While on vacation, Amy Thran and her close friend had planned to enjoy sightseeing and relaxation. But their plans changed instantly when a stray dog approached them, quietly asking for help.
It’s often said that life’s best moments arrive when least expected. Amy would agree without hesitation.
Seeing the dog’s poor condition, yet sensing his gentle and kind demeanor, they knew they couldn’t walk away.
In that moment, they dropped everything and committed to doing whatever they could to help the sweet pup.
A Rescue That Changed Everything
They named him Diego. When they found him, his condition was heartbreaking. He was severely underweight, suffering from mange, and had visible wounds on his ears and face from past dog fights.
The idea of leaving him behind was unbearable. Something about Diego made them act without hesitation.
He had approached them with quiet desperation, and they knew he wouldn’t survive without help.
Without exchanging a word, both women sprang into action and contacted a local rescue and veterinary clinic.
Unfortunately, the shelter was already at capacity and couldn’t take him in. That left Amy and her friend with a choice.
“The rescue agency, they were like: ‘Look, there’s not a place for him to go unless you commit to taking him back to the States’,” Amy told Cuddle Buddies.
Amy didn’t hesitate. She agreed to adopt Diego and give him the life he deserved.
But first, he needed to recover enough to make the journey. Amy and her friend covered all his medical expenses, including heartworm treatment.
“Despite Diego’s rough past on the streets he remains to be a friendly, happy dog whose only desire is to receive touch and love from humans,” the rescue agency wrote in their Facebook post.
After his treatment, Diego transformed. He was energetic, affectionate, and full of life.
From Street Struggles To Farm Freedom
Diego stayed briefly with a veterinarian before flying to Tennessee, where a loving forever home awaited him.
He went from surviving on the streets to thriving on a 100-acre farm. His life had taken a dramatic turn, and it was everything he needed.
“Once he finally got settled into the farm he just blossomed into being the fun personality that he is,” Amy said.
Now, Diego shares the farm with other dogs and a variety of animals. He greets everyone with joy, plays with his companions, and races around the house in bursts of excitement.
“He’s just excited and grateful to be alive. The way he looks at you, you can just tell that he knows that we saved him and that this is the best life possible. He’s just my little buddy, he’s wherever I am and I feel like he’s always watching out for me,” Amy said.
Amy saw Diego at his lowest and chose to give him a chance. He now lives the life every dog dreams of, and his gratitude shines through every day.
If more families were like Amy’s, perhaps every dog would one day know the joy and safety Diego now gets to live, filled with love, comfort, and endless happiness.