ASPCA partnered with local law enforcement to rescue over 80 dogs who were victims of dogfighting in multiple states, including Long Island, New York.
In one of the places we visited, there were rows of dark cages in a dreary basement. The dogs confined inside had no food or water and never interacted with people.
One of those dogs was a Pit Bull mix, who is now known as Wish. When we first got him, he was petrified of everything.
wish was brought to the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, Ohio for medical care. However, he remained very frightened, so the team decided to transport him Weaverville, North Carolina where they have a facility that focuses on helping severely fearful dogs. They hope they can help Wish too.
Although he experienced many challenges, Wish loved people. Fear rarely came from the people around him; instead, it stemmed more from new environments. He would quickly adapt and become comfortable with someone after meeting them, but unfamiliar settings caused him to shutdown emotionally and physically by sitting in a corner.
After spending time with his owner, Wish slowly became more comfortable and eventually started to enjoy exploring new places.
After residing at the Recovery Center for seven weeks, Wish was prepared to go to a foster home. In his new environment, he quickly got accustomed to the other dogs and even a cat. Consequently, it was determined that he was ready for his forever home.
Mike and Lauren had been looking to adopt a new dog for quite some time after their heartbreaking loss. They thought that maybe adopting another furry friend would help fill the emptiness they were feeling.
After discussing with Wish’s foster parent, the couple decided he would be a great addition to their family. The only thing they needed to do was make sure he would get along with their other canine friends.
The couple drove over ten hours from New Jersey to North Carolina to meet Wish. Immediately, he got along well with their other dogs and quickly felt at home.
Mike wants people to understand that Wish’s story is not unique, and many other dogs in shelters have experienced abuse or neglect. He hopes this will inspire people to adopt these animals, rather than deter them.
Mike told ASPCA that he wouldn’t use a dog’s background to disqualify them. He continued by saying that it’s better to go off of the recommendation of people you trust. After getting some guidance, they made their way down to Weaverville to pick up Wish- who Mike describes as “a big mush ball”. And thankfully so, because everything is working out great!
Watch the video below to hear more of Wish’s story.