Here are some of our successful adoptions. There are many more, and many more that will come. This page is dedicated to Tyson. For you big happy, goofy boy, we will always save pitties. You are our inspiration. We will always love you. We are so sorry your life got cut short. We will always remember the happy moments, and wish with every ounce of our heart that they were longer.

Layla

Layla before

Layla (right) with her Fur-Sister

Tyson’s sister, Layla, is so special to all of us at L-A-B. Rescued from a life of chaining in Martindale Texas, Layla had suffered it all. Her bruised and battered body had been hit by a car; her neck is permanently deformed from a chain so, so heavy; her neck bears scars from collars too tight, but nothing brought this girl’s spirit down. A true pittie spirit, everyone who met Layla, loved Layla. Like, Tyson, it is fair to say that Layla got us all to concede that we are a rescue (albeit a small one), and that is just fine with us because saving dogs like Layla make it all worth it. Layla was adopted by a former L-A-B volunteer and lives happily with a fur-brother and fur-sister. Her days are filled with joy and love. We couldn’t be happier for her.

Sergeant (formerly Smiley)

Sergeant Before

Amanda, Sergeant, Daisy, Fido, and Bratwurst

Sergeant was the first of the pitties that Love-A-Bull rescued from Martindale, Texas. He had lived his life on a chain for seven years. He had been chained on an abandoned lot out of sight from the others we rescued (see Trey and Kiko). The neighbor who took an interest in the trio brought Sergeant to a L-A-B Board Meeting to ask L-A-B for help. Leala couldn’t get Sergeant out of her thoughts, and she drove to Martindale to bring Sergeant to Austin. The next day, Sergeant participated in the Mighty Texas Dog Walk, hoping to find a foster. She cried at the thought of returning Sergeant to a chain. That night, a friend who happened to be at her house when she returned home stepped in to foster him. Within 48 hours, Sergeant was off the chain forever. His wonderful foster cared for him through his initial recovery, heartworm treatment, and prepared him for his new life. Sergeant now lives with a whole host of fur-sisters and brothers, and enjoys the inside life he always deserved.

Trey (formerly Pepita)

Trey at six weeks

Trey a bit later

Trey at four years of life on a chain

Trey today

Trey was rescued from Martindale, Texas. She had been chained on an abandoned lot from when she was just six weeks old. A neighbor took an interest in her, as well as two other pitties chained with her, whom Love-A-Bull also rescued. After years and years of her life on a chain, this neighbor ultimately bought her when Animal Control refused to enforce any laws to protect her. The neighbor, who was only able to move her to another lot, became hopeless when the lot owner threatened to shoot her and the other pittie (see Smiley). That’s when she contacted Love-A-Bull. We found a home for her with a nice young man in Austin. Trey was his first real dog, and they certainly bonded! Life is looking up for Trey, and we are happy to have been a part of finding her forever home.

Kiko (formerly Harley)

Kiko Before

Kiko Today

Kiko was part of the Martindale trio and was chained on an empty lot for four years. She was emaciated and shut down when rescued. But, she loved other dogs! She was originally rescued by a woman with 16 dogs and she fit right in! She was the first to be taken off the vacant lot, as she was undergoing heartworm treatment. A family from Oregon expressed interest in her, and we happened to have an L-A-B volunteer moving that way — so off she went. The first family did not work out, and she ended up training with our volunteer. In that time, Kiko earner her Canine Good Citizen. She also got her CD, which is an AKC Obedience Title that requires a dog to heel on and off leash, to stand without moving while a judge comes up and does a physical exam, a 50 foot recall, a one minute sit stay, and a three minute down stay. All four times she exhibited she got first place! From a life on a chain for four years to an AKC titled dog! We love new starts!!! But, most importantly, she was adopted by a new family who just adores her, and not for her titles, but because she represents everything that is wonderful about pitties!

Jasper

Jasper Before

Jasper Today

Jasper was found by a woman who had nine dogs. Some not so nice people had tried to use him as a bait dog, but sweet Jasper didn’t want to fight. Having nine dogs (Jasper liked all nine!), she was filled to the brim, so she posted him on Craig’s List with one day to go before she was going to take him to the shelter. All scarred as was, he certainly would not have lasted long. Fortunately, L-A-B Board Member, Lydia, spotted him, and found him a foster. His scars have all healed, and he has found a forever home. He is pictured here with his furless brother.

Samson

Samson

Samson and Delilah were found on the East Side as strays. Delilah found a home quickly, and L-A-B assisted with finding a foster for Samson, with a longtime L-A-B foster. Every once in awhile a foster failure has to happen, and we are glad this one did. Samson also joined a fur family, Michi and Bella.

Coco Chanel (now Rosie)

Rosie (left) and Harley

Rosie is special because she is the first dog L-A-B placed as a partner in TLAC’s adult foster program. This program grew out of the Pit Bull Task Force as an initiative to help improve on the number of pit bull dog’s successfully making it out of the shelter. Rosie was a staff favorite, and was set to be killed because she was returned after being adopted in one day. Her crime? She chewed on some shoes after being left alone on her first day at home. Rosie is as sweet as pie, and she loves, loves her brother Harley.

