Most people want to think every dog begins life surrounded by care and comfort, but that is not how it goes for all of them.
This Delaware pup came into the world on the roughest possible footing. Her early days were marked by hardship, and nothing about her story suggested an easy road ahead.
Then the right people entered her life at exactly the moment she needed them most.
From there, everything started to move in a completely different direction.
Love at First Sight
When Jackie met an irresistible Pittie named Pumpkin, she fell head over heels.
Pumpkin was in the care of Collar Inc., a Newark, Delaware rescue that stepped in after she was cruelly abandoned.
“She was a throwaway mom. She got heartworm, so I guess whoever had her before couldn’t breed her anymore because of that,” Jackie told GeoBeats Animals.
Jackie wanted to adopt Pumpkin immediately, but she still lived with her parents, who were not ready for another dog. Reluctantly, she set the idea aside.
Everything changed when she came home one day to a stunning surprise.
“I heard some jingling and I went downstairs and I was like ‘Is that Pumpkin?’ She had a little bow on her and my birthday was in five days. So that was my birthday present,” Jackie added.
After learning her parents had agreed to welcome another dog, Jackie was thrilled.
Her mom reminded her that it might be a trial period to see whether Pumpkin would adjust.
Years later, it is clear Pumpkin settled in beautifully.
Although those first days brought a little anxiety, Pumpkin found her footing fast.
“I don’t know much about her background. I don’t know if she’s ever had a family or not but she really did make herself at home right away,” Jackie said.
Finding Her Place
Pumpkin may have been Jackie’s gift, but she chose Jackie’s dad as her favorite human.
“When he comes home from work, it’s the best part of her day. I think she sees my dad as the one who rescued her. I’m like the older sister who takes her out for ice cream when she’s not supposed to have ice cream,” Jackie added.
Not everyone adapted as quickly. Jackie’s other dog, Shiloh, still prefers having the spotlight to herself.
“Shiloh most of the time is like ‘Basically, that’s my little sister and she’s really annoying,’” Jackie said.
Gentle Soul, Big Heart
Some people believe Pit Bulls are naturally aggressive, yet Pumpkin is living proof of the opposite.
One look into her eyes reveals nothing but kindness and love.
That impression reached Jackie’s friends too.
“I have a friend who used to be terrified of dogs and now she’s like ‘I want a Pit Bull because of Pumpkin.’”
With Jackie planning a move, the family jokes about who gets Pumpkin.
“My dad’s like ‘Okay, but I’m keeping Pumpkin’. I’m like, you gave her to me as a gift and he’s like ‘She likes me better.’”
Wherever Pumpkin lands, she will be welcomed and cherished, exactly as she deserves.
Good girl, Pumpkin!