Abbey, a five-year-old Siberian husky/English mastiff/pitbull from Fairlawn, has made it to the finals of People’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest. She is one of ten pooches vying for the prestigious title and the prizes that come with it.
. She is one of ten pooches vying for the prestigious title and the prizes that come with it.
Besides her good looks, the panel of judges -- which included news anchor Natalie Morales, actor Jerry O’Connell and TV host Akbar Gbajabiamila -- were swayed by Abbey’s compelling backstory. Originally from West Virginia, Abbey was pregnant when she arrived at One of a Kind Rescue in Akron. Her six puppies were quickly adopted, but she was left behind until being adopted by Dina DiDonato and her family. Since she was already an adult, they took her to obedience training. The trainers there suggested Abbey be trained as a therapy dog.
“She passed her Canine Good Citizen’s test and then passed her therapy dog test,” DiDonato told People. “We visit nursing homes, assisted living centers, an addiction recovery center, or any location that makes a request for therapy dogs. Nothing makes Abbey happier than visiting with people and getting belly rubs.”competition, most notably from a Shiba Inu in a wheelchair and a Pomeranian that looks like a Panda.
Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.