Being a big animal lover and the proud of two adorable pups, I was heartbroken when I first heard the story of Fiona the poodle, who was found blind and dumped in a heap of garbage in L.A. But two years later, the doggie's life has taken a much happier turn, with Fiona even recently earning the ASPCA's Dog of the Year award! Aww, doesn't that just melt your heart?
In November 2010, Fiona captured the hearts of the world when Eldad and Audrey Hagar found her and shared her rescue on YouTube with a request on donations. The video not only earned millions of views, but also earned the family enough to collaborate with animal welfare organization Hope for Paws and pay for eye surgery for little Fiona. It also helped bring awareness to homeless animals and boosted adoption rates for special-needs dogs.
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Now, having regained partial sight and happily living with her adoptive owners Michele and Chris Gentry, Fiona is being honored for the impact she has had on the lives of humans and animals alike.
Having watched (and sobbed my way through) the video of Fiona's rescue, I am just THRILLED to know that she is now doing so well! It warms my heart to know that at least there is now one less helpless animal alone and hungry on the streets. I only wish that everyone was as kind as the couple who first rescued and the other who took her in.
The whole thing just goes to show what a difference helping one animal can make!
Grab a box of tissues and watch Fiona's story here:
Embedded content: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJkZXh9v_i4&feature=player_embedded
Image via ASPCA
