Abused Dog Was So Diseased He Couldn’t Be Pet – Today He Can’t Stop Hugging His New Owner


A Texas-based rescue organization, Border Collie Rescue & Rehab, took in a sweet border named Kong.  The then 1 year old had gone through some tough times.  He was suffering from a painful skin disease, loss of fur and sunburn.  It didn’t take the shy little puppy long before his true colors were shining through.

After some much needed TLC the collie’s skin began to heal, and his fur was growing back. Now that he started feeling better, it was time for Border Collie Rescue to add Kong  to the adoption profile on their website. They also announced his adoption on their Facebook page.

Craig Hartsell saw Kong’s profile, and he knew right away that Kong was the perfect dog for him.

“I looked through his profile and just immediately fell in love with his single picture and the description they put on the page,” Hartsell told The Dodo. “His foster mom described his temperament and personality and I described my life to her a bit and she said we sounded perfect for each other.”

Hartsell submitted his adoption paperwork, and after several interviews and a home visit, the adoption was approved. Hartsell decided to change Kong’s name to ZIB, who was a famous Soviet space dog.

“The original was just a lost dog running around base that they sent to space for successful flight,” Hatsell said. “I felt this was fitting for my ZIB because he was just a lost dog until someone picked him up and helped nurture him back to health. Now he and I are off to the stars together!”

When Hartsell went to pick up ZIB his friend shot an incredible photo of the two of them meeting for the first time.

“I was handed his leash … I got down in front of him and gave him his new name and asked if he wanted to come home with me,” Hartsell said. “‘ZIB, I’m going to call you ZIB. Do you like that? How would you like to come home with me, ZIB?’ He was sitting in front of me, looked into my eyes and then hugged me and bowed his head. It was adorable; I’ll never forget that moment.”

ZIB is a success story when he first got to Border Collie Rescue & Rehab, his skin was too painful to be touched. Now, he snuggles up with his dad everyday!

“I cannot even begin to describe how much happier and fulfilled I feel. Knowing that this poor puppy was once neglected and all he wanted was to be loved — and that I get to give him that love every day now, it’s incredible.”

We’re so glad that these two found each other! Zib is pretty glad too!


log in

Become a part of our community!

reset password

Back to
log in