In April 2023, I received a call from the shelter asking if I could provide an emergency foster. I Am Dog Rescue agreed to take in a dog named Uno, as long as there was a foster available, and at the time, we were able to help out.

Uno had been found as a stray near the 7-11 on Hart and Eldorado, severely matted and neglected. When she was brought to the shelter, Tamara, the shelter’s Animal Control Officer, noticed a terrible smell coming from her. Because of her long, tangled hair, it was hard to figure out where the odor was coming from. Tamara carefully parted the matted hair on her face and found the source: Uno’s right eye was hanging from the socket and had already become necrotic. She was immediately rushed to the vet for emergency surgery to remove the eye.

The shelter knew that the environment there wasn’t ideal for Uno’s recovery, and that’s when I was called to foster her. When she arrived at my home, she was understandably scared, but despite being in a new environment with three older dog brothers, she fit in beautifully.

Once her eye had healed and we were finally able to get her groomed, the sweet, beautiful Maltese mix underneath all the mats was revealed. It didn’t take long for her to start showing her affection. She’d climb onto my chest and lay her head down as if she were hugging me. That was the moment I knew—I couldn’t give her up. So, we adopted her from I Am Dog Rescue and gave her a new name: Abbi.

Abbi quickly bonded with her brothers, especially Finn, who she loves to roughhouse with. She’s a little powerhouse when she plays, body-slamming Finn, jumping on him, and gently biting his legs, but she’s never hurt him. Sometimes Finn will hide from her when she’s a bit too much, but she’ll always switch back to being sweet and snuggly right after.

Rescue dogs have truly been the best companions we could ever ask for. Abbi has brought so much joy and love into our family. If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your life, please consider rescuing. It’s one of the most rewarding decisions you can make.