Black shelter Pit Bulls, like their feline counterparts, face an uphill battle when it comes to adoption.
Their coat color often leads to them being unfairly overlooked, leaving many without a home and at risk of euthanasia.
One such Pittie, named Arlo, was on the brink of this tragic fate in a Bakersfield, California, shelter—until a compassionate rescuer stepped in to rewrite his story.
Arlo’s Narrow Escape
Donna Clark, founder of Soul 2 Soul Animal Rescue in Roseburg, Oregon, received a desperate call from one of her transporters.
A black Pittie mix named Arlo, along with several other dogs, was scheduled for euthanasia unless someone acted fast.
Without hesitation, Clark agreed to take in Arlo and another dog, fully aware of the challenges of placing a black Pit Bull in a forever home.
“For dog breeds, the hardest dog to place is a black Pit Bull,” the rescue shared on Facebook.
A Goofy Personality Shines Through
Arlo quickly revealed his playful, goofy side, winning over everyone at the rescue.
His boundless energy and affectionate demeanor seemed to promise a bright future.
Before long, a large family adopted Arlo, giving him what appeared to be his forever home. But after a month, he was returned.
“They brought him back because of his energetic zoomies. The wife was afraid he might accidentally hurt one of their children,” the rescue explained in a Facebook post.
Heartbreak and a Second Chance
Confused and heartbroken, Arlo showed signs of depression after being returned to the shelter.
Clark and her team were devastated to see him back, but they refused to give up on him.
A turning point came when an experienced foster mom agreed to take Arlo in.
With patience and love, his joyful personality reemerged. Slowly but surely, Arlo regained his confidence and zest for life.
The Perfect Match
The rescue knew they needed to find someone special—someone with the time, energy, and a big, fenced yard for Arlo to thrive.
Despite the challenges, they held out hope.
Then one day, the perfect match walked through their doors.
A woman met Arlo and was immediately captivated by his sweet and loving nature. Without hesitation, she decided to make him a permanent part of her family.
A Happy Ending
“We are so very happy for our beautiful boy and feel so accomplished placing the hardest type of dog there is out there,” the rescue shared.
Arlo now has not only a loving family but also a dog sister, adopted from another rescue.
Together, they spend their days running freely in the yard, soaking up the love and joy they both deserve.
After all the challenges and heartbreak, Arlo’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, compassion, and the belief that every dog deserves a chance.