From Despair to Joy: How One Pit Bull’s Hug Changed Everything

When Dawn, a pit bull rescued from heartbreaking neglect, arrived at the Rockdale County Animal Shelter, she was completely drained. Earlier that day, authorities had found her tied to a crate outside a deserted home with no food, water, or protection from the heat.

Although the shelter offered safety, it was overcrowded, meaning Dawn only had a short time before her future became uncertain. Yet even in her fragile state, she quickly formed a bond with her caretakers. During one pivotal moment, Dawn stopped while being led to the back of the shelter and hugged a volunteer.

“As she was being led to the back—the only survivor of a state cruelty case—she stopped and embraced one of the volunteers,” said Rosa Fond, founder of Humans and Animals United, Inc. (HAAU). “That moment made the volunteer fall in love with her.”

With time running out, Dawn did everything she could to get noticed—standing on her hind legs at the kennel door, silently pleading for a chance. But her appearance may have worked against her.

“She was begging for her life,” Fond said. “But I think people assumed she was aggressive because of how she looked.”

Fortunately, someone at the shelter reached out to HAAU. The team there scrambled to secure a foster family and arrange transportation—with only hours to act.

“We had to move fast,” Fond recalled. “We used every resource we had.”

By the next day, Dawn was safe in a foster home, finally able to rest. Though she had a long road ahead, she was now surrounded by love and care.

“When we first took her in, she was shut down—timid but gentle,” Fond shared. “She was in terrible condition.”

Her foster parents gave her structure, love, and time. As she regained her health, her personality started to emerge.

“She’s made incredible progress,” Fond said. “Her foster family has done wonders.”

Once she felt better, her foster dad treated her to a visit to the pet store. Dawn’s eyes lit up as she explored the toy aisle and picked out several toys, her excitement uncontainable.

“She picked her own toys,” Fond said. “It was such a beautiful moment—it reminded us exactly why we do what we do.”

Today, Dawn continues to thrive in foster care. While HAAU is still searching for her forever home, everyone is comforted knowing this once-abandoned dog is now safe, loved, and full of life.

To support other rescue dogs like Dawn, you can make a donation to Humans and Animals United, Inc..