Despite being illegal and carrying penalties, dog fighting rings continue to operate and proliferate across the nation. Hundreds of canines continue to suffer and sadly die at the hands of dog fighting participants. Thankfully, law enforcement agencies and animal rescue groups are actively collaborating to eradicate this cruel and unlawful sport.
A few months ago, the group known as American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) collaborated with local law enforcement to rescue more than 80 canines from dog fighting rings in many states. A dog fighting ring was shut down on Long Island, New York, and several pets were saved. Wish stood out because he exhibited severe terror when he was rescued.
Wish received medical attention and was transported to the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center. Typically, dogs rescued from dog fighting rings are euthanized because they are so intellectually and emotionally damaged that they cannot recover. However, the ASPCA believes in second chances, and in their facility in Columbus, Ohio, they rehabilitate some dogs who they believe can recover from their traumatic experience.
Wish has endured so much tragedy in his young life, but he has never lost his passion for humans. He adores being cuddled by his rescuers and warms up quickly to new people he meets. However, he is quite anxious about entering unfamiliar locations or situations. When taken to a new location, he simply shuts down and sits in a corner.
Wish’s rescuers and animal behaviorists were, thankfully, extremely patient and worked with him until he recovered. Wish realized, thanks to their assistance, that new places are not frightening at all. Now, Wish is even more eager to travel to new locations.
Seven weeks passed before Wish was ready to be placed in a foster home.
When Wish was in foster care, he showed everyone that he was finally ready for a permanent home. His wish was granted when a couple named Mike and Lauren came along seeking to adopt a dog.
When they first saw Wish, they fell instantly in love with him and adopted him. Wish now lives with his new family in North Carolina. He spends his days frolicking with his new canine siblings and snuggling with his new parents.
Source: ASPCA
