Mandy's New Life
The furthest thing from Melanie Dienhart's mind one hot day in Paso Robles, California, was that she was about to make a life-or-death decision for a dog she didn't even know.
Melanie was running errands during the noon hour when she saw a dog wandering erratically on the street.
"It was way too hot for a dog to be out wandering around," she said. "But by the time I got turned around and parked, the dog had collapsed under a small oak tree."
The emaciated dog was so dazed Melanie knew she had to get help. She got her into the car and hurried to the vet, who determined that she was blind and diabetic, and about five years old.
When the efforts of a local animal rescuer, Donna Silva, did not turn up an owner, Melanie knew she would have to make a decision concerning the dog she called Mandy.
"I knew that with her disability, she didn't have a chance to be adopted, even though we have a really pro-active animal control in this county. They do as much as they can to get these poor animals adopted out."
Melanie and her husband, Shawn, share their home with five cats. One of them had been attacked by a dog once, so they weren't sure how they'd would do around a dog. They also weren't sure they could provide a home for a diabetic dog, even though Melanie had been around one before and knew these dogs can lead happy lives if properly cared for.
Not sure what to do, Melanie contacted Best Friends. "I thought it would be good to talk to someone who would be objective," she said.
Staffer Amy Hogg talked with Melanie about what could be done to help Mandy.
"The most important thing Amy did was just being there and letting me talk this out. She gave me encouragement and support. She really eased my fears and concerns, and gave me great information," Melanie said.
By this time, Melanie and Shawn had decided they wanted to see if they could be the loving home Mandy deserved.
"Amy gave me information about blind and diabetic dogs and how to introduce dogs to cats. She told me about organizations that could help out financially. And she told me that if it didn't work out, she would connect me with people who take care of special needs dogs. That really helped."
In fact, things could not have turned out better.
"Mandy has turned out to be a very easy, sweet dog who doesn't demand too much. Plus, my husband is a big help. His work days are long, but he always tries to take her for a walk every evening and on the weekends. They adore each other."
And Melanie says she's very thankful for the role Best Friends played.
"They deal with difficult issues every day and find solutions for the poor animals that can't help themselves. Best Friends is the best of the best."
And as far as Mandy is concerned, Melanie and Shawn are the best of the best, too!
