Discover the heartwarming story of a former fighting dog who is rescued and rehabilitated, becoming a certified therapy dog. Read more on TooLacks.
Dogfighting is a cruel and barbaric activity that has plagued the United States for decades. Despite being illegal since 1976, it still persists in many parts of the country, leaving dogs scarred, both physically and emotionally. Fortunately, there are organizations and individuals tirelessly working to rescue and rehabilitate these dogs, offering them a second chance at life. This is the inspiring story of a former fighting dog who, against all odds, not only survived but thrived as a certified therapy dog.
The Definition of Fighting Dogs and Their History
Fighting dogs are bred for their aggression and trained to fight other dogs. Pit bulls are the most commonly used breed, but others like Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherds are also involved in this brutal practice. Dogfighting has a long and sordid history, dating back to ancient Rome. Although it was banned in the UK in 1835 and in the US in 1976, it still persists in underground circles.
The Issue of Animal Cruelty in Dogfighting
Dogfighting is a despicable form of animal cruelty, not only for the dogs involved but also for the people who train and participate in these fights. Dogs are subjected to deplorable conditions and brutal training methods, such as endless hours running on treadmills or being tied to heavy weights to build strength. The fights themselves are violent, resulting in severe injuries or even death for the dogs. It is a practice that has no place in a civilized society.
Rescue and Rehabilitation
The story of this former fighting dog begins with his rescue by a local animal shelter. When he arrived, he was malnourished, covered in scars, and injured. Recognizing his need for special care, the shelter contacted a rescue organization that specializes in rehabilitating dogs used in dogfighting.
How the Former Fighting Dog was Rescued
Let’s call him Rocky. Rocky was saved from a dogfighting ring in a nearby state. He was found chained up in a backyard, surrounded by other dogs being groomed for battle. Fortunately, Rocky was one of the fortunate ones rescued during a raid and taken to a local animal shelter.
The Process of Rehabilitation: Physical and Emotional Healing
Rocky’s rehabilitation journey was long and challenging. With the help of dedicated volunteers and staff at the rescue organization, he began his road to recovery. He received medical attention for his injuries, proper nutrition, and care to regain strength. But the most vital aspect of his rehabilitation was the emotional healing he received. Rocky was shown love and care by his caregivers, who tirelessly worked to help him overcome his fear and mistrust of humans.
Stay tuned for the next two sections!
Training and Certification
Once Rocky made a full recovery, the rescue organization decided to train him as a therapy dog. Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and support to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings. They undergo rigorous training to ensure they are well-behaved and capable of handling various situations.
The Importance of Proper Training for Dogs
Proper training is crucial for all dogs, especially therapy dogs. They must be well-behaved and able to remain calm in stressful situations. Additionally, they need to interact with a variety of people, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Training ensures that therapy dogs can perform their duties safely and effectively.
The Certification Process for Therapy Dogs
Before beginning their work, therapy dogs must be certified by an accredited organization. The certification process involves evaluating the dog’s behavior and training, as well as testing their ability to interact with people. Once certified, these dogs can start their meaningful work as therapy dogs.
The Benefits of Having a Certified Therapy Dog
Certified therapy dogs offer numerous benefits to the people they interact with. They help reduce stress, anxiety, and lower blood pressure. Additionally, certified therapy dogs combat loneliness and create a sense of connection, especially in nursing homes and hospitals. For the dog, being a therapy dog provides a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and an opportunity to form bonds with their owners and other humans.
The Impact of the Former Fighting Dog
Rocky’s transformation from a traumatized fighting dog to a certified therapy dog has had a profound impact on both him and the people he interacts with.
The Positive Influence the Dog Has on People
As a therapy dog, Rocky has brought immeasurable joy and comfort to countless people. He visits hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, spreading love and support to everyone he encounters. His gentle nature and calm demeanor have made him a favorite among patients and staff.
The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy offers numerous benefits for people of all ages. It helps reduce anxiety, depression, and improves overall mood. In children, it aids in improving social skills and reducing aggressive behavior. Animal-assisted therapy is a powerful tool that improves the quality of life for many individuals.
The Impact on the Dog’s Life and Well-being
Working as a therapy dog has been a transformative experience for Rocky. It has given him a sense of purpose and a new lease on life. Rocky uses his innate dog instincts to bring joy and comfort to others, in turn helping him heal from his own traumatic past. Working as a therapy dog has provided Rocky with a second chance, allowing him to become a loving and caring companion to all who meet him.
Conclusion
The story of Rocky, the former fighting dog who was rescued and rehabilitated, is a testament to the power of love and compassion. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of animal shelters and rescue organizations, Rocky overcame his painful past to become a certified therapy dog. His story serves as a reminder of the difference that rescue and rehabilitation can make in an animal’s life.
It is crucial that we support animal shelters and rescue organizations in their mission to rescue and rehabilitate animals subjected to cruelty and neglect. By offering our time, money, and resources, we can ensure that more animals like Rocky are given a second chance.
Additionally, the fight against dogfighting and other forms of animal cruelty must continue. If you suspect dogfighting or animal cruelty in your community, report it to the authorities or contact local animal control agencies, police departments, or humane societies. Education about the dangers of dogfighting is also vital to combating this cruel practice. By raising awareness, starting from schools and spreading through various platforms, we can work towards eradicating dogfighting from our society.
Rocky’s journey showcases the profound impact love and compassion can have on both animals and people. TooLacks takes pride in sharing stories like Rocky’s, hoping to inspire others to support the essential work carried out by animal shelters and rescue organizations to build a better world for animals.