Luna

Luna and her mom

Luna was found abandoned as a pup running on an Austin Highway. L-A-B was contacted, and it just so happened a L-A-B board member knew someone looking for a running buddy. Luna and Lisa go running almost everyday, and what a team they are!

Pixie (now Bella)

Bella at Christmas

L-A-B was contacted because little Bella was found abandoned and starved, and well… she needed a home. It was almost Christmas, and it seemed like a crime for Bella not to have a home for Christmas. Fortunately, this one was easy. Who wouldn’t love that cutie pie? She was safe and in a home by the holidays.

Mama

Mama and a Very Happy Family

Mama was found dumped on the side of the highway outside of Dripping Springs, Texas with her puppy. The family who rescued her and her pup, immediately took both of them to their vet. Mama was extremely emaciated, had severe hair loss and was heartworm positive. She was missing most of the teeth in her mouth, indicating she had lived a long life on a chain. The puppy was quickly adopted, but the mom was left behind. A friend of the family contacted Love-A-Bull and we were able to assist the family who had agreed to foster the mom, whom they named Mama with heartworm treatment and other medical care. Ultimately, Mama’s fosters decided they couldn’t part with her and they decided to adopt her! She is now happy with her Mom, Dad, Human Sister, Human Brother, as well as two fur sisters siblings, a basset mix, Millie, and a pittie mix, Tess.

Cubby

Cubby and Snuggles -- Snuggling with their Human

Cubby was found at a gas station when he was about 4 weeks old. He was being offered for sale for $25, but a Love-A-Bull member stepped in, and took him. His family adopted him when he was only 6 weeks old. He has a fur sibling, Snuggles, who is like a Siamese twin to Cubby! Cubby is completely obsessed with his pool, which has been renamed “Pitt-erbahn Water Park.”

Elsa

Elsa Playing 'House'

When Elsa was 5 months old she was dumped at an apartment complex where she was found by a young man, but he could not keep her. He held on to her for four days until L-A-B Board member Leala meet him at a Jack-in-the Box. Leala found a foster for her, and fortunately, the foster family fell head over heels in love with her, and made the decision to add her to their pack. Here she is with the family’s little girl!

Dahlia (now Olive)

Olive and Finley

Dahlia, now renamed Olive, ironically was featured in an Austin Monthly magazine story on how Austin was moving toward becoming a no kill city. Unfortunately, the dark side of that story was that she had been in solitary confinement for over half of her 4 month life, and was suffering from severe kennel frustration. Days away from being killed at TLAC, and with no options, L-A-B stepped in and pulled her. She was adopted just a few days later, and her Mom adores her. She now has a foster brother, Finley, and she lives the good life.

Shiloh

Shiloh with her pack

Shiloh climbed her way into a disabled man’s backyard in a small town outside of Austin. After she snuck into his yard, Shiloh got pregnant, and had a litter of puppies. L-A-B Board member saw an ad for Shiloh on Craigslist where the man was trying to give Shiloh away unspayed (shrieks of horror)! Leala immediately contacted him to assist. When Leala and Lydia arrived, there were two unspayed puppies, Shiloh, and a male unneutered dog living in the house. He explained that he was on disability, and loved the dogs, but could not afford proper care. L-A-B spayed and neutered all the dogs and got all of the dogs up-to-date on shots. Unfortunately, the man became overwhelmed with Shiloh’s fence climbing skills, and decided he could no longer care for her. He was resolved to take her to the shelter. Love-A-Bull stepped in and took Shiloh to a foster. The foster family didn’t last long, as they fell in love with this sweet docile baby, as she was kind to kitties and doggies alike. They do, however, have to perform constant updates to their yard because this smarty pants find new ways to climb out all the time!

Nala

Nala kisses for Lisa

Nala camping!

Dustin & Nala

Sweet Nala was found tied to a tree in the Texas heat of 2010. She was taken in, and almost lost her life again due to her love of eating boxer shorts. It was clear that the family that found her wasn’t 100% committed so Love-A-Bull found a foster that would put the time in. They trained her and made her “adoption ready,” and she now has a forever home, kitty included. Her new human parents love to run, and Nala sure doesn’t mind being a running buddy. After a long road, Nala is finally where she deserves to be — very much loved.

Teddy

 
 

Teddy was surrendered by his family to a kill shelter in Houston. We were told he was a pit bull … and well … he isn’t, but we sure don’t regret saving him. And, boy does his family love him! His family contacted us heartbroken after losing their family dog after thirteen years. He gets along great with the family cat, and they have discovered that he has a special talent! The family loves to play the piano, and Teddy likes to sing! He throws his head back and just howls right along! This success story needed a video. We like to think Teddy is helping them heal.

Jackson

Jackson kisses

Jackson was slated to be killed at TLAC when L-A-B board member Meghan heard about him. She took him in as a foster just in time, but he didn’t stay long. Fortunately, he found a home with 3 doggie siblings, and some human friends too! Just as sweet as can be, Jackson loves romping in water, and playing in his huge yard.

