National Pit Bull Awareness Day is a time to celebrate the love, loyalty, and resilience of pit bulls, while confronting the systemic discrimination that continues to endanger their lives and stand between them and the families they deserve. Despite being among the most popular types of dogs in the United States, pit bulls face disproportionate barriers rooted in fear and misinformation.

From breed-specific legislation (BSL) and breed restrictions for housing to inflated insurance premiums, these baseless policies unfairly target pit bulls and responsible dog guardians, and fuel larger societal problems like the overwhelming companion animal overpopulation crisis, housing insecurity, and dangerous anti-pit bull rhetoric. The consequences of these policies are devastating — pit bulls make up approximately 20% of dogs entering animal shelters in the U.S., but 40% of those euthanized, meaning nearly half of the pit bulls who walk into shelters don’t make it out.

National Pit Bull Awareness Day serves as a reminder to reject bias, dismantle harmful stereotypes, celebrate the true nature of pit bulls, and advocate for pit bulls who are waiting to be adopted.

In honor of this day, we want to share the story of an extraordinary survivor: Grace.

From Suffering to Sanctuary

Grace is a stunning pit bull currently living at our sanctuary and rehabilitation center, Freedom Fields, where she is waiting patiently for her forever home. But her journey to safety is one that is filled with heartbreak, courage, and above all, hope.

Grace is a survivor of a barbaric practice known as pound seizure — a little-known but deeply disturbing pipeline in which animals from public shelters are sold to research laboratories. Many of these animals are beloved companions, lost or unclaimed, taken before their families even have a chance to find them.

Grace was one of them.

She was taken from a shelter and sold to a lab where she endured unfathomable cruelty. Her bones were systematically broken as part of a research study. Her body was abused. Her spirit was betrayed. Her suffering was hidden behind closed doors.

But Grace’s story didn’t end there.

A New Chapter Begins

Thanks to the relentless work of Beagle Freedom Project, Grace was rescued and brought to safety. She has been healing — both physically and emotionally — ever since.

At Freedom Fields, Grace now gets to run through the grass, chase toys, and curl up in the arms of staff members who adore her. She has a favorite blanket. She gives kisses with uncontainable enthusiasm. She loves belly rubs.

And somehow, despite everything she has endured, she still trusts humans.

Her capacity to forgive is nothing short of miraculous. Grace isn’t just surviving — she is living.

Be Part of Grace’s Journey

Grace’s ongoing care is made possible through our Sponsor A Survivor program. From the nutritious food she eats, to the medical care she receives, to the cozy blankets she sleeps on — everything is funded by sponsors. The kisses, of course, come free.

When you Sponsor a Survivor like Grace, you’re not just helping with shelter and care. You’re giving them a second chance at safety, dignity, and life.

You are helping a dog who has been through the worst, finally experience the best.

This National Pit Bull Awareness Day…

Let’s stand up for dogs like Grace.
Let’s challenge the stigma.
Let’s end the cruelty.
And most of all — let’s keep giving them hope.

Because every animal deserves a chance to feel safe, to be loved, and to be seen for who they truly are — not what the world wrongly assumes about them.