💔🐾 DIEGO DESERVES MORE THAN THE LIFE HE’S BEEN GIVEN 🐾💔 📍 Currently in New York 🚐 Transport may be available to local states NY/NJ/CT/PA Like so many others in Alabama, Diego lost everything when his owner could no longer afford to care for him and surrendered him to a high-kill shelter. Through no fault of his own, this young boy found himself abandoned, scared, and completely uncertain of what would happen next. Thankfully, one of our incredible rescue affiliates stepped in and saved him. Diego was fully vetted, started on heartworm treatment after testing HW+, and finally thought he was heading toward the forever home he deserved in New York. But heartbreak found Diego again. 💔 The home simply was not the right fit for a young, active dog. Diego was adopted for an elderly woman who did not have the space or ability to handle a strong, energetic boy who just wants to run, play, and live life. Right now, her son is temporarily fostering him while we desperately search for the right forever home. And honestly… Diego’s story tells us a lot about the life he likely lived before rescue. His foster shared: 💬 “Flinging a stick caused him to completely cower in front of me.” 💬 “When I got him, he had no clue how to walk on a leash and would choke himself gagging.” That doesn’t happen overnight. That comes from neglect, fear, and survival mode. Yet despite all of it… Diego still loves people. ❤️ 🐾 About Diego: • 2 years old • Approximately 60 lbs • Fully vetted & currently undergoing heartworm treatment covered by the rescue • House trained • Knows basic commands: sit, down, bed/place, go • Great with adults and children • Extremely smart and eager to learn • Affectionate, loyal, and protective of his people Diego is still learning how to simply be a dog. He is learning leash manners, structure, obedience, and trust. He has made huge progress already, but he will need a committed adopter who understands that healing from the past takes time and patience. ⚠️ Diego does have: • Very high prey drive (so no cats!) • Fence-scaling ability, he is a jumper, so security is extremely important • Excitement/reactivity around animals due to overstimulation and survival instincts (we recommend dogs his size only with slow introductions) But underneath all of that is a dog who never really had guidance, consistency, or safety before now. This boy is not “bad.” He is a dog who survived the only way he knew how. And now he deserves someone willing to show him what love, stability, and forever truly look like. 🐾❤️ 📩 Interested in adopting Diego? Please complete an application at: 👉 www.rthrs.com