Pit bulls tend to have a reputation as being vicious and aggressive, an unfair stereotype that has made it very difficult for many of them to find homes. Pit bulls are the most common dogs in shelters, passed over because of their breed.
So when a particularly huge pit bull came into a shelter recently, everyone knew it would be hard to find him the right home — but now, Ace has found a happy ending.
On January 4, Ventura County Animal Services reported about a dog named Ace, a gigantic 103 pound pit bull:
According to The Dodo, Ace’s family had been caring for him for another family member. They never planned on keeping him longterm, and after unsuccessfully trying to home the dog they surrendered him to the shelter.
Ventura County Animal Services soon found out that, despite Ace’s intimidating size, he was a sweet, smart dog, with experience living with other pets and children.
“Ace is great with kids and has lived with a small dog,” they wrote on Facebook. “His favorite activities are going on walks, being pet, and playing with other dogs. He’s crate trained, house trained, and is good left alone for the length of a work day if need be.”
“He’s quiet with a calm energy even when he’s being playful. His quirk? Thinking he’s a lap dog.”
Despite Ace’s gentle nature, they knew his size and breed would be an issue for adopters visiting the shelter: “Our fear is that as a 103lb pit bull, people walking by his kennel might not give him the chance to show what a sweetie he is,” they wrote.
Still, they had faith that there was a perfect home for Ace somewhere out there, and shared his story with the world.
“We think Ace would do best in a home with another mellow dog and a yard where they can play,” Jules Hooper of Ventura County Animal Services told The Dodo. “Because of his size, he can be a strong puller on walks. An adult with the strength to guide him on [a] leash would be ideal. The most important thing is that he gets a loving family!”
Thankfully, Ace’s story went viral, and the shelter reportedly received adoption requests from around the country. And on January 9, they shared an inspiring update: Ace had been adopted!
The shelter shared a photo of Ace with his new dad: “We’re over the moon that Ace has found his forever family,” they wrote.
While Ace has found a happy ending, Ventura County Animal Services hopes that the attention this big dog has received will inspire people to consider other pit bulls in need of homes.
“While it’s amazing that Ace received so much publicity, we are hoping everyone interested in Ace can help us find homes for the rest of the pitties in our shelter who are so often overlooked – many of which have been in the shelter for months,” they wrote.
We’re so glad Ace found a home! He may be big, but that just means he has more love to give.
It’s a story that proves there’s a home out there for every kind of dog. Please share this inspiring story!
