When A Growling Pit Bull Was Refused Adoption, A Dog Lover Set out To Change That

Similar to numerous other American communities, Sioux City has a tight ban on Pit Bull ownership. Pit bulls were relegated to the back of city shelters when they arrived because they couldn’t be adopted. One dog, Angel, was prone to flashing her teeth. When others approached, she would also growl. She had a vicious reputation, and no volunteer had the guts to free her from her kennel.

Then a Karma rescue volunteer arrived at the shelter. Angel caught her attention, and the thought that she would probably be put to death in a few days hurt her heart. There had to be action taken. She invited a friend of hers who is an expert in behavioral issues to meet Angel. They removed her and placed her in the neighborhood yard. Angel rolled about on the ground, exposing her cute belly. She didn’t appear to be hostile at all! Did folks just assume things because they thought she was probably scared?

To save Angel was the volunteer’s goal. However, this was difficult due to the city’s restriction. Since there were so many Pit Bulls in need of rescue, she was unable to adopt Angel herself. She was removed from the shelter by the rescuer, who promised to spend some time with her before bringing her to the veterinarian to be put to death. She also sent one final SMS during this time to the Los Angeles-based Hug Hearts Foundation. A reply SMS instructed her to give them a call.

She explained to the rescue group that Angel was being put down in a little over an hour and that’s when the person on the phone said, “We will take her!”

Angel was loaded up and brought to LA. During the next few weeks, they worked with her on training and socializing. Amazingly, the Pit Bull ban was also lifted in Sioux City! It seems more and more cities are catching on, and learning, that it’s not the breed that’s the problem but how that specific dog is treated.

Angel continues to thrive. We are so elated she was rescued in time. ALL dogs deserve happy homes– and all the love in the world. Scroll down and watch Angel’s story. Thank you to The Dodo for bringing awareness to such a wonderful breed.