Diego, a hound mix, came to Home for Life from a Wisconsin foster-based rescue. They insisted that we take Diego, even though we suggested many other options for possible placement.
At two years old, Diego is much younger than the typical dog admitted to Home for Life. However, no one came forward to adopt him through the rescue group, where he had been a foster for over a year. At the time he was brought to Home for Life®, the rescue group was actually offering Diego free of charge on Petfinder, an invitation for likely disaster.
According to the rescue, Diego had a tough time in his foster home. After originally being rescued as an abandoned stray, Diego had at least one placement in addition to his foster home. He was returned for the same reason his foster found him unmanageable — his high energy, destructiveness in the home and separation anxiety. No one was interested in adopting a black dog of undetermined lineage with demonstrated behavior challenges.
Diego may have seemed undistinguished to potential adopters, but we find him very handsome. Mutts are highly regarded at Home for Life for their distinctive personalities and looks: no two are alike. Diego, for example, has a beautiful, sleek black coat, soft ears that are nearly as long as a Basset hound's, a whimsical white polka-dotted bib, and tail that curls into a perpetual circle of happiness. Even when he's working in a hole, we can identify Diego by his tail, which is like no other at Home for Life or, we speculate, in the rest of the world.
As for his personality, Diego has a remarkable hound bark, and when something captures his attention he leaps straight in the air while barking. Diego is among the most athletic dogs at Home for Life, and he loves to run and play.
Diego is happy and content at the sanctuary. With us, he is safe, cherished for his exuberance, given abundant outlets for his lively energy, and offered the companionship of many canine friends. If he wants to bark loudly, run fast, or dig deep, he can do so without scolding or correction.
As is the case with many black mixed-breed dogs, Diego was overlooked by potential adopters. Their loss is our gain, but Diego will have plenty of opportunities to share his joyful spirit through our outreach programs. Besides being good-looking and athletic, Diego is also quite intelligent! He performed well in our Renaissance Program last fall, where he worked with one of the younger students at Totem Town. The two were a perfect match — both had fun-loving personalities and boundless energy.
Diego is now looking for a Home for Life volunteer who can work successfully with him as a therapy dog. With his sweet and gentle personality, we're sure that Diego will be a hit working our Pet Peace Corps programs.
Diego also seeks sponsors that appreciate the special qualities within. All of our animals receive the same loving and high quality care, whether they are sponsored or not. Sometimes animals who do not have a dramatic story of survival, or who are not a popular breed, do not attract the support of sponsors. Yet, here is a friendly, spirited young dog who was passed over by potential adopters, kicked out of his foster home, offered for free on the Internet, and faced euthanasia — a dog who has since shown a fierce zest for life and a willingness to give back.
If you would like to sponsor Diego, please click here.