It’s heartbreaking to think about the cruelty and abuse that animals endure. Dawn, a sweet Pit Bull, experienced this firsthand, learning just how merciless humans could be.

Her owners tied her in a crate outside their home, depriving her of food, water, and protection from the sun. Dawn gave birth to litters of puppies, which her owners then used in dog fights.

When authorities finally rescued her, they brought her to Rockdale County Animal Shelter in Georgia. Despite the nightmare she had lived through, Dawn showed love to her caregivers and quickly stole their hearts. Unfortunately, the overcrowded shelter placed Dawn on the euthanasia list.

Fighting For Her Life

Image source: Humans and Animals United via The Dodo

With a desperate look in her eyes, Dawn stood on her back legs and pressed her body against the door whenever someone walked by her kennel. She was begging for someone to rescue her and give her a second chance at life.

“She was begging for her life. But no one stepped up, and I’m guessing it was because of the way she looked. Maybe people thought she would be aggressive,” Rosa Fond, the founder of Humans and Animals United, told The Dodo.

On the day of her scheduled euthanasia, Dawn hugged a shelter volunteer tightly, refusing to let go. The pup seemed to sense that her fate had already been decided. She cuddled with the volunteer, giving her love.

Image source: Humans and Animals United via The Dodo

A Plea for Help

Image source: Helping Rockdale AC Animals

The shelter staff felt heartbroken for Dawn, and one of the staffers posted a plea for help on social media. The staff member begged the director to give Dawn a second chance, and they managed to postpone the euthanasia for two more days. Dawn needed a rescue urgently.

Luckily, one of the pup’s shelter friends contacted Humans and Animals United and asked for their help. The Florida-based rescue immediately promised to save Dawn and pulled her out of the shelter.

Finding a Foster Home

Image source: Humans and Animals United

Once the canine was brought to safety, she was sweet but still frightened. She needed time to decompress. The rescue worked hard to find a foster family who could take Dawn in. Fortunately, their efforts paid off, and a loving foster family opened their hearts to the pup.

After arriving at her foster home, Dawn breathed a sigh of relief because she got a second chance at life. Since the pup was malnourished and exhausted, her fosters followed a strict feeding routine to help her reach a healthy weight.

Thriving in a Loving Home

Image source: Humans and Animals United

Dawn received a ton of love from her foster family, who caressed her as she slept, making her feel comfortable. As she felt better, her foster family encouraged her to explore the world around her, and Dawn began to admire its beauty.

Realizing that she was safe, Dawn began opening up to her amazing foster family. She looked at them with eyes filled with appreciation and gratitude, wrapping her paws around them in loving hugs.

A Heartwarming Moment

Image source: Humans and Animals United\

Dawn was overjoyed when her foster dad took her to a pet store. She sniffed all the items on display until she chose the toys she wanted to take home. “She picked her own toys. It was a heartwarming moment that brought tears to our eyes. The reason why we rescue was shown that day,” Fond added.

Dawn continues to thrive in her foster home, surrounded by the love of her caregivers. Although she deeply appreciates all the love and care her fosters give her, she hopes to find her forever home soon.