General

General with family

General was found by a proud member of our Armed Forces (hence, the name) while she was perusing Craigslist. His “owner” was frustrated because he kept getting attacked by other dogs while he was chained up in the yard. She gave “somebody” a day to come get him, as he was swollen and infected. He doesn’t have a lot of teeth, but he has a lot of heart. His body was riddled with scars, but his spirit was not broken. This sweet elderbull loves other dogs — in fact he lives with two now. His rescuer could not keep him, thanks to the military’s discriminatory policies, but we are thankful she contacted us because we found a Love-A-Bull foster family who ultimately fell in love with this sweet boy and made him part of their home.

Stacy (now Bellamy)

Bellamy Surrounded with Kids at Easter

Bellamy was rescued from a life of chaining in Bee Caves, Texas. The neighbors became concerned when another dog on the property (also chained, see Sam Wheat) was covered in blood. When we arrived, the “owner,” told us Bellamy had been chained for close to a decade! For almost 10 years, she spent every cold moment and every 100 plus degree day outside. She was heartworm positive and covered in fleas, but MAN, the minute we unchained her, the smile never left her face, and the tail never stopped wagging. JOY, JOY, JOY!! This elderbull was brimming with love, and has found a mom that loves her equally back. We are so happy for her, as she deserves to live out her elder years on a couch, with mounds of affection, and that is just what she got! Read the blog post about her photo here.

Daddy/Danny/Buddy/Dozer!

Dozer with Family

What is in a name? In this case, it was a journey to home. Dozer had an extremely long stay dog at TLAC, but the volunteers didn’t stop pulling for him. He had a gentle heart, but was getting extremely frustrated after months and months at the shelter. Finally, relief came when a Love-A-Bull volunteer stepped up to foster him. He had two name changes at the shelter (“Daddy” after Cesar Milan’s pit bull, and then they tried softening it to “Danny.”) His foster thought the traditional “Buddy” might get him a home. Kind and gentle, he was able to live with a cat, and a dog that wanted nothing to do with him. A few months later, he caught his fur-ever home’s eye. He is now happy to be living with a dog that DOES want to play with him and his permanent Mom and Dad.

Sadie (formerly Goldilocks)

Sadie

Sadie is a short and sweet success story, mainly because she got adopted so fast! She was a TLAC pull — we were requested to pull her after the volunteers noticed that she was suffering from extreme kennel frustration. She had been gnawing on her bed until she made her mouth bloody. She got along with cats and dogs, and was just the sweetest thing. How could we say no? As soon as she got out of TLAC, she promptly put on 10 pounds in two weeks! She lasted in our adoption program for only a few weeks … her sweet disposition won over her dad, and off she went. She is happy to be her dad’s running buddy or just to snooze on a couch, where she belongs.

Charlie

Charlie

Love-A-Bull was contacted about a blind pittie living in the backyard of an abandoned house that was going to be sold at an auction at the end of the month. His “family” had moved out and left him behind (taking their other dogs with them). He was living alone and in the dark for four months – being fed by neighbors. Charlie’s recovery started once he was adopted by his wonderful mom; he underwent multiple surgeries and now has a prosthetic eye. Today, nothing keeps him down, and he is one happy little dude!

William

William

Sad, scared William was at the Wilco shelter. We can’t figure out why this boy was overlooked for so many months. He is sweet as pie. He loves other dogs, and is submissive to his new mom’s cat. He was supposed to be a foster, but that lasted less than a week, as his family knew they had struck gold with William!

Marley

Marley

Marley was a found as a puppy in a backyard in Madisonville, Texas. Her owners had bred her mom, and were keeping all of the dogs outside 24/7. Poor Marley was shivering and covered in fleas. Fortunately, a L-A-B volunteer stepped up and agreed to foster her. Around the same time, Lydia had a friend on the east coast looking for a pittie, and her in-laws were in town. So, off Marley went on a Jet Blue flight, and the rest is history! Marley now lives with another fur-brother and a family of four. She is one happy camper (INSIDE!) where she belongs!

Junior

Junior and Family

Junior was a long stay dog at TLAC. A staff favorite, there was a strong effort to get him into foster care by Christmas. Fortunately, a family agreed to foster him by Christmas. A friend to all doggies and kitties, L-A-B could not understand why he was not being snapped up right away. Apparently, it was because fate wanted to wait for the right family. Eventually, they came in a fur-brother and a kittie, and great parents in the Spring. It was worth the wait, and Junior could not be happier!

Maya (formerly Mint Julep)

Maya with Josh and Justin

Mint Julep was never just a drink to us – no, she was so much more! At risk for death at TLAC, and a staff favorite, Love-A-Bull pulled her at the last minute with literally nowhere to go. Leala and Lydia drove around in the car with her for about 6 hours calling foster home after foster home with a “true emergency,” until one of our good citizen fosters took her for the night. We’d figure it out later, right? We have no regrets, and we are sure her new parents are happy we did what we did! Maya has found her forever home, and she now knows love, instead of cages. We sure have no regrets and we know her family LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Maya!

