I did not rescue my dog, she rescued me.
When I worked at my local humane society, I came in contact with many different animals. It was a rewarding experience and I'm lucky to have had that opportunity. Animals are forgiving creatures. I think humans could learn from them.
Two and a half years ago was when I first met Angel. I received a phone call from my mother. When she opened her back door, there was a brown dog with golden eyes staring back at her. My mom brought the dog over so I could see her.
When my mom arrived, I was outside waiting for her. My old Bassett Hound, Bogart, was in my backyard waiting to greet them. As soon as I met Angel, I knew she was special. She had a gentle demeanor and she was very dog friendly. Bogart and Angel acted like they were long lost best friends.
My mom asked me what kind of dog I thought she was, and it was obvious she was a pit mix. My mom swore up and down she was too nice to be a pitbull mix. Thanks to the media, pitbulls are made out to be monsters. I'm not sure if it the lack of education on some people's part, or the stigma that surrounds pitbull type dogs. My dog is an advocate for the breed.
My mother took her home to find her owners. When she did find them, she called me and told me the owners didn't want her anymore. Instead of trying to re-home her or turn her into a shelter, they thought it was best to let her out of their backyard. I'm glad they did. Even though we were outraged by the fact they tossed her out like garbage, I would have never met her if they didn't. My mom decided to keep her.
About a year after this incident, my mom called me and said she couldn't keep Angel. She wanted to turn her into the shelter I worked at. I couldn't stand the thought of her sitting in a cage. I wanted to keep her, so I begged my husband. We ended up picking Angel up, and she hasn't left my side ever since.
May of last year, I quit my job. I couldn't handle the stress from my home life and the shelter environment. December of last year, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It was a tough time in my life. Bogarts health was declining. I had turned him into the shelter because I thought they could help him more than I could. Unfortunately, because of his age and health, he had to be euthanized. I used to judge people when they would turn their animals into the shelter. I learned a tough lesson when I found out my dog had to be put down.
I was so ashamed I had to turn him in. I had suspected he had cancer and I didn't want him to suffer. I did what I thought was best for him. I'm sure people judge me for what I did. I do not regret it. He was suffering and I feel it would have been selfish to keep him around any longer. I still miss him, and so does Angel.
Angel is definitely more forgiving and patient than I am. She was abused by the people who gave her up. One of her ribs was broken and never healed correctly. She used to flinch at quick movements, but doesn't anymore. I have showed her nothing but kindness and compassion. She has taught me patience. I couldn't ask for a more loving companion.
She gives my life purpose. She is the reason I get out of bed in the morning. She has helped me grow as a human being. I never would have thought a dog would have made such a huge impact on my life. Pit bulls are loyal creatures. They are eager to please their humans, they're tough and persistent which is why they are used for fighting. I lose a little faith in humanity when I read articles about dog fighting.
Please do not let some media outlets scare you away from this loyal breed. Learn how to read dogs body language and educate yourself before you form an opinion on them. They are just like every other canine out there. I have always had a soft spot for bully breeds and I always will.
Angel has truly lived up to her name. She rescued me and she is there for me when I need her most. She has helped me raise foster kittens, she loves playing with other dogs and she loves giving kids slobbery kisses. She is overcoming the pit bull stereotype every day of her life. Don't bully my breed.
I want to thank everyone who reads my story. If you would like, leave me a comment on how you found your fur babies. I love hearing rescue stories. It restores my faith in humanity.
