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Bridget
By using Petfinder.com I was able to find our Bridget. I still remember her picture on Petfinder. She was sitting with her head turned in a cute inquisitive way and she had one ear up and one down. I quickly called the rescue to make an appointment to see her, hoping I had gotten to her first. The woman on the phone sounded confused at first: "Your interested in Bridget? The pitbull Bridget? Is someone else interested in her? *laughs* No one has ever called interested in her. She's been in the rescue for two years now. " I found out that not only had she been in the rescue for two years, she had been very badly abused by her owner and probably used as a bait dog due to her small size. Her owner then threw her on the streets where she was picked up and sent to the pound. Her time ran out and right before she was euthanized the rescue group arrived and took her. When I visited her I was shocked by her energy. The tiniest pitbull I had ever seen dragged me up and down the road. She was just thrilled to be out. The dogs were crated most of the day and rarely got out for attention or exercise. I could see her muscles had atrophied and the fur was worn off on her belly and legs from lying down so often in her crate. I must admit I was taken back by her energy but felt she deserved a chance so I brought her home. I immediately bathed her. Her fur was so brittle it broke off. Then I noticed the scars. Her brindle coloring had hid them. I also discovered her cute floppy ear used to be upright and flopped over because it was nearly torn all the way off. In time she calmed down. She learned what toys were as she was clueless that she could have something of her own and had no idea how to play. She is so affectionate and tries very hard to please. In time she no longer cowered and trembled in fear of pain when I went to pet her. She is still terrified of sticks, spoons, brooms, anything that could be used to hit her. She is terrified of thunder, banging, screaming, and yelling. A serious tone to scold is enough to have her crawling for mercy at your feet. I have to use exaggerated happy tones for her to come, lie down, or sit. A year later, she sleeps in bed with me but still has nightmares every week. She used to have nightmares more than once every night. She shakes and cries in her sleep. I wake her up by petting her and calling her name. Then she wags her tail and goes back to sleep lying against me. I can only imagine what some horrible person did to Bridget to leave such physical and mental scars. She now has a shiny coat and coloring like a tiger. Bridget never ceases to amaze me in her ability to trust after all that has happened to her. She is overwhelmed with joy by the smallest kind act (calling her name,a belly rub) and the simple pleasures of life (lying in the sunshine on a soft couch, smelling the fresh air and feeling the grass under her feet). I would recommend adoption to anyone and I hope
Bridget's story will lead others to adopt misunderstood breeds
and dogs who may need a
little extra work. It has brought me such joy to
watch how happy and beautiful Bridget has become with just a little
love and to receive
her unconditional
love and appreciation in return. sent in by Kathryn
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