For Lisa Reilly, all it took was a big sweet smile.
Reilly was scrolling through her feed when she saw a smile that swept her off her feet.
And in that smile, she saw love and a second chance at life.
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Meatball, or Meaty, was waiting for someone to adopt him.
As a pit bull, he had to endure prejudice, but he had his hopes up and smiled all the time.
Soon enough, he experienced how love felt like.
Reilly saw Meaty in a photo posted online.
Fresno Bully Rescue was hoping someone could take Meaty into a family he could call his “forever home.”
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Reilly said to The Dodo that there was just this photo of a dog with a big silly grin across his face.
At that moment, she knew Meaty was the one for her.
Reilly drove to the shelter to meet the guy who stole her heart.
The first time she saw him, he was sprawled on the ground under the baking sun.
He is gentle, and most of all, he is sweet.
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More than that, Meaty reminded her of Kitty – Reilly’s dog who passed away just three months before she drove to the shelter.
Reilly found out there was so much to love about Meatball.
To her relief, Meaty adjusted well into her pack.
He quickly made friends with Reilly’s other rescued pit bulls, Pink and Ricardo Tubbs.
He also met dachshunds Bitty and Dappe.
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One endearing thing about the pit bull was his name.
Reilly shared that at one glance, with his rotund shape and coat color, he looked much like a meatball.
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“It’s hard to really tell just how short he is in person, but he’s so low to the ground and wide like a Mack Truck,” she said to The Dodo.
“And he would just barrel into you like a bowling ball of dog fat when we first got him. Thus, he became known as ‘The Meatball,’ Meaty for short.”
But his most loveable feature is his smile.
She said that Meaty isn’t one to shy away from the spotlight. She blames Meaty’s penchant for toys and treats.
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Meaty, when presented with anything that could reward him with a toy or a treat, quickly springs into action.
You could make him wear anything from pajamas, formal attire, holiday-themed costumes, and even as a stand-in for Santa Claus himself.
When it comes to parenting, Meaty can also be a handful.
When he first came into their home, Meatball was throwing tantrums, especially when he didn’t get what he wanted.
Unfortunately for Reilly, her husband always lets him get away with murder.
Reilly also described Meaty as “insanely smart,” which may be why he can be slightly naughty.
This encouraged the couple to do training classes with Meaty, which he did with ease and enthusiasm.
Reilly shared that Meaty had given so much to them.
As they showered him with much-deserved love and care, Meatball gladly gave the same love back.
“He really is just a sweet boy that just wants to be loved all the time,” Reilly said.
“It’s just so nice to have just this happy presence.”
For them, Meatball is a reminder that life is good, and we’re certain that he feels the same way for them too.
Watch how this pit bull won hearts with his big silly smile.
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