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
15
Dogs Enrolled
11
Adoptions Completed
4
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 dogs are either actively in training or have recently completed their programs, all working toward the same goal: a successful, lasting home.
Dogs currently in training are available for adoption, with placement finalized once their program is complete. Graduates are ready to head home right away and begin their next chapter. All adopters receive a complimentary training session to help continue everything their dog has learned.
Meet Luciano
Meet Luciano! This three-year-old cutie has a great smile and a good attitude about life. At the shelter he has shown himself to be a social dog who loves people.
After spending several months at the shelter, Luciano was selected for K9 Kismet’s DIESEL Project, a new training program created to offer a paw up to LBACS shelter dogs with tons of potential. In the program he’ll spend two weeks with a professional trainer fine-tuning his manners and building the skills he needs to live his best life in a home with his forever family.
If you are interested in adopting Luciano, apply here or contact us at dieselproject@k9kismet.org to meet him.
Keep up with Luciano on IG!
Meet Oliver
Oliver is a sweet and sensitive 5-year-old who is ready for his chance to shine. He’s done well with other dogs at the shelter and has become a favorite among volunteers. After several months at the shelter, Oliver was selected for K9 Kismet’s on-campus DIESEL Project to give him a little extra support.
Since then, he’s been building confidence, practicing good manners, and developing the skills he needs to succeed in a home. He’s making great progress and getting closer to his big day, adoption day.
If you are interested in adopting Oliver, apply here or contact us at dieselproject@k9kismet.org to meet him.
Keep up with Oliver on IG!
Meet Linus
This handsome 2-year-old is quite the catch. He’s done well on leash, is friendly with people, calm around other dogs, enjoys car rides, and has been polite out on Fido Field Trips with shelter volunteers. After several months at the shelter, Linus was selected for the on-campus version of K9 Kismet’s DIESEL Project to give him a little extra support.
Since then, Linus has been building confidence, practicing good manners, and developing the skills he needs to succeed in a home. He’s well on his way and getting closer to his big day, adoption day.
If you are interested in adopting Linus, apply here or contact us at dieselproject@k9kismet.org to meet him.
Keep up with Linus 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.