Abandonment is a deeply traumatic experience for any dog — and often, the emotional scars can last a lifetime. Can you really blame them?
Imagine having a loving family one day, only to wake up the next in a terrifying new reality. That’s exactly what happened to Mia, a three-year-old Pit Bull from Newark, New Jersey, who was heartlessly left behind by the people she trusted most.
After spending her days as a beloved pet in a warm home, Mia suddenly found herself tied to a fence late at night. All her former owners left behind was a small blanket, a bit of food, and endless confusion.
How Could Someone Do This?
Yasmin Rivera, a volunteer with Jersey Pits Rescue, came across Mia entirely by chance. While making her usual nighttime rounds to feed strays, she stumbled upon the heartbreaking scene.
There was Mia, tethered to the fence and unable to move — abandoned in the middle of the night.
“Being abandoned by your family, tied to a fence, left alone in the middle of the night in Newark. I wonder what went through her mind as she watched her ‘family’ walk or drive away,” JPR wrote on Instagram.
Beside her lay a small pile of food and a thin blanket — all that remained from the people who left her behind. But when Yasmin gently approached with comforting words and soft pats, Mia immediately responded with joy.
It was as if she already knew she was safe now. And she was right.
That night, Mia curled up in Yasmin’s truck, enjoying a takeout dinner and some much-needed affection. By the next day, she was already settling into Yasmin’s home, meeting new friends and being showered with love.
Even after such a betrayal, Mia beamed with the sweetest smile.
“Mia is the sweetest, most precious little soul we have ever met. We have no idea how a dog that was abandoned in this way can still be so resilient and loving,” the rescue shared in another update.
Mia stayed with Yasmin for a week, soaking up the warmth of family life and learning what love really feels like. But her journey wasn’t over just yet — in fact, the best part was still to come.
From Foster Pup To Forever Princess
With the help of Jersey Pits Rescue, Mia was soon matched with a foster family, and it turned out to be the perfect fit.
The moment she met her new foster dad, Mia ran straight into his arms and never looked back. Her new humans quickly fell in love with her goofy, affectionate personality, and before long, Mia was running the household like a true queen.
Unsurprisingly, the arrangement didn’t stay “temporary” for long. After just a few days, Mia’s fosters realized they couldn’t let her go. She officially became a foster fail.
Mia couldn’t have been more thrilled!
Today, she’s thriving in her forever home — enjoying every walk, nap, and game of fetch like it’s the best day of her life. Her new family is completely smitten and feels lucky beyond words.
“Mia really enjoys playing fetch in the backyard, going for walks around the neighborhood, and taking lots of naps… She is so smart and so sweet, and we are so incredibly lucky to have her,” her family said, according to the JPR.
One thing is crystal clear: Mia’s painful past is far behind her. She’s now surrounded by love, playtime, and plenty of cuddles. And honestly, what more could a dog want?