Morales told the Coloradoan after the hearing that she felt "a little bit more peace."

"I feel the dogs deserved justice and they can rest easier," Morales said.

Morales said she also sympathized with Thompson and his family and hopes he can move forward from this incident and not do anything like it again.

Morales thanked the community of Wellington for their support, some of whom attended the sentencing hearing with signs that said things including "Justice for Jax and Diesel," "Justice for the voiceless" and "No excuse for animal abuse." As of the sentencing hearing date, more than 3,000 people had signed an online petition advocating for the maximum sentence in this case. While that wasn't achieved, Morales said she feels without the outpouring of support for her and her family, this case may have had a different outcome.