This, in brief, is what the rescuers know of the back stories of the three dogs that topped the 13th annual Dirty Dogs Contest in the USA.
Giuseppe
Giuseppe arrived at Española Humane in Española, New Mexico, as a stray in a shocking state of neglect. He was covered in filthy mats of fur so thick he could not even walk, and his entire body was screaming in pain. Five pounds–that’s right, 5 lb or nearly 2.4 kg–of matted fur were shaved off. Beneath all that fur, the shelter found a morbidly obese, absolutely terrified senior dog in sensory overload. He did not like to be touched, he was overwhelmed by light and sound, and he wanted to have nothing to do with humans. Giuseppe was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism, his lungs were filled with fluid, and he needed a dental surgery and neutering. Through medical foster care and medications, his thyroid levels stabilized, his lungs improved. And the best part? He found a new home. His adopter, Donna, says he is now house-trained, follows her and her pack of senior dogs everywhere, and is learning to accept more pets and love. It’s never too late for a second chance and a new beginning.
Maddie
Nothing is known about Maddie’s back story, said Williamson County Animal Center in Franklin, Tennessee, where she arrived as a stray. From the smell, the rescuers could tell she had been in this condition for quite a while. A local groomer saw her “Stray of the Day photo” and volunteered her time to help Maddie not only look and smell better, but feel more comfortable as well.
Pete
Pete’s world turned upside down when his owner died, leaving him abandoned and neglected in a backyard. Alone and dishevelled, the dog relied on the kindness of a surviving family member who came once a week to feed Pete. They did the best they could. Pete lived all by himself for a little over a year. When he was rescued and taken to Apollo Support and Rescue in Justin, Texas, he was covered in over 2 lb of filth, faeces, and matted hair. It took over two hours of grooming to unveil the handsome boy Pete truly is. With the support of a caring foster, Pete’s spirit has been reignited as he began to heal both physically and emotionally, rediscovering happiness and trust along the way. Now, Pete is on a mission to find his forever home—a place filled with love, care, and the bright future he deserves.
