foster spotlight:
STACY MATTINGLY
Many fear the heartbreak of fostering. You love a dog, then have to feel the ache of letting it go.
But without fosters, rescue doesn't happen.
Fostering is an amazing journey.
Read more about Stacy's experience.
Partner spotlight
HO-HO-HO to Bark2Basics
A special thank you to Jill, who organized and facilitated photos with Santa to help support Diamonds. The events were a blast! If you haven't been to Bark2Basics, yet, it's a fabulous place, full of treats, toys, and supplies for your furry loves.
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NOT IN VAIN:
Margaret came into rescue because she tested positive for heartworms. The Diamonds team quickly began treatment, a process that is very difficult on dogs and requires special fosters.
After two weeks Margaret lost the battle. She died in her foster's arms. Margaret was only 2 years old.
Diamonds rescues dozens of dogs each year who need heartworm treatment to survive. The price ranges from $600-$1000, but the real cost is in lives lost. A $10 monthly treatment prevents it all.
PLEASE, give your dogs heartworm treatment. Share our reminder posts each month. Donate to help us cure more dogs. Share Margaret's story.
Don't let Margaret's death be in vain. Let her tragedy save others.
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BECOME A WHELPER:
We've heard it before. "There's no way I can be a whelping foster." That's what Robyn thought, too, but we convinced her to help for just "two weeks" until another whelping home opened up. Robyn's husband? Well, he wasn't having any part of it.
When two weeks came, Robyn decided to see it through. Why? Because something magical happens between a human and a rescued momma. It's a bond like no other. Robyn felt it. And her husband, who wasn't having any part of it...well, he felt it too, judging by his secret trips to the whelping area where we was caught on camera snuggling with momma.
There's messes at times, and a little bit of work. But watching pups go from tiny, blind, helpless babies to actual dogs is an incredible experience. The journey isn't done alone. The whelping team never tires of providing guidance, direction, and support all along the way. Plus, Diamonds supplies everything you need.
Take the leap. It'll be an experience you'll never regret. We even have whelping classes starting soon. Reach out to us at ditrrmo@gmail.com
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TALOS
Thankfully, due to being chipped, Talos was reconnected with his Diamonds' family.
A dedicated foster, Kathy O'Donnell, transported Talos back to Diamonds and agreed to foster him. Unfortunately, Talos had not been taught proper human or dog manners as he grew up, and ultimately couldn't fit in with Kathy's pack. That's when Talos had to go into boarding at Westinn.
Talos spent two months in boarding. Despite the consistent efforts of volunteers to walk him and provide enrichment outings, Talos was exhibiting negative behaviors caused by the lack of a structured, socializing home.
Knowing Talos deserved so much more, volunteers passionately pleaded for someone to step up for Talos. Their pleas were heard by Jim and Sheila, who had adopted Talos' sister, Tiki. Unfortunately, efforts to integrate Talos into their pack did not go well, and Talos returned to boarding.
Jim and Sheila were heartbroken and just couldn't give up on him. So, they tried a new approach: Slow introductions and lots of 'getting to know each other' time.
"We gave the dogs the time, patience, and space they needed to work things out and get along."
Their efforts were a success and Talos received the best Christmas present ever- his forever home with Jim, Sheila, their daughter Emma, and, of course, Tiki!
Talos touched the hearts of our volunteers and fosters. His new beginning was only made possible because those dedicated people chose to be the voice of the voiceless.
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FOSTER SPOTLIGHT: STACY MATTINGLY
Stacy and her family were introduced to our Diamonds family during the early days of Covid, at a time when we were pulling large numbers out of St Louis County AC.
One afternoon she brought her daughter Bella to make sure whatever dog she left with was kid friendly.
Nash, a big black pitty mix, tugged at Stacy’s heart in all the right ways, and that encounter has led to the wonderful relationship we still have with the Mattingly family today.
Stacy and her family love the big lugs, but they’re also willing to let others slip into their home here and there.
Some people with children are afraid to foster because it would be hard for them to not get attached, so we thought it would be a good idea to hear what they all have to say about fostering.
What do you love most about fostering?
My kids love watching zoomies, cuddling, playing with the dogs
Me? There’s actually a lot I love! I enjoy the variety of getting to see the different breeds and different personalities of all the animals. We’ve had littles, to bigs, mixes and purebreds, pups and previous mommas. Every animal is unique in their own way. I also love when I get a walking partner. Our resident pups are 14 and 16. Walking, playing or much of anything besides cuddling isn’t happening. This gives me and my family an opportunity to have a more active pet.
The best part is finding these discarded animals wonderful homes. Shelters do the best they can but they are no place for an animal nor is being in a home where they are mistreated.
Our goal is to love them, reassure them they are ok, and find them the best home in the quickest time possible. There is no better feeling than getting a video/picture update from a past foster living their best life with their forever family.
What do you like the least?
Unanimously, the poop. But also, it can be tough to love these animals and see them leave.
What do you have to say to someone that is considering fostering?
Do it! It’s a blessing for the animals and for you.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stressed, sad, or down in the dumps, and these animals bring me joy.
Yes, it can be tough to add an extra being with needs to a household.
Yes, it can be tough to see them leave with their amazing new family.
But, it’s 100% worth it.
Whatever you can give … the rescue can use.
You can only foster in the summer? … cool.
Need only kid friendly dogs? … no problem.
Want dogs to get your butt of the couch and moving? … plenty of those.
Only want cute snuggly puppies? … those wiggle butts are always coming through the door.
Busy life and need a couch potato? … Diamonds can accomodate!
With everything provided for by Diamonds, all these animals need is your love, a warm place to sleep, and maybe a few tummy rubs.
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