On a hot August day in 2013, the ASPCA assisted in the rescue of 367 dogs
in the second-largest dog-fighting bust in United States history.
They were known as "The 367," and on that day, their lives changed forever.
Removed from properties in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Texas, the
dogs—who ranged in age from just a few days to 12 years—were
scarred, starving, and tethered to heavy chains with little access to
food or water.
Most had never experienced life without suffering, and several of them,
including a Pit Bull named Ruby, were pregnant with pups.
Though Ruby had likely spent most of her life abused and neglected, our
Emergency Responders were amazed by her sweet, gentle nature. After giving
birth, Ruby was adopted by one of our responders—
and she is now in the process of becoming a certified therapy dog who will
bring love and joy to local hospitals, schools and retirement homes.
Ruby was one of "The 367," but like all the dogs saved that day,
she was more than just a number.
Ruby's unbreakable spirit in the face of cruelty is what inspires the
ASPCA to continue to do the difficult work that we do. But we can't save more animals like Ruby without you by our side.
|