In the world of animal rescue, some stories break hearts before they can mend them.
Ivy’s story is one of resilience, hope, and second chances. A 9-year-old pit bull mix, Ivy spent over a year waiting for the opportunity to start anew. Her journey—marked by neglect, survival, and an incredible rescue effort—highlights the importance of organizations dedicated to saving pets in desperate need.
A Year in Limbo: Ivy’s Long Wait
Ivy’s story began under heartbreaking circumstances. She was discovered tied to a tree, a victim of severe neglect. With no access to food, clean water, or even enough space to move freely, she was barely surviving. Animal control officers seized her in a neglect case, bringing her to a local shelter where her fate remained uncertain.
Her stay in the shelter was not brief—she lingered there for over a year. Ironically, the same factor that led her to the shelter in the first place was also what kept her alive. Because Ivy was part of a court case, the shelter was likely under instruction not to euthanize her due to space constraints, a reality many other shelter dogs do not escape.
Why Was Ivy Overlooked?
Despite her sweet nature and enduring spirit, Ivy was repeatedly overlooked by potential adopters. Two factors worked against her:
- Her Breed – Pit bull mixes often face discrimination in shelters due to breed stigma, even though research suggests they are no more dangerous than any other breed (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2023) .
- Her Medical Condition – Ivy tested positive for heartworm, a treatable but costly disease that often deters adopters (American Heartworm Society, 2023) .
Shelters across the country face challenges placing dogs like Ivy in homes. According to the Best Friends Animal Society, pit bulls are among the most common breeds found in shelters and often have longer stays compared to other dogs (Best Friends Animal Society, 2023) .
A Life-Changing Rescue: Ivy’s Second Chance
In June 2023, Ivy’s story caught the attention of a team dedicated to animal transport—a lifeline for dogs running out of time. The organization specializes in moving pets from high-intake shelters to rescue groups in areas where they have a better chance of finding a home.
Finally, after more than a year in the shelter, Ivy received the opportunity she had been waiting for. She became the organization’s 10,000th transport, marking a significant milestone in their lifesaving efforts. Today, she is on her way to Fetch Wisconsin Rescue, a foster-based rescue in Madison, Wisconsin, where she will receive the love, care, and medical treatment she desperately needs (Fetch Wisconsin Rescue, 2023) .
A Call to Action: Helping More Pets Like Ivy
As Ivy and her transport group make their way across the country, the work isn’t done. Every day, thousands of shelter animals face euthanasia simply because shelters run out of space. Donations are critical in helping more pets like Ivy get on the road to safety.
Thanks to a generous donor, all gifts made while Ivy is en route will be doubled up to $10,000! This means that each dollar given has twice the impact, ensuring that more dogs in desperate situations can be saved.
The Power of Second Chances
Ivy’s story is a testament to the power of rescue, transport programs, and compassionate individuals who refuse to give up on animals in need. While her journey has been long, her future is now bright, thanks to those who believed she deserved a second chance.
⏰ Will you help Ivy and other pets like her? Make a gift before Ivy reaches her final stop by donating directly through Austin Pets Alive! at https://www.austinpetsalive.org/donate .
Follow more rescue stories and updates on their Facebook page: Austin Pets Alive! Facebook .
Every donation, share, and adoption saves a life. Be part of the change.