Watch the Moment Pittie is Tied to a Bench & Owner Walks Away (Caught on Security Cam 🔴)
When I first met Tanzy, she was doing everything she could to disappear. She was curled up in a corner of her kennel, her eyes darting away from mine. If she could’ve melted into the floor, I think she would have. That’s the kind of fear that stops you in your tracks.
I’ve seen this look before, especially in pit bulls. Their tough reputation does them no favors when they’re scared and stuck in a shelter. But when a dog like Tanzy gives you that look—the one that says, “Please, don’t see me”—it hits me right in the gut. We’ve all had moments when we just wanted to disappear, and that’s what makes it so hard to walk away.
Tanzy’s story isn’t just about fear, though. It’s about resilience, heartbreak, and maybe, just maybe, a shot at redemption.
Abandoned Twice, But Still Holding On
Tanzy’s life took a harsh turn earlier this year. She had spent her first seven years with an owner who loved her, alongside a pit bull brother and a potbelly pig. But due to unforeseen hardships, her owner had no choice but to surrender all three animals to the shelter. It was a heartbreaking decision, but Tanzy’s story seemed to take a hopeful turn when she was adopted shortly after.
Sadly, her new forever home wasn’t forever. One morning, while the shelter was closed, a camera outside the night drop captured a man tying Tanzy to a bench. He ignored the number posted for surrendering animals properly and walked away without a second glance. Tanzy tried to follow him, tugging against the leash in confusion and despair. She was left there, waiting, for two long hours until shelter staff found her and brought her safely inside.
To make matters more complicated, Tanzy had two microchips: one from her original owner and one from the new adopter. The shelter tried to contact the most recent owner with no success. Her original owner was heartbroken to hear Tanzy was back, but unable to take her back.
What’s on her Neck?
As if abandonment wasn’t enough, Tanzy also has a soft, fatty growth on her neck. It’s likely benign, but it’s something that needs to be addressed. Until the new owner officially releases her, we’re in a holding pattern. But the moment we can, I’m committed to covering the costs of her procedure.
She deserves that chance.
Trust Through Treats
When I sat down with Tanzy, I didn’t ask for much. I just wanted to see if she could take a step—any step—towards trust. The best way I know to break through a wall of fear is with treats. Food can override the brain’s fear response, if only for a moment.
At first, she hesitated. But then she took a sniff, a tiny taste, and something shifted. It wasn’t much, but she was willing to take a treat from my hand. That’s the kind of victory I live for.
When a dog is in this state of fear, there’s always a risk. Not because they’re mean, but because fear can trigger that fight-or-flight response. I wasn’t worried about getting bitten—it’s happened before and will probably happen again. But in shelters, dogs that bite, even out of fear, often pay the ultimate price. So, we go slow. We give them every chance to succeed.
The Scoop of Hope
With Tanzy, I tried a simple exercise I call “The Scoop.” If a dog feels safe enough to let you gently scoop them into a closer embrace, it’s a big deal. When I reached out to Tanzy, she hesitated, then leaned in. Her tail gave the slightest wag. It was as if she was saying, “Okay, maybe I’ll give this a shot.”
I felt that tiny glimmer of hope in my chest.
A Fresh Start
After some time, a few more treats, and a lot of patience, I saw Tanzy take another step forward. She let me touch her paw—a huge sign of trust. When she finally stretched out, eyes half-closed in contentment, I knew she was starting to believe that maybe, just maybe, this time would be different.
To everyone who helps support these dogs—through donations, memberships, or just spreading the word—thank you. You’re giving dogs like Tanzy a chance to heal, to trust, and to find a forever home where they’ll never have to disappear again.
Tanzy’s story isn’t over yet, and with your help, I know her next chapter will be a happy one.
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