Tex

Tex and Family

Tex was a feral stray in East Austin for over a year, until the day she followed an eight year old boy home. Tex began hanging out around the boy and his friends. When Tex started following the boy home, he started walking to Animal Trustees of Austin to pick up some kibble for her. He also asked about getting her shots and having her spayed. The boy was told that he needed to return with someone over the age of 18. Tex wasn’t quite sure what dog kibble was, but she tried it. Tex began sleeping on the porch at the boy’s house, as they were told by their landlord that they could not have her at their apartment. Finally, the boy’s mom contacted Love-A-Bull and Leala decided to foster Tex until the boy’s family could move into a house where they could keep her. She is now a very happy girl who has learned to live inside a home with a house full of children (which is a much better life than her days on the streets).

Kinsey

Kinsey

L-A-B received a call from a concerned neighbor that Kinsey had been locked in a yard for over four years. He was particularly concerned with the harsh Winter, and that her “owners” had been moving her back further in the yard so they didn’t have to hear her pitiful cries. L-A-B went out and spoke to the brother of the boy who had “owned” Kinsey, and he agreed right away that this was no way for a dog to live. He surrendered Kinsey. Phew! Kinsey found a great foster with a fur-sister she just adored (boy, does this girl L-O-V-E dogs!) and now she has found a family that L-O-V-E-S her (inside, where she belongs).

Hop-A-Long Cassidy

Cassidy before

Hop-A-Long Cassidy

Cassidy had a hard, hard life. She was used and abused by a backyard breeder. She had never seen the inside of a house, and she had somehow “lost a leg.” This tripod girl never lost her sense of humor, not even when she was on death row in a shelter in Decatur, Texas. Love-A-Bull friend and supporter, Deb from KROX called and asked if we could pull her, and well, how could we turn Deb down? We are glad we didn’t because this girl really deserved some air conditioning and a couch after all she had been through! She wormed her way into her adopter’s heart and now they spend lazy days on the porch, and nights hanging out inside. We are so happy for Cassidy. We can’t bring back all of her days, but we know the rest of her life will be filled with joy.

Mina

Mina with Her Family

Mina’s story is a sad one, but not your typical sad pit bull story. Mina had an owner that loved her, but he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, and Mina ended up in a high kill shelter in Dallas. With days left to live, a L-A-B volunteer pulled her. Mina now lives in a house filled with love and laughter again. There are children, dogs, and a swimming pool! She is getting used to the pool part, thanks to her life preserver! We just love happy endings!

Dash

Dash

Dash was found tied to a tree in Austin. Her leg had an old injury (possibly was broken at some point), and she was just a few months old. A kind woman took her in, but she didn’t have much in the way of financial means, and Dash, another pittie, and the woman were living in a trailer. It was clear she could not stay. L-A-B stepped in and moved her to a new foster home. That woman fell in love, and the rest is well … history — another foster failure! Dash is a happy girl, and we are happy for her.

Gidget

Gidget

Gidget was evaluated by our trainer, Jess, at TLAC and did very well. She was a happy, beautiful girl. Unfortunately, there was no available foster home. A week or so later, we got the “dreaded call.” They were killing at TLAC, and Gidget was on the list. I had to inform Jess, as I knew she was personally invested. Jess called me back in tears — she couldn’t let it happen. She was going to personally foster! Phew! Gidget now has a new Dad and a running partner (what could be better!). He is a proud member of the Armed Forces, and we think they make a great pair.

Champ

Champ

Champ was one of three pups (see Zeke and Hank) living in the backyard with five pitties, all in terrible health. They were full of mange and hookworms, and the adults had heartworm, and all were terribly neglected. L-A-B found out about the dogs through a caring TLAC volunteer. All were courtesy posted, and little by little they made their way into foster homes. A family from Houston fell in love with Champ at first sight. He now has a spoiled life and a kitty for company, as well as children to surround him with love. The little pup with a rough start will never know what it is to be neglected again.

Zeke (formerly Tux)

Zeke

Zeke had a rough start. Born in a backyard with 6 other dogs — covered in mange and riddled with worms, and stuck enduring the hottest, driest summer on record, he still managed to be VERY happy (and pretty darn calm)! L-A-B managed to rescue Zeke, Champ, and Hank — three brothers from East Austin. As you can see, Zeke is now well LOVED, and like his brother Champ, also has a kitty family member! We are extremely happy that Zeke will not grow up in that environment, and will have the chance to have a happy, fulfilled life!

Hank

Hank

Yes, Hank also doubles as a pillow.

Hank, Zeke and Champ’s brother, was the last of the trio of boys to be adopted, but certainly not the least! Hank was also found riddled with mange and worms, and living a life of neglect. When we rescued the three, we couldn’t help but notice his calm and beautiful spirit. He was such a gentle boy, and that definitely was noticed by his new mom. She was immediately enamored and now, like his two brothers, he will grow up, happy, adored, and LOVED (like all pitties should)!

Hank has sure come a long way from a hot, dirty backyard and no one to care for him. We often receive updates from his mom, like the video below…how adorable is this!

