Many pets slip through the cracks of everyday life, roaming streets and public spaces while people hurry past them. Even in peaceful areas like small parks, countless animals struggle to survive on scraps without assistance from anyone nearby.
If more individuals paused long enough to notify a rescue group or offer even small help, many of these vulnerable animals would have a chance at safety. Too often, though, people assume someone else will handle the situation, leaving suffering unnoticed and unresolved.
Fortunately, some community members refuse to ignore animals in distress. Their quick response ultimately led to the rescue of two pit bulls in an Oklahoma park, and the condition of one of them revealed a deeply troubling story hidden in plain sight.
Two Pit Bulls Stranded Without Help
When word spread that a pair of pit bulls had been left alone at a local park, rescuer Paulla King immediately drove to the location, intent on finding them before their situation worsened.
Once she arrived, she located the two dogs, one older female who would later be called Violet and a younger pup believed to be her daughter. The younger dog scavenged for food left by kind strangers, yet Violet could barely stand, her body frail and trembling from a lack of proper nourishment.
Her condition was severe, with her ribs and hip bones sharply visible and cuts and sores marking her thin coat. The signs of extended neglect were impossible to ignore. Violet appeared exhausted, weakened by hunger and trauma that had clearly spanned more than a brief period.
Recognizing the urgency, Paulla transported both dogs to a veterinarian and insisted Violet be treated first due to her critical state.
Paulla made efforts to learn how the dogs had ended up abandoned without care, but no one came forward with answers.
All available clues pointed to a heartbreaking past, especially for Violet. Her body bore the consequences of cruelty and neglect, yet the person responsible remained unknown. At least now she had someone willing to protect her.
Because Violet’s system was so fragile, she was slowly introduced to small meals of lamb and rice, along with Pedialyte to stabilize her body. Recovery would take time, patience, and careful monitoring.
Early Progress In Violet’s Recovery
Violet was also prescribed Gabapentin to help manage her pain, and after consistent treatment, her stomach began accepting food again, and her strength showed slight improvement. For a dog who had endured so much, these small changes offered meaningful hope.
However, her behavior revealed just how deeply she had been affected. Each time a veterinarian attempted to examine her, Violet responded with growls, not aggression but fear, suggesting a history of mistreatment where she may have learned to brace herself against harm.
Despite that fear, the medical team continued providing necessary treatment. She was suffering from a respiratory illness and carried heavy infestations of fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms, all requiring immediate care to ease her discomfort.
During her evaluations, Paulla noticed a pattern that revealed even more about her past. Whenever someone reached toward Violet’s face, she recoiled as if expecting pain. The reaction likely came from someone having handled her harshly before she was found.
Yet, even with those instincts, Violet craved affection. She leaned into gentle touches, clearly unsure but receptive to kindness she had not known before. It was a delicate mix of distrust and longing, an emotional response shaped by neglect and slowly softened by compassion.
Though her full healing will take considerable time, Paulla remains optimistic. With consistent medical care and patient support, she believes Violet can recover both physically and emotionally.
One day, when she has regained her confidence and health, Violet may finally be ready to live with a family that values her. For now, she stays protected under the care of her rescuers, surrounded by people who see her worth and provide the comfort she always needed.