Fearful Pup Rescued From Cruel Dog Fighting Ring Finally Gets His Wish

 This summer, the ASPCA collaborated with local law enforcement to rescue over 80 dogs from a dogfighting ring on Long Island, New York, and in several other states.

At one of the locations, there was a wall of cages in a dark basement with no light. The dogs were not fed or given water, and they were not socialized.

Wish, a Pit Bull mix, was one of those dogs.

Wish was given medical attention and taken to the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, Ohio. He was still very scared, so he was taken to their Behavioral Rehabilitation in Weaverville, North Carolina, where they specialize in helping severely fearful dogs.

Despite everything, Wish still loved people. His apprehension stemmed from new environmental phenomena rather than from people. He quickly warmed up to everyone he met, but he struggled in new situations. He’d just shut down and sit in the corner.

But after a long time of working with him, Wish began to come out of his shell and became excited to visit new places.

Wish was finally ready for a foster home after a seven-week stay at the Recovery Center. He got along well with the other dogs and even a cat there, demonstrating that he was ready for his forever home.

Mike and Lauren had been looking for a new furry family member for quite some time. After losing one of their three dogs, they felt that adopting a new dog would help fill the void.

The couple spoke with Wish’s foster parent and decided that Wish would be a good fit for their family. They just needed to make sure he got along with their other dogs.

So they got in their car and drove over ten and a half hours from New Jersey to North Carolina to meet Wish. Wish got along well with their dogs and quickly adjusted to his new surroundings.

Mike hopes that Wish’s adoption story will inspire others to adopt and that they will not let situations like Wish’s past deter them from adopting a dog like him.

“I wouldn’t use their background to disqualify a dog,” Mike told the ASPCA. “I would really lean into people you trust.” Before we went down there, we had some good discussions and asked the ASPCA some questions. I’d rather not know their story and then pass judgment on the dog. Wish is a big mush ball, and I’m glad we were told about him and made the trip down to Weaverville to get him. It’s going really well.”

Hear more of Wish’s story in the video below: