Guy Fills His Home With Unwanted Pit Bulls That Have X’s On Their Cages

Stories
By Maya Rivera

We all have a tendency to fear the unknown, and that rings particularly true when it comes to Pit Bulls. But that’s not my experience at all. I was raised in the bustling city of New York, where Pit Bulls were just another member of the family, no different from anyone else. The real game-changer for me was a move to Georgia after going through the tough loss of my brother. It was there that a tiny Pit Bull pup came into my life, tugging at my heartstrings and setting me on a new path with a mission. And oh, what a mission it became: I founded ‘Friends to the Forlorn’, a dedicated Pit Bull rescue in the Atlanta region, with the goal to offer these pups a lifeline.

© The Dodo – YouTube

I remember the day it all became real for me when I went to adopt another furry companion for my Pit Bull. The sight at the pound was heart-wrenching— so many Pit Bulls marked with X’s, signaling they were on the list to be put down. The scene was grim, and while many might turn away from such a brutal realization, I stood firm, thinking, “We have to fix this.” And fix it I did, or at least set out to.

My initial steps involved lending a hand wherever I could, from local shelters to animal control, yet it felt like just a drop in the ocean. Starting a rescue dedicated to Pit Bulls was my brainchild, but when I pitched it to people in the rescue community, I was met with skepticism. “You’ll fail,” they said. That wasn’t a warning—it was a challenge—and it made me even more persistent in proving them wrong.

© The Dodo – YouTube

Fast forward a decade, and here we are, deeply embedded in the heart of a thriving rescue operation. Trust me, the road hasn’t been smooth; these dogs seem to carry with them a label, ‘the kind people love to despise.’ That said, these Pit Bulls are my world. They’ve taught me a great deal, especially about resilience and the raw ability to look past the negatives. Despite being dealt a tough hand, they bounce back with even more love and loyalty, as if their hardships never existed in the first place.

At this rescue, we’ve been blessed to witness the transformation of countless Pit Bulls, showing naysayers just how affectionate and joyful these dogs can be. It’s almost like these pups come bearing a message of hope, teaching us the art of unconditional love. Some might look at this and commend me for the difference I’m making in their lives, but if I’m being honest, it’s these furry friends who are the real heroes—they’ve given me purpose and filled my life with meaning.

In an era where misconceptions about Pit Bulls run rampant, it’s stories of dedication like this that are slowly rewriting the script. By sharing their tales and celebrating their victories, I’m hoping to shatter the myths attached to these dogs. They deserve a shot at a loving home and I aim to ensure they get it. My experience is proof positive that with a little understanding, compassion, and a platform for change, we can make a significant impact on these dogs’ lives and the way the world sees them.