While many rescue centers across the U.S. tirelessly work to save dogs in need, limited resources often prevent them from helping every pup.
The Animal Rescue Center of California (ARCC) in Indio focuses primarily on aiding stray dogs. However, when they received a call about a neglected Havanese puppy, they found themselves at a crossroads.
A Heartbreaking Exception
The woman on the phone explained she could no longer care for her nine-month-old Havanese.
When ARCC staff saw the puppy’s condition, they immediately knew they had to step in—even though it was outside their usual mission.
The pup was heavily matted, his fur so thick it was impossible to gauge his size accurately. Initially, they estimated he weighed 25 to 30 pounds.
However, when they picked him up, they quickly realized that much of his weight came from layers of unkempt fur.
Calling in the Expert
Kirk Geiger, ARCC’s president, shared that the puppy’s needs went far beyond a simple bath. His fur, skin, and nails were in dire condition, requiring specialized attention.
Determined to give the dog a fresh start, ARCC enlisted the help of Lucy, a skilled groomer from a local salon in Indio.
Lucy immediately recognized the challenge before her. The dog’s two-inch-thick matted fur was tangled and uncomfortable, but Lucy was undeterred.
With patience and care, she transformed the puppy, revealing an entirely new dog beneath the layers of fur.
A Hidden Beauty Revealed
When Lucy finished, the dog’s transformation left everyone stunned.
Gone was the scruffy, matted pup—in his place was a bright-eyed, handsome young dog with a beautiful coat.
This marked the start of a brand-new chapter in his life.
A New Name, A New Life
In honor of his fresh start, the rescue team gave the puppy a fitting new name: Dobbey. From that moment on, his demeanor changed completely.
Dobbey was no longer the sad, neglected puppy he once was. Instead, he was a bundle of joy, showering his rescuers with gratitude and affection.
He played tirelessly with his fellow rescue dogs, his tail wagging with newfound happiness.
Finding His Forever Home
All Dobbey needed now was a loving family—and it didn’t take long. Just a month after arriving at ARCC, the center announced the good news on Facebook:
“Dobbey has been adopted! Happy ending for this little guy. We knew it wouldn’t be long.”
His new adopters, Catherine and Mark, had recently moved from New York City to the desert during the pandemic.
After deciding they were ready to welcome a dog into their lives, they immediately fell in love with Dobbey.
From Dobbey to Riley
Dobbey, now renamed Riley, is thriving in his new home. Surrounded by love and care, his beautiful coat is growing back, symbolizing the fresh start he so desperately needed.
Riley’s story is a heartwarming reminder of the incredible transformations that can happen when kindness and compassion come together.
Once hidden beneath layers of neglect, Riley now shines as a cherished member of his forever family.