Dog's Up for Adoption News & Entertainment

With Deadline Looming, Mara the Pit Bull Races To Find Someone To Give Her a Loving Home

Lorna Paxton Ladd |

Feb 23, 2024

A sweet-natured dog named Mara was mere hours away from being euthanized at a high-kill shelter in Georgia in December 2022. She had the terrible misfortune of being born a misunderstood breed that is often feared. Mara, an American Pit Bull Terrier, was rescued from Rockdale County Animal Shelter in Conyers, GA, after languishing there for over a month with no interest.

With Deadline Looming, Mara the Pit Bull Races To Find Someone To Give Her A 2nd Chance

Just in the nick of time, a rescue group called Braveheart Bulliez stepped in to save one-year-old Mara’s life. They saw past her stereotyped exterior to the gentle, loving soul underneath. “As soon as we saw her photos, we knew we had to help,” said Krystle Carrara, Braveheart Bulliez’s founder. “She had the most soulful, trusting eyes.”

The First of Many Disappointments

At first, things seemed promising for Mara. Two sponsors stepped up to cover her adoption fees, and a foster home was secured. But within weeks of being rescued, the foster family inexplicably backed out. Soon after, Mara’s sponsors disappeared as well. “They completely abandoned all commitments after promising to help this sweet dog,” Carrara said, the pain still evident in her voice. “Overnight, Mara was left with nowhere to go.”

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Months of Uncertainty Take Their Toll

In January 2023, Braveheart Bulliez sent Mara to a respected two-month dog training program to ready her for adoption. By all accounts, she thrived. Mara became a model pupil, overcoming past traumas to master important skills. However, finding a foster for Mara proved difficult due to her medical issues and training needs. Despite being a star in her training, no one stepped forward to foster her.

“She blew everyone away with how smart and willing to learn she was,” said Carrara. But the rescue soon faced a major roadblock: even after graduating training, Mara could not find a foster or adopter. She languished in boarding for nearly 10 long months as her hopes for a home dimmed.

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Finally Saved From the Shelter

Just when things looked bleakest, a small miracle happened. In January 2024, Braveheart Bulliez received an application from someone interested in fostering a special needs dog. “As soon as we read it, we realized this person would be perfect for Mara,” Carrara said. “We took a chance and reached out, and incredibly, they agreed to foster her.”

After nearly a year warehoused in boarding, Mara finally had a reprieve. She settled happily into life as part of a loving family. Her days are now filled with short walks, adoration from her foster grandparents, and showing off her stuffed animals. “She’s a total bed snuggler and thinks she’s a lot smaller than she really is,” added Carrara. Mara even had a friendly interaction with the neighbor’s husky, showing her progress in tolerating other dogs.

Ticking Clock to Find Her Forever Family

Just when Mara had begun thriving in her foster home, a new challenge arose. Her foster family was set to move overseas in just six months. Mara’s stay with them was only temporary. Once more, the clock began ticking down on this orphaned dog who only wanted a home to call her own. Mara has just months to find her happily ever after before her foster leaves.