 
 
 

Pebbles

Pebbles and Her Kids

Pebbles story begins with the harsh reality that many pit bull type dogs have to face everyday, she was an owner surrender placed in the hands of a high kill shelter in Dallas, Texas. At no fault of her own, she was immediately put on the kill list due to lack of space. Fortunately, this girl was saved just in time by Love-A-Bull and is now a wonderful ambassador for her breed. Just days after she made the trip to Austin, the veterinarian that examined Pebbles fell in love immediately and knew she would be a perfect fit for her family. Pebbles now has a hard time deciding just which bed she is going to sleep in at night, switching from room to room—sleeping with all four kids!

Bunny

Bunny

Bunny was found wandering the streets of San Antonio, sick and severely dehydrated. She had clearly been used for breeding, and had either been tossed away or escaped from a harsh life. At her fosters, it became apparent that she had the worst case of confinement anxiety Love-A-Bull had ever seen. After causing a torrent of damage to their house, did they give up? NO. They did what everyone wishes every family would do. They stuck by her, training her slowly, day by day, not to fear. They grew with her, and the bond grew stronger. Bunny learned that the world was not scary, and her fears slipped away. You know where this ends, right? They adopted her, and boy is she happy NOW! The family still fosters other dogs for Love-A-Bull so Bunny gets frequent visitors, but Bunny will always be special.

Sam Wheat (formerly Cain)

Year and a half of damage to his ears

Much healthier & happier Sam

Sam Wheat joined Bellamy as a pup and was chained by her side for a year and half. He didn’t have to endure the decade she did, but his life was no happier. He was the victim of “fly strikes,” and a neighbor became concerned when nearly half of his ears had been eaten away. He had given himself a hematoma trying to shake the flies away, as they were ravaging him. Bloodied and a mess, the neighbor finally had enough and called for help. Love-A-Bull came. In a strange way, those flies did him a favor, as the ten years Bellamy was chained apparently was of no concern. In any event, we got those two babies out of there as fast as we could, and on to better things. Sam now lives in a house with two Pomeranian brothers, and is surrounded by love — he is frequently visited by grandchildren, and the house is lively, and boy is he spoiled (we hear there is steak and lobster involved)!

Fender (formerly Ferdinand the “Bull”)

Sores from the years of chain-life

Fender & Gibson - Guitar Brothers

Fender was yet another chain rescue from Martindale, Texas. He spent seven long years on a chain, and he was rescued along with another pittie (see Grady) and a rottie (that went to a rottie rescue). Fender had such a sweet and gentle soul that he was originally named Ferdinand the “Bull,” for the classic children’s tale. When he was first rescued, he could do nothing but curl up and pass out in his rescuer’s arms. He knew. He now has a brother pittie, appropriately named Gibson, and a Mom who adores him. He loves to chill on his cool tile floor, and play with his “soccer ball” that his Mom bought him. He knows that life is good from here on out, and that sleeping in a comfy bed with his new family is in his future.

Kyra

Kyra

Kyra experienced first-hand some of the worst behavior humans are capable of… Before her last few weeks at the shelter, Kyra was being held by an animal abuser posing as a foster. When authorities were able to enter the house, they found horrific evidence of abuse and neglect and learned that Kyra had been locked in a small closet for up to three months with no access to food or water other than what her abuser allowed. Rare are the cases when a shelter is better than a home. Unfortunately, this was Kyra’s situation. Kyra was adopted, and then returned by someone who didn’t realize what a shining light Kyra was… but fortunately her roommate did! So, Kyra never made it back to Love-A-Bull! Instead, she was transferred to her Mom who will love her the way she deserves for the rest of her life!

Asha

Asha

Asha was originally used as a bait dog. She came into TLAC, shy and terrified. She was so shut down that people just scared her to death. She took a long time to warm to people, originally only finding comfort in dogs. She still shakes a bit when she meets people, but she has come a long way. After a lot of false promises and hope, she finally has a permanent family to love her and introduce her to life. We are so happy for this sweet, sweet girl.

Karma (formerly Annie)

During her recovery

Karma after

Karma was dropped at the shelter with a horrendous case of mange. Having been used and abused for her pups, her “owners” had no use for her anymore. Even after L-A-B offered her “family” medical assistance they didn’t have any desire to keep her. She made her way to the kill list, but this sweet, sweet girl needed a happier end to that story. So, she went into the L-A-B foster program and was eventually adopted by L-A-B’s very own trainer, Jess Wilson. Jess intends to use her as a demo dog and eventually a Pit Crew therapy dog. Now, that is a much better life than a backyard breeder dog, don’t you think?

Angelo and Spike (formerly Patrick)

Spike Before

Angelo and Spike

Angel (a/k/a Angelo) followed L-A-B volunteer Jessica’s parents home in Dallas (boy, that dog knew who to follow!). So, Angel got to visit the Music City while Jessica got to searching for a foster! Angel’s foster Mom and Dad gave him lots of love, and his foster brother taught him some of the finer points of canine etiquette. In no time at all, he found his fur-ever home. Angel’s mom just adores him… so much so that she got in the market for a new pittie companion from Love-A-Bull! Spike (f/k/a Patrick) came to the Wilco shelter underweight by about 30 pounds. A staff favorite, they were quick to nominate him for the L-A-B foster program. At his first foster home, he lasted one day. They felt he was stubborn and difficult. What they didn’t realize just yet was Spike just didn’t understand… he was deaf! So, on to another foster. We knew it would take a special someone for Spike, and that is what he found. Spike is now surrounded by love, and that special someone who is connected to his needs, as his Mom has that special quality — PATIENCE. We are so happy that this family found each other!

