In Sioux City, as in many other U.S. cities, Pit Bulls faced a grim reality due to strict breed bans. When Pit Bulls ended up in city shelters, they were often hidden away in the back, as they weren’t available for adoption. Among them was Angel, a misunderstood Pit Bull with a reputation that made her seem unadoptable. She would often show her teeth and growl if anyone came too close.
But everything changed when a volunteer from Karma Rescue visited the shelter. Upon learning that Angel was scheduled to be euthanized in just a few days, she couldn’t bear the thought of the dog’s fate. Determined to save her, she brought in a behavioral specialist to meet Angel and take her for a walk, hoping that something could be done.
The volunteer’s heart was set on rescuing Angel, but the city’s Pit Bull ban made it impossible for her to adopt the dog herself. With other rescues already overwhelmed, her options were running out. Faced with no alternative, the volunteer prepared to take Angel to the vet for euthanasia, but she sent one last desperate message to the Hug Hearts Foundation in Los Angeles.
To her surprise, the foundation responded with a lifeline. “We will take her!” was the message that saved Angel’s life just over an hour before her scheduled euthanasia. Angel was flown to Los Angeles, where she received training and socialization over the following weeks, finally getting the second chance she deserved.
In an unexpected twist, Sioux City’s Pit Bull ban was lifted soon after. The city’s decision reflected a growing realization across the country—it’s not the breed that’s dangerous, but how dogs are treated and cared for.
Angel’s journey continues to inspire, and we are overjoyed that she was saved in time. Every dog deserves a loving home, no matter their breed, and Angel’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and persistence.