How anyone could think a dog looks mean is beyond me. But when people saw Sully, a 5-month-old Pittie, they saw a “mean, aggressive bully” and avoided him.
If only they spent five minutes with him. Just five minutes would have changed everything!
Instead, Sully spent day after day in a tiny cage, going to sleep each night hoping someone would see how adorable he truly was. One day, a special person did… and it changed his life forever!
Months of Struggle at the Shelter
Photo Credit: desertdogproject
Julia Correll of Desert Dog Project, which helps shelter dogs needing medical care and foster homes, saw Sully and immediately fell in love. Volunteering at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control in Arizona, Julia was heartbroken by Sully’s sorrowful appearance.
Formerly known as Gindo, Sully lived in a small kennel with severe arthritis that made walking difficult. He was picked up as a stray with his puppies and a female dog. While they were all adopted, Sully was left alone.
Due to his poor living conditions, he appeared much older than his actual age.
“Gindo has been waiting over 3 months at the shelter… He has severe arthritis and struggles to walk even a few feet. He was found as a stray and is estimated to be about 5 but he appears much older. He is skinny and covered in sores and scabs,” Julia wrote in a Facebook post.
Julia couldn’t understand why people found Sully so intimidating. He was the friendliest, most affectionate Pittie she had ever met, yet he remained homeless.
“He is the most gentle, affectionate, loving dog. His favorite thing is sitting in your lap and rolling over for belly rubs. He isn’t fazed by anyone or anything. He is truly such a lover,” she added.
Determined to give Sully a second chance at life, Julia took him on daily trips to the park, where they would spend the day lying on a blanket and soaking up the beauty of the world.
In no time, they formed the most wonderful bond, and Sully finally found his rescuer – Julia!
The Easiest Dog His Momma Ever Had
Photo Credit: desertdogproject
What started as a foster trial quickly turned into a permanent adoption. Sully proved to be the easiest foster dog Julia ever had. Despite taking six months to adapt to house life, he found the perfect way to her heart.
“He is seriously the easiest foster dog I have ever had,” Julia wrote on Instagram.
Sully got his very own stroller, allowing him to accompany Julia everywhere without worrying about his condition. They went on city walks, took trips, explored new places, and met new friends.
Sully, a people-oriented dog all along, just needed someone to see it. Julia did!
To help his worn-down elbows, she got him custom braces, in addition to joint injections, acupuncture treatments, and physical therapy.
Photo Credit: desertdogproject
Julia did everything she could to help Sully live like a regular dog, and she succeeded. She even surprised him with the best gift ever – a dog sibling!
When Julia adopted another dog, Effie, Sully couldn’t have been more excited. He acted like Effie’s dad, taking care of her and being gentle and loving.
After all his past troubles, Sully got a family for the second time in his life. This time, he won’t have to part ways with them. Instead, he’ll embark on many exciting adventures and enjoy his Arizona home with the best family in the world!