Fletch

Fletch

Fletch came to us after suffering from severe confinement anxiety at TLAC. After numerous failed fosters (and a failed adoption) and a few successful fosters, we finally learned that Fletch had OCD, likely resulting from severe abuse at an early age. At one point, we wondered if any family would step up for Fletch. Would anyone have the patience? Thankfully, doggie miracles happen, and a family came. They came from Ft. Worth, and drove all the way to Austin, just to love Fletch. The angels smiled down on Fletch, and we couldn’t be more happy for him. Fletch’s healing will take time, and his new family understands that, and that is the kind of news that makes us smile.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin

Pumpkin wandered up all alone to her soon-to-be foster’s door. Apropos of her color, it was right around Halloween. She was very skinny, and had some broken teeth, indicating she may have spent some time on a chain. She was very sweet, and was desperate for some love. Her foster was living in a tiny home of less than 600 square feet, and already had three dogs, but did what she could to help her. Eventually, sweet Pumpkin found all the love she needed in a permanent place with a lovely yard, and a Boston Terrier pal. Pumpkin’s life is much better now, and her past is behind her!

Ginger

Gorgeous Ginger

Ginger was rescued from death row at an East Texas High-Kill Shelter in September of 2009. Ginger was an owner surrender at about age 6. Ginger was adopted in December of 2009, but was then returned in September pf 2010 because her family was having another human child and they felt Ginger just didn’t fit in anymore (ugh!). Madam Ginger was a long stay in our adopt-a-bull program, but lucky for Ginger her foster parents fell head over hills in love with her and decided to bring Ginger into to their family just as she was headed into her elderbull days.

Russell (formerly Rusty)

Russell Before

Russell Now!

Russell (f/k/a Rusty) is almost famous. Pictures of him and his emaciated sister (Maxine, who will hopefully be adopted soon) went viral after a Facebook post of their lifeless, chained bodies were sent all over the country. Pleas of help were sent everywhere, and of course, to Love-A-Bull. We couldn’t say no, and, in a perfect finale, we freed them from their bonds on Independence Day. Two sweeter dogs couldn’t have been suffering a worse fate, but now Russell lives the good life filled with LOVE, and we know Maxi’s home is just around the corner.

Murphy

Murphy

Murphy was found abandoned in Martingdale, Texas. Nobody knows his story for sure, other than he bore all the traditional signs of the irresponsible owner — unneutered and heartworm positive. He also was a bit scared of hand movements toward his face. Everyone who met him described him as nothing short of a “charmer,” and he certainly charmed his adoptive parents, who just fell in love right away. He will never have to worry about his past now, as he has the good life in his future. His new family just adores him — and we see good things in Murphy’s life from now on.

Lady Bird

Lady Bird playing Twister

Lady Bird came to Love-A-Bull after a string of unfortunate events. Lady Bird was originally rescued by a young man in 2008. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2009. Lady Bird was taken in by his mother, but in April of 2010, she was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) that spread to her lungs and her brain. She loved Lady Bird VERY MUCH but was losing her home because of her illness, and was very worried about what would happen to her sweet pittie in a scary world. After looking for months for someone to help place Lady Bird, Love-A-Bull was able to find a foster. From the moment that her foster family took her in, they all loved her, including their two pups. It didn’t take long before Lady Bird became a permanent member of the family. Her former family was extremely grateful to know that Lady Bird was adopted by such a wonderful family.

Farley (formerly T-Bird)

Farley on the Farm

T-Bird, now Farley, was rescued during an eight-state dog-fighting raid in 2009 that turned out to be the largest in U.S. History. After his rescue from the dog-fighting operation, this sweet boy spent the following two years in a kennel as “evidence.” He then spent about five months at the Austin Humane Society where Love-A-Bull eventually became aware of him and pulled him. A family with decades of bully experience came along and gave Farley a loving home. Now he spends his days on a lovely farm where he romps with his sister Staffie mix, as well as cats, chickens and horses! Farley got the best of second chances, and a wonderful home! You can read more in the blog post and video of Farley’s adoption.

DeNiro (formerly Romeo)

DeNiro

DeNiro (f/k/a Romeo) came to us as an abuse case. He was being kept in a backyard and was mistreated by his “owners.” He was repeatedly running around lost and unfixed in his neighborhood, and was eventually injured — possibly by a car. Eventually, he made his way to Love-A-Bull. Coincidentally, his foster mom made her way to us around the same time with a broken heart, having lost her pit bull to the Rainbow Bridge. This pup and foster Mom pair had the same personality, one human, one canine. Their hearts were meant for one another. The two paired up, and the rest was well … history.

