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Abandoned, Injured & Alone: The Real Reason This Pit Bull Was Left at the Shelter

Rocky Kanaka |

Feb 23, 2024

The moment I laid eyes on Star, I could tell something was off. This tan pit bull mix sat sadly in her kennel at the shelter, head down and eyes averted. She didn’t even look up when I approached. My heart sank – I knew that look. It was the look of a dog who had given up hope.

I was determined to help this sad girl, so I sat down quietly beside her kennel. Moving slowly so as not to startle her, I offered Star a treat. To my relief, she accepted it gently. This told me her spirit wasn’t completely broken. There was still a chance I could help Star learn to trust again.

Building a Bond I wanted Star to feel safe, so I let her check me out while avoiding direct eye contact. After a few moments, her tail began to wag. My patience was paying off – she was starting to see me as a friend. Star even gave my hand a little lick, warming my heart.

I still sensed something was physically wrong, though. When I tried to encourage Star to walk toward me, she limped badly. My fears were confirmed – this poor pup was injured.

Unveiling the Truth About Star’s Past

In a surprising twist, we discovered the unsettling truth about Star’s past. The people who turned her in at the shelter initially claimed she was a stray. However, upon further investigation, it was revealed that they were, in fact, her previous owners.

It was heartbreaking to learn that the very people who were supposed to care for her were the ones who discarded her, falsely labeling her as a stray to avoid responsibility. This betrayal only strengthened our resolve to provide Star with the love and care she deserved, ensuring that her future would be brighter than her past.

Get Updates on Star

The owners did provide some background on Star – she was just under 3 years old and good with kids and other dogs. But they offered no explanation for her injured leg. My heart broke, imagining Star struggling with pain while her owners turned their backs on her.

The Harsh Reality of Star’s Abandonment

Star was left in the shelter’s ‘night drop‘, a facility intended for after-hours emergencies or found strays when no other options are available. This is where her previous owners chose to leave her, under the cover of darkness, avoiding any direct confrontation or responsibility. Being left in an unfamiliar environment in such a secretive and abrupt manner undoubtedly contributed to the fear and confusion she displayed when first arriving at the shelter.

Rewarding Star’s Faith

Despite her leg injury and abandonment by her family, Star remained so loving. As I cradled her in my lap, she gazed up with absolute trust. I promised Star right then that no matter what, I would make sure she found the home she deserved.

After all she’d endured, Star still had faith in humanity. She deserves someone who would cherish that open heart. I was determined to find Star the loving forever home that would finally reward her loyalty. No matter what it took, I wouldn’t let her down.

The Power of Patience

When my wife Kelly arrived, I could see the same wave of compassion wash over her as she met sweet Star. This special dog had clearly touched our hearts. We resolved to be patient and go slow, taking time to build Star’s confidence. With gentle affection and stability, her spirit would continue shining through.

Though the road ahead might be long, I had hope for Star. With rest and medical care, her body would mend. And with unconditional love, her heart would too. Star would learn to trust again. She would feel joy and happiness once more. She would understand what it meant to have a real family.

I could already picture Star racing around a yard, lounging on a couch, and drifting off to sleep wrapped in the arms of someone who loved her. No animal, especially not this special girl, deserved anything less.

The Need for Compassion

While anger toward Star’s previous owners was justified, I also had to remember that sometimes circumstances leave people no choice but to surrender a pet. With empathy and understanding, together we can ensure every animal is set up for success in their next chapter.

All Star needed was a second chance. With time and care, this friendly “house hippo” would flourish. She would learn her worth and rediscover her zest for life. I was determined to be there cheering Star on every step of the way.

This loving dog has so much more living left to do. I know there is a person out there perfect for her, ready to embrace Star for the diamond she is. It’s just a matter of bringing them together. Have faith, sweet Star. Your happy ending is coming.