Stereotypes often cloud judgment, and dogs are not spared from these misconceptions. Some breeds remain misunderstood, even by people who work with them daily.
Meet Anubis, a Rottweiler whose journey challenges these biases. Once called a “scary devil dog” by a shelter volunteer who failed to see beyond his appearance, he revealed himself to be a gentle giant.
All Anubis needed was compassion and patience. Fortunately, he crossed paths with people who chose to fight for him.
Anubis Seen As A Fearsome Dog
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When a two-year-old black and tan Rottweiler named Anubis arrived at Miami-Dade Animal Services, he was quickly branded aggressive, devilish, and dangerous.
Still in survival mode after living on the streets, Anubis reacted defensively toward anyone who came near. He had survived alone for an unknown period, relying only on himself, and naturally distrusted people.
After all, it was people who had abandoned him and left him to fend for himself without any basic means to survive.
The shelter staff at Miami-Dade soon declared Anubis unsafe to be around and denied him a real chance.
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Confined to the back of the facility, Anubis was never walked because of his supposed aggression and a positive heartworm diagnosis. This isolation worsened his condition and nearly cost him his life.
With only a day left before euthanasia, a non-profit animal rescue organization called Humans And Animals United (HAAU), based in Florida, learned of his case and stepped in to save this precious boy.
“Some staff at the shelter were scared of him, and Anubis wasn’t trusting anyone,” Rosa Fond, the founder of HAAU, told The Dodo.
The rescue team believed that beneath his hardened shell was a kind dog, and they set out to prove it.
Love And Patience Brought Out His True Self
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Before joining a foster family, Anubis needed time to decompress, rebuild trust, and work with a trainer.
It required patience and consistent effort, but the transformation began as soon as he was given the opportunity.
“It took a lot of time and understanding, and I mean a lot! But we gave him the chance that he needed,” Fond said.
Once removed from the shelter, Anubis revealed his true nature. The dog once feared as aggressive became a joyful companion with love to share.
“When he left the shelter, he realized he was safe. He had a huge smile and happy eyes,” Fond said.
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Anubis was finally ready for his foster home, where he met an unlikely family member, who soon became his big ‘little’ brother and closest friend.
This big, ‘scary’ Rottweiler bonded with a little bearded dragon lizard hit it off right away, and to everyone’s surprise, the lizard was the one in charge.
“Anubis has to ask the bearded dragon for permission to enter a room or take a toy, as funny and hard as it is to believe,” Fond said.
The pair developed mutual respect and deep affection.
Now Anubis thrives, surrounded by his human family and his reptilian best friend.
His journey from a fearful, misunderstood shelter dog to a beloved gentle giant shows how far a chance and compassion can go. He only needed a single chance.
“The ‘aggressive’ rottweiler is now safe and loved. The family that he’s with now has gone above and beyond to love him and guarantee him the best future,” Fond said.