Canine life can be a true blessing – a warm home, a loving family, and endless kisses from their favorite people are usually all dogs want.
Sadly, not every pup is fortunate enough to live that kind of life. Many are left to fend for themselves or, if lucky, end up in a no-kill shelter where compassionate staff members do their best to care for them.
That was the reality for a Pittie named Bruno, who, along with his sister, ended up abandoned on the property of Colonial Heights Animal Control in Colonial Heights, Virginia.
While the third dog found with them was adopted quickly, Bruno and his sister’s stories took a much different path.
Heartlessly Abandoned
In March 2023, the staff at Colonial Heights Animal Control discovered four-year-old Bruno and his sister, Justice. According to the shelter’s Facebook post, the two Pit Bull mixes were left behind outside their facility and never reclaimed.
Bruno, described as a solid black Pittie, was timid when he first arrived. Over time, with staff encouragement, he began to warm up and show his sweet nature.
Though they noted that Bruno needed extra time to adjust around other dogs and wasn’t a good fit for homes with cats or small children, the staff emphasized just how affectionate he was once trust was built.
“Once Bruno gets to know you, he shows so much affection, he loves to be with his person, loves belly rubs and all the love,” they wrote.
Justice was described as playful and affectionate, too, though she also required meet-and-greets with other dogs before adoption.
Despite the shelter’s efforts and regular social media promotion, both siblings were overlooked for months. Bruno, in particular, waited an agonizing 473 days before his fate finally changed.
Chance For A New, Happier Life
On July 10, 2024, Colonial Heights Animal Control shared the long-awaited good news – Bruno was leaving the shelter.
After watching his journey closely, Ring Dog Rescue, a nonprofit based in Richmond, Virginia, stepped forward to help him start fresh.
“A representative from Ring Dog Rescue saw this sweet hunks potential and reached out to a board and train facility and set up a spot for him!” the shelter wrote in the post.
Ring Dog Rescue specializes in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Pit Bull-type dogs, and with their experience, Bruno’s future looks far brighter.
The group also committed to handling Bruno’s medical needs, including treatment for heartworm and ACL issues.
The staff expressed their gratitude to everyone who supported Bruno during his long shelter stay and celebrated the moment he finally walked out to begin his new life.
“After over a year of Bruno being here, he said his goodbyes yesterday and headed to his new life! We wanted to give a huge thank you and shout out to Ring Dog Rescue for giving him this amazing opportunity to find his new life and family that he deserves,” they wrote.
While Bruno is now on his way to a loving future, the shelter continues to hope that his sister Justice will soon be as lucky.