The struggle of black shelter Pitties being ignored when it comes to adoption is an issue seen across shelters nationwide. Sadly, these gorgeous dogs are often passed over simply because of their coat color, much like their black feline friends.
As a result, countless black dogs never get a forever home, and far too many of them end up being euthanized.
One of those overlooked pups was a Pittie named Arlo at a shelter in Bakersfield, California. Time was running out for him, as he kept getting passed by until a kind-hearted woman decided to give him the chance he desperately needed.
Arlo’s Journey
Donna Clark, founder of Soul 2 Soul Animal Rescue in Roseburg, Oregon, received a call from one of the group’s transporters about Arlo. He told her that this black Pittie mix, along with several others, was set to be euthanized if no one stepped up soon.
Without hesitation, Clark agreed to take Arlo in, along with one other dog, even though she knew finding a home for a black Pittie would be a real challenge.
“For dog breeds, the hardest dog to place is a black pit bull,” Soul 2 Soul Animal Rescue wrote on Facebook.
Arlo didn’t take long to show off his goofy and energetic side, quickly winning over everyone who met him. Before long, he was adopted into a large family, and for a short while, it seemed like he had found his forever place.
But just a month later, Arlo was returned. His family worried that his playful bursts of energy could hurt their children, and sadly, he was sent back.
“They returned him because of his energetic zoomies as the wife was afraid he would hurt one of their children,” the S2SAR team wrote in a Facebook post.
Seeing him back again left Clark heartbroken.
After finally getting a taste of family life, Arlo couldn’t understand why he had been given up. He sank into confusion and sadness, showing signs of depression, until another opportunity came along. A caring foster mom with experience offered him a place to heal and rebuild his spirit.
A Long-Awaited Forever Home
Little by little, Arlo started to shine again in his foster home. His silly, joyful personality returned, showing everyone that he was once more ready to search for a real forever home.
Even though Arlo was a sweetheart, Clark knew his perfect adopter needed to be someone with patience, energy, and enough space to handle his zest for life. Ideally, it would be a person with a fenced yard, plenty of time, and endless love to give.
It seemed like a long shot, but then the big day finally arrived.
A woman came to meet Arlo and immediately connected with his gentle heart. Without a second thought, she welcomed him into her family.
“We are so very happy for our beautiful boy and tonight feeling very accomplished that we placed the hardest type of dog there is out there” his caregivers wrote on Facebook.
Along with his new human, Arlo also gained a furry sister adopted from Central Point Dog Rescue. Now the two run free in their yard, spending every day together and enjoying the life they always deserved.
Clark and the rescue team are overjoyed to see Arlo finally thriving with a family of his own. After everything he endured, he has at last found the happiness and unconditional love he was waiting for.