My heart aches for all the animals that suffer through neglect and cruelty.
A gentle Pit Bull named Dawn was one of those who experienced how heartless people could be.
Her owners kept her in a crate outside their home, leaving her without food, water, or shelter from the sun. She gave birth to litters of puppies who were used in dog fighting.
When authorities intervened, they brought her to Rockdale County Animal Shelter in Georgia.
Even though Dawn had endured so much, she greeted her caregivers with affection and quickly won them over.
But since the shelter was overcrowded, Dawn was placed on the euthanasia list.
Struggling To Survive
Each time someone walked past her kennel, Dawn rose on her back legs and leaned against the door with pleading eyes.
Like many others, she pressed her paws outward, silently begging strangers to rescue her and give her a chance at life.
“She was begging for her life. But no one stepped up, and I’m guessing it was because of the way she looked. Maybe people thought she would be aggressive,” Rosa Fond, the founder of Humans and Animals United told The Dodo.
On the day she was scheduled to be euthanized, Dawn wrapped her paws tightly around a volunteer and refused to let go.
It was as if she sensed what was about to happen. She snuggled into the volunteer’s arms, offering love one last time.
The shelter staff were devastated. One of them turned to social media, sharing Dawn’s story and begging for help.
That same staff member pleaded with the director to spare Dawn, and thankfully, her euthanasia was delayed.
She was given two more days, and a rescue needed to step in quickly.
Soon after, a shelter friend contacted Humans and Animals United, asking if they could help. The Florida-based rescue immediately agreed and pulled Dawn to safety.
Although she was gentle and kind, Dawn was still shaken. She needed time to adjust and feel safe again.
A Foster Home Opens Its Doors
The rescue worked tirelessly to find a temporary home for Dawn.
Thankfully, a kindhearted foster family agreed to welcome her in.
When Dawn arrived, she seemed to breathe easier, finally given the second chance she had begged for.
Because she was weak and underweight, her fosters followed a careful feeding schedule to help her recover.
They surrounded her with affection, stroking her as she rested, and she began to relax in their care.
As her strength returned, her foster family encouraged her to enjoy the world around her. Dawn slowly began to notice the beauty she had missed.
Realizing she was safe at last, she started showing her gratitude. Her eyes shone with love for the people who cared for her.
She hugged her foster parents often, wrapping her paws tightly around them. She had endless affection to give.
Her joy was unmistakable the day her foster dad brought her to a pet store. Dawn sniffed through the aisles until she picked out her own toys.
“She picked her own toys. It was a heartwarming moment that brought tears to our eyes. The reason why we rescue was shown that day,” Fond added.
Now, Dawn continues to heal and flourish in her foster home, surrounded by care and devotion.
Although she is deeply thankful for her foster family, she still waits for the moment she can finally find her forever home.