Every day, dogs are bred only to be abused and used in dog-fighting matches.
Many of these canines are pit bulls, which is partially why there are such negative stereotypes against the breed. However, pit bulls are not inherently mean or angry dogs. Even those who have been abused and subjected to violence are often sweet, loving creatures who simply want a home to call their own.
That’s definitely true in the case of Abigail, a headband-wearing pit bull with a huge heart. This pup was recently named the American Humane’s hero dog of the year, an honor she had to overcome unimaginable cruelty and neglect to win.
Last November, Abigail found herself in a busy Miami shelter where she was taken after being picked up as a stray.
The dog was in terrible shape. She had a variety of skin issues, was very thin, and was even missing one ear.
Luckily, the founder of a Florida nonprofit called Love is Fur Ever Dog Rescue, a woman named Victoria Frazier, saw Abigail’s picture on social media and just knew she had to save her. Frazier was worried that the dog would be euthanized considering that she is a pit bull and was in such bad shape. She said, “I needed her just as she needed us.”
Once Frazier rescued the dog, she took her into Pets First Wellness Center, where she received the care she needed to recover and get her life back on track. That’s where Frazier learned that Abigail was likely involved in dog fighting, which was evident in her injuries.
The doctors regularly changed Abigail’s dressings, which wound around her head to protect the area around her missing ear.
As the days went on, Frazier recognized that the bandages almost looked like a bonnet or a headband on the dog’s head. She then went out to buy some actual headbands, which she covered the bandages with. The result was a snazzy-looking Abigail who was able to recover from her injuries in style.
Frazier posted pictures of the gussied-up dog on social media, where she soon gained a loyal following. People loved Abigail’s tenacity and spirit as she recovered with style, love, and grace. Her fans began sending her other headbands, some fancy, some more casual. This dog who had undergone so much pain and suffering was now surrounded by a community that supported and loved her.
After spending a significant amount of time in the animal hospital, Abigail was well enough to go to Frazier’s home.
She rested until June, at which point she was adopted by another loving family into her forever home.
Abigail is now happily living in Fort Meyers, Florida, with her new mom and dad, Megan and Jason Steinke, a 29- and 37-year old couple who loves her a lot. The couple wanted Abigail to be more than just any old pet. They were confident that she could help change people’s perceptions about pit bulls and hopefully get more rescued from shelters through her adorable looks and sweet demeanor.
Steinke, knowing other people would be inspired by the dog’s story and endurance, decided to enter Abigail into the American Humane hero dog contest. On Sept. 16, Abigail, wearing one of her signature sparkly headbands, was named the winner at the dog hero gala. Her owners said that she knew that she had won.
Abigail is sure to continue to inspire others with her story.
Her bravery, perseverance, and kindness in the face of adversity are proof that it doesn’t matter where you come from as long as you get to where you’re going.
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