In honor of Pit Bull Awareness Month, Pit Bull Rescue Central's volunteers are sharing the stories of how their pit bulls became part of their families. PBRC envisions a compassionate world where pit bulls and pit bull mixes reside in responsible, loving homes and where their honor and positive image is restored and preserved.
Annie: My Joyful Spirit Guide, by Jeanne Posner
In June of 2011, I found myself in a dark place. In one year, I had a near fatal heart attack and had to say goodbye to both my sweet boys, Odie and Junior. I found myself browsing Petfinder.com as looking at dogs always lifted my spirits—at least a little—that June. A good friend suggested I check out the section of Rose Hope Animal Rescue on Petfinder, a wonderful rescue group in Connecticut. So, I started looking through their photos. Honestly, I wasn't sure I was ready to embrace a new dog yet, but my life and home surely felt empty without a fur baby. I found that I was specifically looking for pit bull. I had fallen head over heels in love with them while volunteering at the Humane Society near my Connecticut home.
A photo appeared and I stopped and stared at it for at least 20 minutes. I couldn't stop looking into this dog's eyes (she was looking right at the person taking her photo so it appeared as if she was looking right into my eyes as well). I went back to that photo at least a dozen times, so it became clear to me that I wanted to give that dog with the piercing eyes a home. I filled out the online application form and a month later Rose Hope informed me that I was approved. I was excited by this news! So, in July 2011, I went to meet Annie.
I walked into the adoption event and gave my name and said I was there to find out if Annie and I were a match. They said, "She's right there—why don't you walk her around the store?" (The event took place in Petsmart). I wasn't sure where the woman was pointing, so she took my elbow and walked me the approximately two feet to where this gorgeous pittie mix was wagging her entire body. I knelt down and Annie curled up in a C shape against my body and started kissing my face. I was in love—but didn't yet realize I had hit the adoption jackpot.
Annie was rescued from people who were using her as a breeder dog. They took her from her mama much to soon, and bred her too soon as well. They didn’t' love her or treat her well in any way—she was a commodity to them. I asked the Rose Hope volunteer how Annie could be SO full of joy and love...she replied that Annie had been with a wonderful foster mom for several months who helped her come to trust people again. So, Annie and I went home together.
Every day since, she has proven to be the most joyful spirit I've ever known—human, canine, any kind. Her zest for life inspires me every day. She holds no bitterness toward anyone for the way she was so mistreated during her first two years of life. She is still a bit fearful of certain other dogs (why wouldn't she be?) although she instantly loved her sister Darla in our new home in Vermont. Having the honor of being Annie's human guardian led me to get much more involved advocating for pit bulls. It also helped lead me out of the dark place I had been stuck in for a long time.
Of course, I will always miss all the dogs and cats I loved and had to say goodbye to. But Annie—who charms everyone she meets—is a special soul. She touches me in a deep place and makes me laugh every day. As I said, I hit the jackpot. And I will fight with all the energy I have to stop loving pitties from being misrepresented, misunderstood and abused. I will fight—with Annie by my side—until they all have a home.
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