Bella

Bella

Bella was found as a stray in Northeast Austin. She was about 11 months old and was very skinny, dehydrated and had an eye infection. She was shy and timid at first, but came out of her shell quickly. Bella was originally a “courtesy post,” but her fosters did not have a lot of luck placing her, and she was re-homed several times to people who did not have the proper commitment. Eventually Love-A-Bull just had to step in for this sweet girl. Luckily we did, because she found her fur-ever home with her sweet feline pal. Bella is now living the sweet life, and doesn’t have to worry anymore about what tomorrow will bring.

Daisy (formerly Harley)

Daisy

Daisy (f/k/a Harley) had an interesting story. We received a call from TLAC’s rescue coordinator that a dog was brought in by APD. Apparently, she was owned by a homeless person, and he was caught trying to drown her in Town Lake. They did not want to put her up for adoption for fear that he would find a way to get her (as he had pulled her out of TLAC before). Daisy’s only way out of TLAC was through a rescue. She was evaluated and passed with flying colors. Daisy went on to foster with two Chihuahuas and loved every person and dog she met. She was just a happy dog! It wasn’t long before she found her family, and now she has a permanent home (and an inside place to live!). They just adore Daisy, and we know this is a match made in heaven.

Beau

Beau

Beau was lost, but not now he is found. He was wandering around in the hottest, driest summer on record. He had a leg injury, and was certainly dehydrated. A L-A-B volunteer heard about him when a blast e-mail warned that there was a “dangerous-looking” pit bull wandering about the building. With a little encouragement from veteran L-A-B staff, he was rescued in no time and the “dangerous” dog was evaluated as A + material for therapy dog work, proving once again never to judge a book by its cover. He is now living with a wonderful Mom who just adores him, and Beau now never has to worry about being homeless again.

Holly

Holly Before

Holly Now

Holly knows a hard life. Holly started off her life chained in East Austin. Somehow, she got off her chain and was hit by a car and the chain got stuck in the wheel of a truck. The driver of the truck dragged her down the street, and then got out of the car, removed the chain, and left her on the street. She was then taken to TLAC with her eye hanging out. The owners picked her up (left her antibiotics behind) and a very concerned TLAC volunteer called us. L-A-B went to speak to the family and found five pit bulls in the yard — they let us rescue 4. Holly was the only female, and the mother of three young boys (see Champ, Zeke, and Hank). Although she only has one eye, and was suffering from heartworm, and riddled with all sorts of parasites, she had the sweetest disposition. She won over her fosters, and they couldn’t part with her. Fortunately, the rest of Holly’s life will be a happy one.

Miss America “Missy”

Missy and Family

Miss America (“Missy”) was returned to the shelter numerous times, as she was partially deaf, and her various adopters did not have patience for her. One family, who did love her, lost her due to foreclosure. After being bounced around and around, she developed separation anxiety. Finally, she landed in long-time L-A-B fosters, who finally decided maybe this foster needed to be permanent. Normally, we are sad to lose a foster, but this ‘ol girl needed some permanency, and we couldn’t have been happier for her. There is no need for her to fret time alone, as she is surrounded by three kids and three dogs! This house is always humming!

Charlie

Charlie & his new buddy

Charlie was found by the Texas Hearing and Service Dogs running along the highway. It was believed that he was “shot gunned” from a distance. He was thin and in bad shape, and very shy. He sprung to life and felt better in no time, as he stayed and received some training. Eventually, Southpaws Playschool was kind enough to take him in as a rescue. Ultimately, Love-A-Bull took him into its program, and he was adopted by his very own family. Charlie loves curling up with his new buddy while he plays with his “Spiderman” toys. It is clear he has finally found his forever “home.”

Willie Nelson

Willie and Family

Willie Nelson was singing the blues at TLAC. A long stay dog, he was terribly frustrated. Fortunately, he had volunteers rooting for him, and he made his way out as a L-A-B foster. Kind to little dogs, and kitties alike, he was eventually spotted by his new parents. He is no longer singing the blues, and he is much adored by his new Mom, Dad, and fur-brother. We couldn’t be happier for this smiling boy!

Winston

Winston and the pack

Winston was found on the streets of Austin. He had sustained an unknown injury to his leg. Even with all this pain, he still greeted folks with a happy tail and sweet kisses! Winston was put into the L-A-B adoption program and quickly found his way into the heart of his foster Dad. After only a couple weeks this sweet little guys personality started to blossom and his foster Dad realized he was a perfect fit for his pack! Today Winston is comfy and snuggled in as a permanent member of the family. He spends his free time chewing on his Kong, and taking long walks with his forever family!

Turkey

Turkey loves his new mom!

Turkey was facing death at the Irving shelter. From the moment he was saved, his sweet temperament and silly personality came to life. Turkey never met a person, dog, or cat that he didn’t like! Turkey caught the eye of his Mom when she was searching for a new addition to her family. Right away, a connection was made…Turkey and his Mom are learning more and more about each other everyday, and are building a strong bond that we know will last a lifetime.

