At the tender age of 2, Tyson had known nothing but a life of
pain and misery. We rescued Tyson from the shelter; he was rescue
only and at risk of euthanasia. One of our dedicated volunteers went
to the shelter right away and brought him straight to our vet. The second
we took a look at Tyson, we could see how rough of a life he has
had. His face and neck was covered in dried blood and puncture
wounds. We weren't sure what his role was - fighter or bait dog -
but Tyson was used in dog fighting.
It seems crazy to use an English Bulldog, one of the
sweetest breeds, for such a vicious activity, but sadly it does happen and
Tyson isn't the first dog we've had come into rescue from a life of
fighting. Not only did Tyson need medical care - he needed a neuter,
his wounds needed to heal and he had an ear infection - but we needed to help
him heal emotionally as well. Tyson needed to be in rescue for a
while, under our care, to help learn what is like to be a normal dog and be
loved and cared for…not thrown into a ring to fight with another
dog.
Despite having been mistreated by humans, Tyson was incredibly
affectionate and loving towards people. Not surprising, he was
terrified of other dogs and was immediately defensive as he has been attacked
so many times in the past.
Today, Tyson is one of best success stories.
He lives in Huntington Beach, CA and man oh man is he having the greatest life
ever.
It was the cutest thing - the family came to
the adoption event and it was like love at first sight between the family and
Tyson. They were smitten.
He's had his own birthday parties, goes to
the park and goes on the slide with the kids… he is literally a total member of
the family.