When Tara Kingston met Angel, she knew the terribly neglected Doberman needed her help, but little did she know she’d soon be saving the dog’s life — and just in the nick of time. Here’s her incredibly heartwarming rescue story.

“Angel (or Babygirl, as I call her) was living in the apartment above mine. She was confined to one room and only let out to potty. The owner couldn’t afford her or give her the training she needed, so I would often buy her food and offer to take her out. She was (and is) a sweet, shy girl, so beautiful to look at and be around. She was malnourished and extremely excitable because she never got exercised properly, and she was constantly being scolded for barking and had no stimulation during the day.

When Babygirl’s owner was arrested one morning, he did not tell the police to notify animal control. I found out later that this was because he had stolen her. He left her alone in the apartment to starve while he was extradited to another state. So I broke in, grabbed her leash, and took her home with me. She had been eating her own feces and couch cushion filling.

When I contacted animal control, they were reluctant to take a Doberman, so I offered to foster her. Then during litigation against her owner, Babygirl’s original owner/breeder contacted me and told me that since Babygirl had been through so much and now had a loving home, she could stay with me. It was the best gift I could ever get! It was like we rescued each other. She is 4 years old now and absolutely thriving. She is the love of my life.”

Who doesn’t love a happy ending, especially when it comes to heart-wrenching rescue stories? Thank you, Tara, for saving your beautiful Angel — you are indeed hers!

Top photo: Angel courtesy Tara Kingston.