The story of Sully, a 5-month-old Pittie, is a poignant reminder of how appearances can be deceiving and how a little kindness can change a life. To many, Sully’s initial look may have seemed intimidating, leading people to avoid him at all costs. Yet, those who took the time to truly see him would have discovered a loving, affectionate pup waiting for a chance.
Sully’s journey began in the Maricopa County Animal Care & Control shelter in Arizona. There, he was known as Gindo, a name that didn’t quite capture his spirit. Living in a small kennel, Sully suffered from severe arthritis, which made walking a painful challenge. He had been found as a stray with his puppies and a female dog, but while the others found homes, Sully remained behind, alone and overlooked.
Despite being only 5 months old, Sully’s poor living conditions made him appear much older. Covered in sores and scabs, his physical state was a stark contrast to his gentle nature. Julia Correll from Desert Dog Project, a rescue organization dedicated to helping dogs in need of medical care and foster homes, was the first to see beyond Sully’s rough exterior.
Julia was immediately drawn to Sully’s plight. She couldn’t understand why this sweet, affectionate Pittie wasn’t attracting interest. “Gindo has been waiting over 3 months at the shelter… He has severe arthritis and struggles to walk even a few feet. He was found as a stray and is estimated to be about 5 but he appears much older. He is skinny and covered in sores and scabs,” Julia wrote in a Facebook post.
Sully, despite his condition, was the most gentle and loving dog Julia had ever met. “He is the most gentle, affectionate, loving dog. His favorite thing is sitting in your lap and rolling over for belly rubs. He isn’t fazed by anyone or anything. He is truly such a lover,” Julia added.
Determined to give Sully a second chance, Julia began taking him on daily outings. Their trips to the park became a cherished routine, where Sully would lie on a blanket, soaking up the beauty of the world around him. These outings were not just about physical exercise but were crucial in building the bond between Sully and Julia.
Eventually, their foster arrangement blossomed into a permanent adoption. Sully quickly proved himself to be the easiest foster dog Julia had ever had. Despite needing six months to adapt fully to house life, Sully’s endearing qualities shone through. He adapted to his new life with grace, proving to be a loving and gentle companion.
Julia spared no effort in making Sully’s life as comfortable as possible. She provided him with a custom stroller to accommodate his mobility issues, ensuring he could join her on city walks and adventures. Sully also received joint injections, acupuncture treatments, and physical therapy to manage his arthritis. Julia even had custom braces made for his worn-down elbows to prevent further deterioration.
One of the most touching aspects of Sully’s new life was the addition of a dog sibling. When Julia adopted Effie, Sully embraced his new role as Effie’s guardian with joy and affection. He took care of Effie and was incredibly gentle and loving towards her, showcasing his nurturing side.
After enduring hardship and neglect, Sully finally found the loving family he deserved. With Julia’s dedication, he was able to experience the joy of a true home, complete with adventures, comfort, and companionship. Sully’s story is a testament to the transformative power of love and the importance of looking beyond appearances to see the heart of a truly special dog.
I hope this expanded version does justice to Sully’s remarkable journey and the incredible bond he formed with Julia.
4o mini