In September 2007 a small litter of puppies was born in Fort Worth, Texas. Normally good times for all involved. Happy people and happy dogs. Sadly, it was not to be. The new pups were Staffordshire bull terriers, and they were born to be sold into fighting.
The first few months consisted of strict confinement, a sparse diet and minimal interaction (with both people and other dogs). All to get these bull terriers to hate the world and fight back.
One of these puppies was Dolly, and she would not fight back. Dolly lived in a small metal cage, was not regularly fed and only saw other pit bulls in similar cages. No petting, no walks, no humans. Well, a few humans, who taunted and abused her, to toughen her up. These many months of mistreatment instilled a deep fear in her, but not a desire to lash out.
The fate of a fighting dog that won't fight is one of two choices: death, or as bait used to train the dogs that have given up resisting and are fighting for their lives. After some brutal alterations, Dolly was now bait.
But at the proverbial eleventh hour, Fort Worth Animal Control stepped in and saved Dolly and three other visibly scarred pit bulls. Healthy, regular feedings and people trying to help her awaited. Now all she needed was a home. Except she was no longer a puppy, and she was one of the more difficult dogs to adopt out: a pit bull with horribly cropped ears who had been rescued from fighting.
The months continued to pass and euthanasia loomed. Another do-over was in store for Dolly, thanks to some fantastic people at a west Fort Worth adoption association. A wonderful no-kill shelter and a kind, gracious foster home. Might there finally be a happy, permanent home for Dolly?
Yes. Nearly four years later, Dolly is still cautious and sometimes suspicious when meeting people. Ultimatley this caution and suspicion disappear and she becomes a tail-wagging, face-licking, lovable little dog who craves attention. She was and still is lucky. Very lucky. It's a shame there are so many more pit bulls like her, in Fort Worth and beyond, that wait and wait for their second chance.
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