DIEGO was almost someone’s dinner!

Nobody wanted Diego, but all Diego wanted was somebody. This great longing for a human friend, a friend to offer him shelter and companionship and maybe, one day, even love, nearly cost Diego his life.

Diego’s life in Jakarta was one of rejection and terrible loneliness. He was dumped in the middle of a busy highway where cars sped past him, left and right. No one cared if they hit Diego – he was simply a traffic obstruction, a bump in the road. Somehow or other, Diego found his way to a quieter side street and – as ever – seeking human company, he soon turned up in a crowded housing development. There, Diego came upon some men, security guards, who seemed to like having him around. One man, especially, was kind to Diego, and thinking he had found a human friend at long last, Diego stayed by his side all day long. At nighttime, however, loneliness set in again for Diego. His new human friend did not have a regular house with a roof over it, but rather only a small wagon for himself and his family. This wagon also served as a shop for selling cigarettes and trifles to passers-by. Diego had nowhere to sleep at night, the cart was too small for a big dog and he was not welcome there, so off he would wander into the darkness, looking for a safe place to lie down all alone. At daybreak, Diego quenched his thirst by drinking sewer water and – tormented by hunger pangs – begging for anything to fill his stomach.

Diego is a big fellow – even in his malnourished condition, he weighs 66 pounds. A dog of that imposing size, a Great Dane mix, with the strength of a gladiator, should be put to some good use, people kept saying. In Diego’s neighborhood there is a ring for boar baiting and dog fights. Blood lust drives spectators there regularly to watch as large dogs are pitted against each other or singly against a wild boar. Money could also be made by using Diego for breeding, someone suggested. Surely, any pups he sired would make ferocious guard dogs and sell for enough cash to keep a family for a whole year! Then again, there was the dog-meat restaurant around the corner where he would be butchered, chopped up, cooked and served to anyone wanting a hot meal. A heavy dog is paid for by the pound weight of flesh.

Just as Diego’s fragile happiness was about to be sacrificed forever, a dedicated volunteer of Let’s Adopt Indonesia saved him. This lovely lady spotted Diego and gave him something to eat. Diego responded by wagging his tail and leaning against her in adoration. A friend finally! Diego was so overjoyed at his luck that he collapsed.

Our vet diagnosed Diego as severely malnourished and dehydrated. He suffers from amoeba and worm infestations and also from a skin infection. Diego is currently boarding in a veterinary clinic. Slowly, he is gaining weight and his natural strength is coming back, while the many slicing cuts on his face heal.

Are you, too, looking for a friend? A friend for life, someone like Diego, who will never leave your side, share all your ups and downs, and be a loyal, loving companion until he draws he last breath? If so, then our Diego will fit the bill in a way only a dog can, a dog whose heart is as big as he is.

Write to us at ADOPTIONS@MYLETSADOPT.COM or fill out this contact form to help get Diego out of Indonesia.   There is a safe flight coming up and he needs to be on it, but we need you to step up for him and give him a home!

Big hug!

The Let’s Adopt! Team