Nan Vernon and Wolfgang Matthes of Glassell Park took the 10-month-old German Shepherd home Thursday night.
The dog was dragged behind a pickup truck last week, but a Good Samaritan got her to the Riverside Animal Shelter, where her injured paws were treated.
Hundreds of people wanted to adopt her, so the shelter decided it with an essay contest.
The newlyweds, Wolfgang and Nan, won.
"The story was heartbreaking just imagining what happened to this dog, she got cut in her face and paws, that's what triggered it, and then Nan took over from here," said Wolfgang.
Nan says they'll probably name their pooch "Alfie" or "Rainbow."
Police are still looking for the truck driver.
Anyone with information related to the abuse of the dog should call Riverside County Animal Services at (951) 358-7356.
