'We took in the "worst" dog the shelter had': Foster furmily adopts fearful pittie and helps him thrive with patience, love, and second chances

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Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Jul 29, 2025 5:00 PM EDT

When this foster furmily asked their local shelter which dog needed the most help, they were introduced to Moe, a young pittie with a ruff start. He'd survived a hoarding case, battled mange, and had a leg that hadn't developed properly from growing up in a cage. After six long months at the shelter and no adoption interest, Moe was scared, shut down, and didn't know how to be a dog.

At first, he wouldn't leave his crate and had to be carried to and from the car like a royal pup. He growled from the safety of his den and kept his distance from the other doggos. But day by day, with love, patience, and slow introductions, Moe started to come out of his shell and his crate.

Now? He's a certified mama's boy. He's the snuggliest dog in the house, politely demands walks, and adores car rides. His family even adopted a young playmate just for him. Moe still has his quirks, but he's blossomed into a loving, loyal companion. His story is proof that with time and heart, every dog can find their spark.

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    'We went to the shelter for another one and asked which one needed the most help'
    via David Baileys / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    Our last foster had gotten adopted, so we went to the shelter for another one and asked which one needed the most help. The staff introduced to a white, young adult pittie named Moe. He came to the shelter from a hoarding case as a puppy with mange. His leg also hadn't developed properly, likely due to growing up in a cage. His mange
    via VioletThePurple
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    had been cured, but his behavioral issues needed work. He had been at the shelter for 6 months. He had a cage mate, but he had been separated since he ended up fighting. We have other dogs at home, so this was a risk.
    via VioletThePurple
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    as We agreed to take the risk and decided to foster him. He had to be carried to and from the car, he refused to move otherwise. He was set in a crate. At first, he growled at the other dogs from the crate, and we weren't sure if this was going to work. We slowly introduced him to the other dogs until he no longer showed aggression towards them. We left the crate door open, but he stayed in there for days at a time.
    via VioletThePurple
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    Cheezburger Image 10535029504
    via Petra Richli / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    A couple months passed, and he had received zero adoption interest. Rescues wouldn't take him since he's a pittie. We know he needs a special kind of home, and that the average adopter may not be able to meet his needs and respect his boundaries. If triggered, he could end up biting someone and get euthanized. So,
    via VioletThePurple
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    we decided to adopt him. Ever since, he has been a complete mama's boy. He is the snuggliest out of all our dogs and demands to go for walks. We also adopted a younger dog for him to play with since our other dogs are older. He is still wary of other people, but he is the least reactive. He passes by other
    via VioletThePurple
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    people and dogs out on walks without barking. He loves car rides and is very well behaved during them. This is substantial considering he used to be scared of going in the car.
    via VioletThePurple
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    Cheezburger Image 10535031296
    via tiverylucky / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    I post this story to hopefully inspire others to visit their local shelter and give a dog a second chance.
    via VioletThePurple
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    tilicollapse12 You and your family sound amazing. Thank you for adopting your sweet baby.
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    Not_Cardiologist9... I know he probably says this to you in his own way every day, but thank you for taking a chance on him. All dogs. deserve a safe and happy home and he is so lucky to have been welcomed into yours. I wish you many good years together
    via Not_Cardiologist9084

  • Sometimes all it takes is someone willing to take a chance. A little love and patience can go a long way in helping a dog become the best version of themselves.

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    ambigulous_rainb... You did a really good thing! So many pits and staffies are just softies who want to be loved, I wish more people were like you
    via ambigulous_rainbow
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    FarBullfrog627 This legit made me tear up. Moe hit the jackpot with you guys. Thank you for giving him a chance when no one else would. "
    via FarBullfrog627
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    ishesque pitties are the most sensitive and wear their hearts on their sleeve. This one was so guarded but could tell when you committed and that feeling of safety and support is exactly the kind of sunshine most flowers need to bloom
    via ishesque

  • We absolutely love that Moe was given a second chance! Now he’s thriving, snuggling, and living his best life like the good boy he is. Stories like this warm our hearts!

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    That-Condition7909 OP thank you for being an amazing human! My hope for the human race has been (probably temporarily) restored!
    via That-Condition7909
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    Tccrdj People underestimate the snuggle capacity of a pitty. They have no personal space and will lay directly on top of you. My shelter pit is. an 80lb blanket.
    via Tccrdj

  • People forget that pitties are total cuddlebugs! They might look tough, but most of them just want to snuggle up like oversized lap dogs and soak up all the love. 

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    The_Pharoah I love reading (and watching) stories like this. I ABSOLUTELY love dogs and it hurts to see dogs getting euthanized. They have so much to give and just want to be loved so they can do the same back to you 150%. Thank you OP for doing this - hopefully more people will.
    via The_Pharoah
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    3dogs9cats Thank you so much for taking a chance on him. Proving so many shelter dogs just need love and the opportunity to heal. Beautiful people, that you are!
    via 3dogs9cats
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    PrizeReindeer9357 Misunderstood dogs are my favorite. My current rescue dog and the one prior to him were both set to be put down at kill shelters. Everyone kept passing them up because of the same reasons you stated. They have both been great dogs and it's been incredibly rewarding.
    via PrizeReindeer9357
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    bottleofgoop So nice to hear stories like this where an animal with such a poor start and outlook get a second chance at a proper home and life. You guys are good people.
    via bottleofgoop

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shelter wholesome dogs heartwarming adopted doggo pit bull animal shelter rescue
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