someone else sees the BIGGER PICTURE.

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 13:16 — Mary (Visitor)
Ok come on people. Settle down. This is about the rescue of a sweet little dog who finally found a loving home.

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 13:49 — Anne Onymous (Visitor)
Settle? No way! I am happy to see others feel as sad as I do.

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 13:45 — Anne Onymous (Visitor)
Very happy for this cute pooch. Every frightened animal deserves to be cared for, and about. However, cats are, once again ignored and ultimately killed. Why does this shelter only help (time/funds) dogs? Why doesn't every shelter look at the bigger picture? These are animal shelters, NOT dog shelters. People are commenting about the plight of dogs and cats - but it's the cats that are being killed off because they are looked at as being useless, or unadoptable. That's because people don't seem to want to take the time and effort to rehab frightened cats. It's easier to just kill them off - they are too hard to handle, unworthy of our attention. Give all the money and effort to the doggies. Doggies need recuse, and that's my point. All animals need rescue, love, care, and a permenant home. Whn you read this and think I'm a bitch, think again. If you are an animal lover, and not outraged that a large section of shelter animals never leave alive, then you are part of the problem. Out of sight, out of mind should not be an option. Soemone else has to be asking the question, "What about shelter cats?" PETS are not just dogs. They are cats, and hamsters, and horses, and rabbits ... Hopefully, when I offend a whole bunch of you, maybe one or two would see my point. And this is why I do not give to the ASPCA, though I used to. TY, Anne

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 14:05 — Barbara Plunket... (Visitor)
I rescued my Josey from the Richmond, VA SPCA the day before they were going to put her down back when they were a kill shelter in Nov. 2000. SO GLAD TO HEAR so many shelters are working to rid themselves of this stigma! There are other ways to handle the abundant overruns of critters. Glad to hear these babies are being rehabbed.

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