This is Ava, a pit bull used as bait to train fighting dogs. She was recently picked up as a stray by animal services who would have had no choice but to put her down had Noah’s Ark Rescue not stepped up to care for her despite being at capacity. Noah’s Ark is an amazing rescue dedicated to helping extreme cases like this (follow this link to their abused animals page), and they are accepting donations to help with her care. Click the photo to go to her donation page.

I know that some people believe that the most humane thing people can do for dogs who have already been through so much is to euthanize them, and I do understand that sentiment. But I personally believe dogs that have been through hell at the hands of humans are owed a second chance so that they can experience the love and happiness that they so badly deserve. I base my belief on the fact that there are countless examples of severely abused dogs—like Oogy and Patrick—who are now thriving because people cared enough to give them their second chance.

*I do apologize for the graphic photo, which immediately brought tears to my eyes, but people should see the effects of abuse as many states still have very lax penalties for animal abuse offenses.