What makes someone think a dog “looks mean” is beyond comprehension. Yet, for Sully — a gentle, 5-month-old Pittie — people couldn’t see past his appearance. To them, he was just another “mean, aggressive bully,” and they steered clear.
All it would have taken was five minutes to see the truth. Five minutes to realize he was nothing but a loving soul.
But instead, Sully spent day after day inside his cramped kennel, drifting off to sleep each night hoping that someday someone would notice the sweetness in his eyes.
And then, that person came along — and changed his life forever.
Months Of Heartbreak Inside The Shelter
Julia Correll, founder of Desert Dog Project — an organization that helps shelter dogs with medical needs and finds them foster homes — met Sully while volunteering at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control in Arizona.
The moment she saw him, she was smitten. But it wasn’t just love at first sight — it was heartbreak, too. Sully, then called Gindo, was crammed into a small kennel and suffering from severe arthritis that made it hard for him to walk more than a few feet.
He had been picked up as a stray alongside a female dog and their puppies. One by one, they were adopted — leaving Sully completely alone.
His rough life had taken a toll, making him appear far older than his actual age.
“Gindo has been waiting over 3 months at the shelter… He has severe arthritis and struggles to walk even a few feet. He was found as a stray and is estimated to be about 5 but he appears much older. He is skinny and covered in sores and scabs,” Julia wrote on Facebook.
What baffled Julia the most was how anyone could see Sully as intimidating. In her eyes, he was one of the most gentle and affectionate dogs she’d ever met.
“He is the most gentle, affectionate, loving dog. His favorite thing is sitting in your lap and rolling over for belly rubs. He isn’t fazed by anyone or anything. He is truly such a lover,” she said.
Determined to give him a taste of the good life, Julia began taking Sully out on day trips. They’d relax in the park, lounging on a blanket, simply enjoying the sunshine and fresh air together.
It didn’t take long for a deep bond to form. And with that, Sully had finally found his person.
From Foster To Forever
Though Julia initially brought Sully home as a foster, it took only a few months for her to realize he was there to stay.
“He is seriously the easiest foster dog I have ever had,” Julia shared on Instagram.
It took him around six months to fully adjust to living in a home, but once he settled in, his personality shone through.
To make life easier for him, Julia got Sully his very own stroller so he could go everywhere with her without strain. Together, they strolled city streets, explored new places, met new friends, and enjoyed the adventures he had long been deprived of.
She also invested in custom elbow braces to protect his joints, alongside joint injections, acupuncture, and physical therapy — anything that might improve his comfort and mobility.
Sully finally had someone who understood him completely.
Julia knew Sully would love having a companion, so when she adopted another dog, Effie, his joy was immeasurable.
He took on the role of big brother instantly — gentle, watchful, and loving toward his new sibling.
After all the hardship he’d endured, Sully now had what every dog deserves: a family who adores him and a safe, loving home in Arizona. This time, there will be no more lonely shelter nights or goodbyes — just plenty of new adventures with the people (and pup) he loves most.