You don’t hear nice things about Pit Bulls in the news very often these days – often, they find themselves hurt by bad owners, or accused for violence.
This dog – appropriately named Hero – is a notable exception.
Hero was just another stray dog, trying to make his way on the streets of Knoxville, Tennessee. He heard what sounded like a struggle down the street, and decided to go investigate.
Hero found a man attacking a woman with a knife. Even though he had never seen the woman before, his protective instincts kicked in and he immediately put himself between the attacker and his victim.
The brave pit bull was stabbed five times for his efforts.
Two police officers responding to the incident knew the stray might not make it. Even though they knew the dog had no owner who could pay for medical care, they recognized a hero when they saw one – and that’s how the pup got his name.
Hero almost died twice during surgery. His attacker had viciously inflicted several deep wounds, and the dog was fighting for his life.
Hero, thanks to the timely intervention of the officers, was able to pull through. If they hadn’t gotten him to the vet as soon as they did, he probably wouldn’t have made it.
When Carla Welch heard Hero’s story, she knew she was in a unique position to help.
Welch owns Pit Bull rescue foundation Fighting For The Bullys. Through online fundraising, she was able to help organize support to pay for Hero’s medical costs. In a news segment on Hero that you can watch below, Welch talks about why she was so moved to help.
“I thought he was very courageous and brave. He was totally a stranger to these people.”
Welch says that even after everything he went through, the seven-year-old Pit Bull is still friendly and social. Hero is currently up for adoption, with more information available on the foundation’s Facebook page.
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