The Pit Bull started to run; to no place in particular, just away from where she’d started. She ran away from hunger, violence and pain. Fast and furious, away from the despair and neglect of life as a fighting dog, she ran. Mile after exhausting mile, to whatever existence lies ahead. A stroke of luck changed her life when an HSMSC volunteer found her wandering the streets of Memphis and brought her to Farm Road.

Given the name Robin, her friendly demeanor quickly won the hearts of staff and volunteers. While she loved being around people, the years of abuse had taken a significant toll on her ability to live amicably with other dogs. Finding an alternative to home adoption became the shared goal of everyone at HSMSC.

HSMSC dog-walkers, trained volunteers who travel to the Humane Society daily to walk and socialize the facility’s dogs, went to work on this project. They researched various organizations that accept former fighting Pits. Seven were contacted, and all were too full to accept Robin. But the volunteers would not give up. They continued to look for sanctuaries that provide lifelong care for animals that are abused and often unadoptable.

What they found was SARA (Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption) in Sequin, Texas. This is a sanctuary which serves as home to hundreds of animals of different species. SARA also cares for dogs that are unadoptable, and a deal was quickly struck between the two organizations.

HSMSC volunteers agreed to raise thousands of dollars toward a donation for Robin’s care at SARA. They also agreed to welcome 8 highly adoptable dogs from SARA, and place them in homes with loving families here in our community.

“We could not be more pleased with what the future holds for Robin, as well as for the SARA dogs, our new residents,” said Kelly Jo Graves. “We also could not be prouder or more appreciative of the collaboration we have with our volunteers, and their drive to help each HSMSC animal.”

On December 3rd an HSMSC volunteer and staff member drove the 3-year-old fawn-colored Pit to Sequin, Texas, 777 miles away to her new life.

Thanks to this collaboration, Robin has a new lease on life. She’ll never be forced to fight again. She is free to run through a yard, play in a swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views of the Texas skyline. Most off all, she’ll enjoy a humane life. 

See all of our adoptable pets