The DIESEL Project
Created in loving memory of Diesel, the DIESEL Project supports shelter dogs who struggle in kennel environments, pairing them with professional trainers and structured guidance to help them build confidence and move forward toward adoption.
Diesel’s Legacy
Diesel was one of those special long-stay shelter dogs who quietly captures your heart and never quite lets go. He had so much goodness in him, but as a large dog who pulled on leash, finding someone willing to foster and help guide him proved difficult.
While he was still waiting, Diesel experienced a medical emergency at the shelter. We rushed him into rescue for care, but heartbreakingly, we lost him just a few days later.
Four years later, we still think of our dear friend and wonder what might have been if we had found help sooner. The DIESEL Project was created in his memory, dedicating resources to long stay shelter dogs who just need a little support and training to finally be seen and chosen.
Why the DIESEL Project Exists
Every shelter dog arrives with a story we may never fully know. Were they ever taught the skills that help dogs succeed in a home, like walking on leash, settling, or navigating the world with confidence?
Even dogs who once had support can struggle in the shelter environment. The noise, confinement, and constant stimulation can make it hard for them to show their best selves.
The DIESEL Project gives these dogs the chance to step outside that stress, decompress, build confidence, and learn the skills that will help them thrive.
Inside The DIESEL Project
The goal is clear: help kennel-stressed dogs build confidence, develop foundational skills, and prepare for successful adoption. The program is structured around four key phases designed to set each dog up for success.
Assessment & Pairing
Dogs who are struggling in a kennel environment are paired with a professional trainer for individualized assessment and planning.
Board & Train Programs
Each dog completes a personalized two-to-four-week board and train program focused on decompression, structure, and skill-building.
Sharing the Journey
Throughout training, we share updates, progress clips, and stories with the community to help people see these dogs beyond the kennel.
Transition to Adoption
When a dog is adopted, the trainer provides a transition session with the new family to support a confident, successful start together.
Dogs Helped Through The DIESEL Project
2025
Program Launched
10
Dogs Enrolled
7
Adoptions Completed
3
Seeking a Forever Home
Help Us Train the Next Dog
The DIESEL Project is fully funded by donations. Every contribution helps cover professional training, enrichment, and the extra support shelter dogs need to succeed. When you give, you are directly investing in a dog’s second chance.
Ready for Their Forever Homes
These DIESEL Project graduates have completed focused training and are ready to bring their skills, heart, and personality into a loving home. Adopters of a DIESEL Project dog receive a complimentary training session to help you continue everything they’ve learned.
Meet Suki
Suki is a 1 year old female Cattle Dog Mix. She’s completed her training with Robert Villaneda of Universal Dog Training and is currently in a foster home.
Suki would love to get her second chance with her forever family!
If you are interested in adopting Suki, apply here or contact us at dieselproject@k9kismet.org to meet her.
Keep up with Suki on Instagram!
Meet Willow
Willow is a sweet, shy two-year-old girl who is gentle with people and does well with other dogs.
She’s currently away at school building confidence and brushing up on her doggie manners, but she’s happily accepting applications while she’s there.
If you are interested in adopting Willow, apply here or contact us at dieselproject@k9kismet.org to meet her.
Keep up with Willow on IG!
Meet Moonbeam
Moonbeam is a fun, sweet girl one-year-old Husky who loves people and does well with other dogs.
She’s currently away at school brushing up on her doggie manners, but she’s happily accepting applications while she’s there.
If you are interested in adopting Moonbeam, apply here or contact us at dieselproject@k9kismet.org to meet her.
Keep up with Moonbeam on IG!
Follow the Diesel Dogs’ Journeys
We share real-time updates, training clips, and progress stories for each DIESEL Project dog on Instagram. It’s the best place to see how they’re doing and follow their journey as it unfolds.