I really don't understand how people can treat animals and other people as poorly as they do
Bless you for taking such good care of Buddy and for not giving up and deciding it was your problem. You sound like a very good and caring person.
Even though that's not why you saved Buddy, you have obviously already started to receive your reward - the unconditional love of Buddy and the knowledge that he will have a very happy life from now on
Hopefully Dixie and Buddy become best of friends soon.
Enjoy your "kids". You obviously deserve them