Betty White

Betty, Chester, Chica and Mom

Betty White was found as a stray in East Austin and brought into the shelter by an APD officer. She was dirty and flea and tick-covered, and had her ears chopped terribly. As the volunteers at TLAC bathed her, they immediately fell in love with the Elderbull. She was
fostered by one of L-A-B’s volunteers who had a huge heart for elderbulls, and who had previously adopted Chester, another elder statesman. Well, you know where this is going… Before long, Betty White became one of the family too. How could she leave?

Boots & Dora

Boots before

Boots now

Dora and Boots in the beginning...

Happy Dora, Happy Mom

Boots was rescued along side his mom, Dora “the Explorer,” from East Austin. Love-A-Bull had originally assisted their humans with the cost of spay/neuter and vaccinations. A few months later, we found out they had been left in the yard one too many times while their owner was incarcerated. We decided to step up and get a bit more involved, as it became all to clear that the dogs were suffering. Dora and Boots are very special dogs, and we are happy they wiggled themselves into the hearts of their adoptive families. Dora’s Mom loves to cuddle on the couch with her, and Boots has found a new shadow — the family’s little girl who never leaves his side!

Raisin

Raisin (left) and Mick with the family

Raisin is a LUCKY dog — though she may not know it. While on a rescue mission in Martindale (for an entirely different dog), two L-A-B Board Members turned around, and what was behind them? Raisin. A loose, totally shy pit bull. Well, she wasn’t the dog they came for– but she was the dog they ended up rescuing. Everyone who met Raisin immediately loved her, that included all the cats and dogs at the vet’s office. This gentle spirit was the perfect fit for a family with a dog and a five month old, and we know she won’t miss life as an abused stray. And we also know her new family will love her forever.

The Seven Dwarfs

These adorable puppies came to us when another “rescue” contacted us threatening to return all 7 of them and their sweet Momma (Truffle) to a high kill shelter in San Antonio because their “foster” was selling the pups at four weeks old on Craigslist, and they didn’t have anywhere for them to go. We found a great foster, and all of these sweet puppies were home by Christmas. Who doesn’t love fairy tale endings! (More pictures coming soon.)

Sneezy

Sleepy

Dopey & Happy

Doc

Grumpy

Ivy

Ivy with her happy parents

Ivy was pulled from the Bastrop shelter just before her scheduled euth date. She was brought to our attention, along with Lily, by a volunteer who really wanted to save “two special girls.” We took a road trip and agreed Ivy was special (and there was more to the story, as two became three… see Jasmine). Ivy had a spate of bad luck, even with some wonderful potential adopters. Her ultimate fur-ever adopters also had a spate of bad luck in trying to find the “perfect” dog, so we think it may have been ‘kismet’ that they found each other. We know that this family will grow together and learn to love together.

Jasmine

Jasmine and her boy

Jasmine got really lucky. On a rescue mission at the Bastrop shelter for two other pitties, L-A-B Board Members were asked (meekly) about Jasmine. The shelter staff knew that L-A-B was already rescuing two dogs, and didn’t really have room for anymore, but they really, really wanted to help Jasmine and they knew she didn’t have a chance. Frustrated, they left and started making calls. There was a woman in Arlington who had said she MIGHT be interested in fostering — Jasmine wasn’t really what she was looking for… could she convince her? She was so sweet! They couldn’t stand the thought of her dying. Well, you know this is going to have a happy ending. So, Jasmine made the long trip, and the whole family fell in love, including her seven-year old grandson, who just couldn’t part with her! Sometimes, it’s just meant to be!

Abilene “Abby”

"Scabby Abby"

Much happier little pup!

We first heard about Abilene “Abby” at the Austin Pet Expo. She was living in the backyard, as her expecting owner had left her behind while she was pregnant. We were doing outreach and started speaking to a young man who mentioned a dog that was born “hairless.” We immediately gave him our number and told him to call us. He finally did a few weeks later, and we asked him to meet us at the vet that day. He had never heard of Demodex mange. Abby was one giant scab. She was also scared of just about everything. Abby blossomed in foster care, and was adopted shortly thereafter. Things have looked up for sweet Abby, named after the pink-shaped state of Texas on her nose! Thank goodness we ran into that man at the Pet Expo, or her life would have been very different.

Buck Rodgers

Mr. Buck Rodgers

Buck came from a high kill city animal shelter where he was due to be killed the day he was pulled. He was extremely emaciated and sick. He had only been in foster care with us for about a month — with that face we knew he wouldn’t be around long! His adopter said it was love at first sight! She’s an avid bike rider (BMX) and hopes to be able to take him riding with her on the trails. It didn’t take long for Buck’s life to start looking up, and we know his tail won’t stop wagging in the future!

Libby (formerly Penny)

Libby (f/k/a Penny) came from the Everman shelter where animal control officers were called by a woman who said she witnessed kids burning a dog. She has scars on her back from it, but in an ironic twist, she also had painted toe nails. She went into a foster home with one of our long-time volunteers. The dogs got along great and before you know it, our volunteer decided that was where she belonged. Libby is a super lucky girl who found a great home. Libby’s dad even takes her to his grandma’s ranch on holidays and some weekends, where she gets to meet lots of other pups and explore the wilderness!

Burns (not white fur) on her back

Two playful, perky pooches in a pod: Penny (left) & Libby (right)