Dawn, a Pit Bull with a harsh past, experienced the cruelty of humans first-hand. Her owners confined her in a crate outside, neglecting her basic needs and exploiting her puppies in dog fighting rings. Her rescue from such dire conditions brought her to the Rockdale County Animal Shelter in Georgia, where, despite her ordeal, she quickly endeared herself to the shelter staff with her affectionate nature. Tragically, due to the shelter’s limited space, Dawn was placed on the euthanasia list.
Desperate for salvation, she would stand on her hind legs, pressing against her kennel door, pleading with passersby for a chance to live. “She was begging for her life. But no one stepped up, and I’m guessing it was because of the way she looked. Maybe people thought she would be aggressive,” Rosa Fond, the founder of Humans and Animals United, explained to The Dodo.
On the eve of her scheduled euthanasia, Dawn clung to a volunteer as if understanding her grim fate would earn her more affection and a second chance in life. Moved by her plight, the shelter staffer urgently appealed on social media for help, managing to delay her euthanasia and grant her two more days to find a rescue.
In a fortunate turn of events, Humans and Animals United in Florida responded to the call for help. They committed to rescue Dawn and successfully moved her to safety. At the rescue, Dawn was sweet yet visibly shaken, needing time to adjust to her new surroundings. The rescue organization diligently worked to find a foster home for her.
Their efforts were fruitful, and a compassionate foster family welcomed Dawn into their home. With a stable environment, Dawn began to regain her health through a carefully monitored feeding routine and the gentle, loving touch of her foster family. As she recuperated, her fosters encouraged her to engage with the world around her, allowing her to discover its beauty anew.
Feeling secure and cared for the first time in her life, Dawn opened her heart to her foster family, showing her gratitude through affectionate hugs and interactions. Her joy was palpable when her foster father took her to a pet store where she enthusiastically picked out her own toys—a poignant moment that moved her rescuers to tears. Rosa Fond reflected, “She picked her own toys. It was a heartwarming moment that brought tears to our eyes. The reason why we rescue was shown that day.”
Dogs face harmful stereotypes, with breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers legally discriminated against, affecting their survival chances. A new bill seeks to eliminate breed restrictions in public housing, promoting fair treatment and aligning with scientific evidence.
Now thriving in her foster home, surrounded by love, Dawn continues to hope for a permanent family to call her own– a forever home where she can share the immense love she has to give.
