The Dog Abandonment Epidemic

Image: Cuteness

There is currently an epidemic sweeping our nation. It is not one born from illness but of selfishness and lack of love for the animals we’ve come to call man’s best friend–the loyal dog.

Today, more dogs are abandoned by their owners than ever before, and it’s absolutely heartbreaking.

Animal Shelter Blues

Image: BVI Humane Society

Dogs dropped off in shelters that are quickly filling up, most facilities find themselves at max capacity with more dogs than they have adoptions.

The statistics are truly alarming, as well as quite sad.

Harsh Statistics

Image: In Memory of Vucko

According to recent statistics, approximately 6.5 million companion animals are dropped off at shelters every single year in the United States. Out of these 6.5 million, 1.5 million will be euthanized. Talk about a cruel fate for an animal that only wants to show their owners love.

Left Out in the Cold

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For sweet little Lilo, life was off to a rough start. Chained to a tree and left out in the cold to fend for herself, she would spend every day huddled inside the little plastic crate she called home. Until one day a flock of vultures descended around her in a moment that would change her life forever.

Animal Control Alerted

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It was December 2014, and another typical cold day in Greensboro, North Carolina when the Guilford County Animal Control would be alerted to a puppy in desperate need. Tied out in the cold and with nothing but a plastic shelter to keep warm, the dog was in serious need of assistance.

The Flock of Vultures

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However, what was most worrisome was the fact that a flock of vultures had descended on the poor pup. Neighbors worried for its well-being began calling in, worried the vultures had sensed the puppy’s final moments were near.

Dangerous Scavengers

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Vultures are known to be professional scavengers and feed off of the flesh of dead animals. However, they have also been known to hang around sick or dying animals waiting until they cross the bridge of light and become dinner. This was particularly concerning to the animal control team because the puppy could end up wounded by the birds.

No Time to Lose

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Realizing that time was of the essence, the animal rescue team quickly rushed to the home to save the puppy.

However, what they saw when they arrived was shocking…

An Angry-Looking Swarm

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Surrounding the pathetic plastic dog crate was a huge swarm of angry looking vultures. They were on the ground, in the trees and some even sat perched on the crate.

Would the rescue team be able to reach the puppy unscathed?

No Care In The World

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Thankfully, the puppy didn’t seem too bothered by the vultures. While other animals would be freaking out or at least nervous, the puppy seemed to not have a care at all. In fact, it was quite sad because the dog seemed to have totally given up on life.

Grabbing the Sweet Girl

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The rescue team moved quickly, desiring to give the poor pit bull the quality life she deserved. Thankfully, the vultures weren’t a problem and the puppy came willingly. While they were reluctant to do so, the team also left a note on the owner’s front door, letting them know the dog was safe.

Malnourished

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After bringing the sweet girl back to the shelter, they discovered she was quite malnourished and had some tears and scabs on her ears. Lesions also dotted her tail, which was chalked up to living outside for most of her life.

A Call from the Owners

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While the dog was being cared for, her owners called and demanded to come get her. Unfortunately, they never showed up which left the rescuers in a predicament. Since Guilford County had a rule that banned pit bull adoptions, the sweet girl was now facing euthanasia

Merit Pit Bull Rescue

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Thankfully, by a stroke of luck, the Merit Pit Bull Rescue heard about little Lilo and decided to step in. The group rescues pit bulls from all over North Carolina and were determined to give her a second chance at life.

Foster Mom Cuddles

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Lilo was assigned to the home of Keana Lynch for fostering as part of her rehabilitation. Let’s just say she settled in quite well right from the start.

Falling in Love with Lilo

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According to Lynch, her family fell in love with Lilo immediately. In fact, she found her bed the first night. It seemed Lilo wouldn’t be leaving her foster home any time soon.

Forever Home

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After a short period of time, Lynch knew she had to adopt Lilo and make her a permanent member of the family. Regardless of her horrible past, Lilo became one of the best pets Lynch had ever had.

The First Weeks

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According to Lynch, the first few weeks were filled with nothing but love. “She definitely didn’t know what it was like to live inside. But she’s got a great personality. She loves to snuggle.” Lynch continued, “She loves her antlers, loves to chew on them. She has no clue yet on what to do with the other toys though.”

New Family Training

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Throughout the first year, Lynch worked hard on getting Lilo used to living inside and enjoying life with her other two rescue dogs. It didn’t take long for Lilo to fit right in and begin acting like her horrible past never happened.

Unconditional Love

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“She has never held a grudge for her past and loves everyone she meets. She prefers to be held like a baby and snuggles with any chance she can get. Over the past year, Lilo has become a healthy vibrant girl with all kinds of funny behaviors.” Lynch told the BarkPost.

Issues from the Past

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Of course, despite Lilo’s positive progress, she still had some issues from her past that would resurface every so often. According to Lynch, Lilo can’t be left in the backyard by herself or she will start to panic and cry. She simply wants to be with her owners 24/7 and show them, love.

No Regrets

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Even though Lilo had a rough past that has triggered some behavioral issues at times, Lynch does not regret adopting her for a second. She also hopes that she can help educated others regarding pit bulls and remove the stigma surrounding the breed.

Give The Breed A Chance

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This was the first time that Lynch had ever had a pit bull for a pet, and it truly opened her eyes to how sweet, loving and caring they are. In fact, Lynch said that Lilo was one of the most sensitive dogs she has ever encountered.

Learned Not Born

Image: The Yucatan Times

Recent studies have shown that pit bull aggression is triggered by lack of discipline and owner-taught tendencies. There is no hard fact that pit bulls are simply aggressive as part of their DNA. Unfortunately, this doesn’t stop the breed from being banned across the country and winding up in shelters.

Good Luck Lilo!

Image: Hello Viral

Thankfully, Lilo escaped being another statistic and found a wonderful home filled with love. We hope her story will inspire others to give pit bulls a chance.

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