After discovering an injured pit bull near her Fort Worth apartment, a caring Fort Worth resident sought help from the internet community. Redditor /u/xhellraiserxx started a discussion on “Dog Advice”, explaining the situation, and asking for input. She was encouraged by the support of her fellow Redditors and shared an update that received significant attention. It accumulated over 10,000 votes.
“Thank you to everyone for urging the whole ‘it’s fate she chose you’ thing. I felt so conflicted like I was the adult saying ‘no we literally can’t afford another pet!’ and also the little kid begging ‘can’t we keep her please!’ It was exactly what she needed.
Her initial post described how, a few days earlier, a neighbour had seen someone walk the pit bull. He asked about its owner. Redditor suggested that the person may have given up on the search for the owner and released the pit bull within the gated neighborhood. In order to ensure the animal’s well-being, she immediately took her to an area veterinarian for microchip testing. The scan did not produce any results. The Pit Bull showed signs that it was “super afraid” of humans, and instinctively sought refuge on the Redditor’s lap while the vet examined him.
Redditor deduced that she likely received previous care based on physical characteristics of the dog, which included prominent nipples indicative of recent motherhood as well as an unprofessional ear-docking procedure. Although the well-groomed dog and trim dewclaws indicated a past of responsible ownership, it was not certain. It is still controversial to dock a dog’s ears surgically.
It is common to perform ear cropping on certain dog breeds. This can be done for aesthetic reasons, in order to give the animal a more intimidating appearance. Many parts of America still allow this practice. It can affect a dog’s psychological health and ability to communicate.
Redditor, who discovered the dog on a weekend when local animal shelters are closed on Mondays, was faced with a tough situation as she searched for advice about the immediate and long-term care of the pitbull.
What do I do?” What do I do? Do I just put signs up and hope that someone will claim her? Do I put up signs and hope someone claims her? It’s too risky to leave her out on my patio (I’m an evening worker) when I’m at work. She explained, “I just put on the collar to bring her to vet.”
She made every effort to find the lost dog, but no one claimed it at the shelter. Our efforts to reach out to several rescue organizations that specialize in pit bulls within a 2-hour radius were futile. They either did not have room for any new dogs or they had long waiting lists.
Redditor spent the following three nights in a state of anxiety, unable to sleep, worrying about his dog’s fate if he didn’t claim him, as well as the risk that he would be “red-listed” by the shelter.
Redlisting is the unfortunate process of placing an animal on a shelter’s euthanasia lists due to overcrowding issues, unresolved conditions or behavioral concerns. Shelters often operate with constrained resources, making unclaimed animals – particularly those of breeds negatively perceived and stigmatized, like pit bulls – more vulnerable to being euthanized if they are not adopted or rescued promptly.
Redditor, driven by compassion and responsibility, made an important decision that changed his life.
“I had no choice but to work it out and I emailed my landlord asking him to include her in the lease,” said she. It’s going be a huge amount of money in monthly pet rental to overcome breed restrictions. But she is so worth it!
The Redditor shared with joy how the pup was adapting well to her loving new home, despite the landlord’s breed restriction.
Winnifred is a friendly person who loves to hug everyone. Her new brother Igor is also devoted.
Reddit’s response: A flood of support
Reddit’s community was deeply moved by this post. Hundreds of Reddit users expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the Redditor for his kindness and generosity.
A commenter said, “Omg! You just made me (a complete stranger) happy on Thursday night!” Congrats, I’d like everyone to be as good as you. She’s beautiful!”
One person added: “She is a beautiful girl.” “She’s so sweet, she wants to be hugged,” which reflects the sentiment that the gentleness of the dog is appreciated.
I understand that it will be difficult financially, but thanks for keeping her. Igor is obviously smitten with her, as she appears to be happy. “I hope you all have many years of happiness together,” said one commenter who was sympathetic, acknowledging potential difficulties while celebrating the positive result.
One comment summed up the whole situation perfectly: “OP you’re the Universe, trying to put things right for this girl.” You are welcome to open your home, and heart.