We’ve talked a lot about how tough it can be for certain dogs to find a forever home, but the reality is even harsher for some breeds.
Unfortunately, bully breeds, especially black-coated ones, often get the short end of the stick. There’s a persistent stigma surrounding them, and many people pass them by in shelters without a second thought.
These dogs are wrongly assumed to be aggressive, often without anyone even giving them a chance. But anyone who’s truly spent time with one knows these stereotypes don’t hold water.
Just like humans, dogs are shaped by their surroundings. Some may show fear-based behaviors due to years of neglect or mistreatment, but that doesn’t mean all are aggressive or dangerous.
When rescuers in Oklahoma met Ozzy for the first time, they understood he had a long road ahead. What they didn’t expect was just how invisible he would become to potential adopters.
Ozzy’s Journey
From the very beginning, it was clear to the Oklahoma Animal Shelter staff that Ozzy was a sweet, affectionate dog.
They knew he might struggle to catch an adopter’s eye, but they remained hopeful that someone would look past the surface and give him a shot.
But as the weeks wore on, that hope began to fade. Despite their efforts, no one came forward — and Ozzy’s time was almost up. He was scheduled for euthanasia.
Still, the rescuers didn’t give up. They pushed his story one last time, hoping someone out there would see him and care enough to act. Then, just when it seemed too late, a potential adopter reached out.
Their excitement was through the roof. If the inquiry had come even a day or two later, it might have been too late for Ozzy.
The adopter had just one question: How did Ozzy behave around cats?
The shelter staff quickly put together a video showing Ozzy in the presence of a cat. He approached the feline, sniffed gently, and backed away — clearly showing he meant no harm. It was the reassurance his potential family needed.
That simple moment turned everything around. Ozzy was adopted shortly after and made the trip to his new forever home in Colorado — where he now lives with five other rescue animals.
The Community Reacts To Ozzy’s Rescue
When the shelter posted the cat test video online, they were stunned by the wave of reactions.
While some people expressed concerns about how the test was carried out, many others shared their own touching stories and showed support for Ozzy.
One user commented: “I spontaneously took a black pitbull in off the street almost 20 years ago. She turned out to be good with cats and overall wonderful companion. I still miss her.”
Sometimes, all it takes is one chance. Every dog deserves that opportunity to thrive, and we have the power to give it to them.
Another person wrote: “So sad that any animal should have to face a “euthanasia” walk!! Horrible. So glad that at least this one pup was saved.”
It’s heartbreaking just to think about. For the rescuers, facing those choices day after day must be unbearable.
Someone else added: “We have a dog named Kova because of the cat test. She’s a brown/black pit. We love her so much. She was in there for almost her whole life, about a year.”
It’s comforting to know Ozzy’s story isn’t an isolated case — that other dogs in similar situations have also found their happy endings.
In the end, one brief interaction was all it took to prove that Ozzy was a gentle and patient soul. It’s so rewarding to see him finally living the life he was always meant to have.