Pit Bulls are true cuddle companions – they just need a chance to show it! Sadly, not everyone sees them this way, leaving many of these strong and loving dogs abandoned in shelters, their spirits crushed, and their futures uncertain.
Izzie was one of those unfortunate pups.
After being found as a stray and brought to a shelter, this sweet dog waited endlessly for her perfect family to find her. But time and time again, she was passed by.
Then, one day, her miracle arrived!
From the Streets to a Forever Home
Photo Credit: @izziethecowpig
Rachel, a devoted Pit Bull lover from California, had recently lost her fourth dog and was searching for a new friend to love and cherish. When she received a message from her friend Julie, a volunteer at Desert Dog Project in Arizona, Rachel couldn’t contain her excitement.
Julie told her about Izzie’s situation – previously known as Gredill – and Rachel didn’t hesitate for a moment.
“Her shelter name was ‘Gredill,’ and she had been in isolation due to various issues, from a sinus infection to itchy skin and a severe ear infection,” Rachel shared on Instagram.
Without a second thought, Rachel asked Julie to help her adopt Izzie, and they met halfway to complete the adoption. The rest, as they say, is history!
Izzie now had a new home and no longer had to fear being euthanized. But adjusting to this new life wasn’t easy for her. It was clear that Izzie hadn’t been a house dog before, and she was completely overwhelmed when she first arrived at Rachel’s home.
“Gredill is now Isabelle ‘Izzie’ Hathor Vicknair, and she’s slowly getting used to life in an apartment and in Beverly Hills. I’m pretty sure she wasn’t a house dog in her previous life,” Rachel added.
It took Izzie a few days to realize that she now had an entire house to herself. But with a little help, she finally started to settle in!
Finding Confidence with Her Favorite Toy
Photo Credit: @izziethecowpig
Rachel discovered the perfect way to help Izzie feel at home – a plushie that looked just like her!
While Izzie loved all her toys, there was something special about that plush cow. It made her feel safe and comforted. With her beautiful brindle markings and pink ears, Izzie resembled the cow pig plushie, and now she had a twin to keep her company!
Before long, Izzie blossomed into the princess of the house. Rachel made sure Izzie enjoyed every comfort – from lounging on every pillow and bed to riding in a convertible, savoring delicious pup cups, and fully embracing life in Beverly Hills, California!
However, Izzie struggled with severe separation anxiety. Whenever Rachel left the house, Izzie feared she was being abandoned again. But her new mom worked tirelessly to help her overcome this fear.
Rachel used peanut butter lick mats, bones, and endless love to ease Izzie’s anxiety. Over time, Izzie realized that when her mom left, it was only temporary, and she became much more confident.
Rachel spends every day reassuring Izzie that she loves her unconditionally, just as she is, and that she’s finally safe.
“The one thing I always want her to know, especially when I first got her, is that no matter what kind of dog she is – whether she’s friendly, aggressive, annoying, or has allergy problems – no matter what, I signed up to take care of her,” Rachel told Cuddle Buddies.
Together, Rachel and Izzie are shattering stereotypes about Izzie’s breed wherever they go! Once an overlooked shelter dog, Izzie now has a whole new life and the best mom she could ever ask for.
This version emphasizes the emotional journey of Izzie and Rachel while maintaining the heartwarming essence of the original story.
