Dolly the Pit Bull

from abused bait dog to amazing therapy dog!

By Erica Daniel (Dolly's mom)
photo by Rescue Me Pet Portraits in Orlando, FL

Dolly came into my shelter in Sanford, Florida, originally as a stray. After months of waiting patiently in the kennel for her forever home, a seemingly nice family decided to take this poor girl home in June 2009. Many months had gone by, and dogs came and went from the shelter. One busy Saturday in March 2010, I was working in adoption. I had gone to the front counter to hand a family their new pet they had proudly adopted, when I saw this dirty, bloody, mangled pit bull standing in the front lobby. There was a small crowd gathered around and a few were crying. It wasn't until the skiddish dog raised her head for us to see - when we all realized it was Dolly. She had been used as a bait dog in a local dog fighting ring.

So many questions flooded our headwho would do this? Why? We slowly walked her to the back of the kennel to give her a bath, a warm blanket, and some much needed TLC. We immediately started her on antibiotics to fight the infection in her muzzle that was torn to shreds. As we were bathing her, blood flowed through the tub.

Swollen from the trauma and barely able to open her mouth, Dolly began to lick our hands to say 'thank you.' She knew she was safe. She knew she was home. She stayed at the shelter for about a month until she had completely healed, and she was ready to head back over to the adoption building. I couldn't stomach the fact that she'd be waiting in adoption for another home after her previous horror story. I kept envisioning in my head that the same type of monster would walk in, see her scarred face and want to adopt her for the wrong reasons.

So, I did what any normal person would, I took her home. I decided to find a family for her on my own, one that would be hand-picked and simply perfect. My intentions were to rehabilitate her with other dogs, people, and train her to become a Canine Good Citizen. Well, I accomplished all of that and more. I found Dolly a wonderful home, she is sleeping under my chair as we speak. I realized that she was too special to pass on, I had too many big plans for her life ahead. She is now an AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen and is a part of the SPCA's Pet Visitation Program where we will soon start visiting nursing homes and children's hospitals. She is my soulmate, and half of my heart belongs to her. She is very busy these days, making appearances as an advocate to her breed, and keeping up with all of her fans on her Facebook page. She will change the world's negative perception, one person at a time. She will change your mind too"¦...if you let her.

For more information:
Become a fan on Facebook: "Dolly the Pit Bull"
Visit www.youtube.com and watch the video, "Dolly the Pit Bull" Email Dolly at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it