When Elijah the pit bull was found abused and on death’s door in Hialeah, Florida, rescuers weren’t sure if he was even going to pull through, let alone what the lasting emotional effects were going to be from his experience of abuse and neglect.
So when Elijah finally found his furever home, everyone was able to breathe a sigh of relief, and his heartwarming story was enough to make the local news.
Elijah was rescued by members of the 100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida and was taken to Bluepearl Pet Hospital for emergency surgery. Investigators believed that Elijah was being used as a bait dog for illegal dog fighting, but no one really knew the true extent of what he had been through.
The poor little pooch was minutes away from death, but amazingly he pulled through and was fostered whilst waiting for a furever home.
When this happy day came for Elijah, CBS Miami reported on the good news and managed to capture some of Elijah’s first moments in his new home on camera.
Delray Beach was the location of Elijah’s home, and his owners were beyond excited to see him. As the rescue team arrived to check up on how Elijah is getting on in his new home, we can see posters outside saying ‘Welcome Home Elijah!”, and inside there are even more surprises. Describing his new home, Elijah’s owner says:
“A very peaceful, calm, I’d like to think happy place. And then we had a little party with gifts and cupcakes and treats and toys.”
She then shows the camera a table topped with gift bags, adorable stuffed animals for Elijah to cuddle, and even some blue balloons. This is going to be one pampered pooch, and he deserves every ounce of the love that he’ll be given.
Elijah’s owner felt a connection with the pooch from the very first time she met him, and she instantly knew that he would be the one that she would adopt.
“What drew me to him was how calm he was,” she said. “In the midst of everything, he was just very calm and loving. He’s going to have a very safe, happy life here.”
Amy Roman was one of the rescuers who came to check up on the sweet pooch’s progress. Having re-homed more than 100 abandoned dogs of Everglades, Florida, she spoke about the challenges that they faced with Elijah.
“We don’t know what he’s endured, other than what we can see with our eyes. (His ear) had to be surgically removed because it was torn to shreds,” she said, adding: “He doesn’t even know how to play. His head flips around, he doesn’t know what to do with his paws.”
But now that Elijah has settled into his new home, the differences are already noticeable.
“The second we walked into his new house, he started playing with his bone which we’ve never seen him do before,” Amy said. “He’s excited like a child in a candy store for the first time.”
We’re so glad that Elijah was able to get his happy ending! Watch the adorable video below.
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