By Derek Schlennstedt
Two years ago, Diesel the American Staffy Cross Ridgeback was on death row. He was seized by a Victorian council at only 2-years-old and placed on a destruction order.
At the same time Jason Vallas from Avonsleigh was struggling to cope with the loss of three friends in a horrific car crash that took place only a few kilometres from his house.
From both of these despairing situations comes a story about a young, abused dog considered “dangerous,” and how that same dog helped a boy struggling with grief and anxiety to find companionship and happiness. Both lost and then found through each other’s unconditional love.
Declared a danger to society Diesel’s life about to end before it began. That was until he was offered a lifeline by Forever Friends Animal Rescue who undertook a legal battle with the Supreme Court to obtain the dogs freedom.
Saved by Forever Friends Animal Rescue and rehabilitated with a dog trainer in Avonsleigh, it was pure coincidence that that Diesel was rehomed opposite Jason‘s house.
“Diesel and I first met in 2016 when our neighbour and Dog Trainer Sharon Patton bought him home to foster and for rehabilitation after being awarded his freedom from the death penalty,” Jason said.
“Sharon lives directly across the road from us and one day driving out of my driveway I spotted Diesel barking at me through the fence.”
“At that moment I knew that I would have to go over and see this dog.”
“I went over, went through the gate and there he was – a little timid to start off with, a bit unsure but within a few minutes we were best friends.”
Since then the two have been inseparable and Diesel is now a therapy dog at Headspace, helping people relax and feel happy even if they struggle to connect with other people.
Diesel’s tale of redemption also earned him the Advocate People’s Rescue Story of the Jetpets Companion Animal Rescue Awards.
Ms Vallas said the “sweet” and “loving dog” would never hurt a fly and that Diesel “can always tell if you’re not feeling 100 per cent.”
“He is the most kind loving dog who has the most beautiful eyes and temperament and his unconditional love helped me through and still helps me today,” Jason said.
“He brings out the best in everyone.”
