Despite the many prejudices in our world, some of the most common ones involve animals, particularly dogs. One widely accepted stereotype is the belief that Pit Bulls are unadoptable.
This mindset has led many people to dismiss the idea of adopting a Pittie altogether, leaving these loyal dogs often abandoned and forced to fend for themselves.
Thankfully, not everyone shares this view. One inspiring example is a woman named Caitlyn, who didn’t hesitate to open her heart and home to a Pit Bull in need.
In doing so, she changed her life forever…
The Beginning Was Everything But Easy
Source: GeoBeats Animals
When a Pit Bull named Liv was found as a stray, she was in heartbreaking condition—severely underweight, her stomach sagging from overbreeding, and her ears bent backward, likely from a botched cropping attempt.
But despite her rough past, Caitlyn, from Charlotte, North Carolina, saw something special in Liv. When their eyes met, Caitlyn was drawn to the sadness and resilience reflected in Liv’s gaze—a silent story of everything she had endured.
Even though Caitlyn already had a Pit Bull at home, she couldn’t turn away from Liv’s gentle spirit. Without hesitation, she decided to become her foster mom.
“We are excited to announce we have started our next adventure, but this one isn’t a road trip! We are fostering Liv!” Caitlyn shared in an Instagram post. “This sweet little girl is still taking some time to adjust. She is very skittish & nervous, but loves to sit in my lap and will literally hold my hand all day long!”
Given Liv’s difficult past, it’s no surprise that her adjustment to a new life wasn’t easy. Fear and uncertainty lingered in her every move. But with Caitlyn’s patience, love, and gentle care, Liv slowly began to trust again.
Over time, the walls around her heart started to crumble, and everything began to fall into place.
Source: GeoBeats Animals
“Baby Liv may be little, but she has a HUGE heart. I have watched her transform in less than a week with us from a terrified girl who would barely wag her tail to stealing Tot’s toys, pushing him out of the doorway to go first, and chasing us through the house,” Caitlyn shared in another heartfelt Instagram post.
Now, you might be wondering—who is Tot?
Well, that’s perhaps the most beautiful part of this story.
Tot Was Her Ticket To A Happy Life
Source: @totty_too_hotty
“She would not go for walks until I started bringing Tater Tot on the walks with us,” Caitlyn shared with GeoBeats Animals.
You might remember we mentioned earlier that Caitlyn already had a Pit Bull at home—that’s Tater Tot.
From the moment they met, it was love at first sight. Liv and Tot quickly became inseparable, forming a bond built on trust, understanding, and shared experiences. It wasn’t just their breed that connected them; both dogs had faced similar hardships in their pasts. Like Liv, Tater Tot was also a rescue dog.
What makes this story even more remarkable is that Tater Tot isn’t typically fond of other dogs. He’s selective, cautious, and not easily won over—especially by new furry faces in his space.
“I was terrified to do their meet & greet,” Caitlyn admitted in an Instagram post. “One night, she accidentally knocked down her gate. It fell on my foot & I could barely walk 🤣 it hurt so bad and bruised literally my entire foot.
She darted out to meet Tot, they started playing while I prayed it didn’t turn into a fight, and the rest is history.”
Against all odds, Liv and Tot clicked instantly. What could have been a tense and uncertain meeting turned into the start of an unbreakable friendship—one that would heal hearts on both sides.
Source: @totty_too_hotty
Although Liv had already become part of the family in so many ways, she was still technically just a foster dog. But the undeniable bond between her and Tater Tot became the turning point for Caitlyn—a moment of clarity that made her realize Liv was meant to stay forever.
From that day on, Liv became Sweet Pea, a name filled with warmth and affection, given to her by her loving mom.
But more importantly, Sweet Pea was no longer just a foster dog—she was now a cherished, full-fledged member of the family.
This black Pit Bull was finally where she belonged—safe, loved, and home.
She Blossomed Around Her Favorites
Source: @totty_too_hotty
Since finding her forever home, Sweet Pea has undergone five surgeries. One of her most visible wounds was a scar on her face—a painful reminder of her past hardships.
But with her final operation, that wound healed completely. It was as if the physical scars of her difficult past faded away, making space for a new chapter filled with love, security, and happiness.
Despite everything she endured, Sweet Pea has blossomed into an affectionate and devoted companion. She loves resting her paws on her mom’s hand, soaking up gentle head pats, and offering quiet comfort to her loved ones during tough moments.
For Sweet Pea, her family is everything—and she makes sure they feel that love every single day.
Source: @totty_too_hotty
“Even to this day, she doesn’t go for walks unless the three of us are together,” Caitlyn shared with GeoBeats Animals. “It doesn’t matter if the TV is on, it doesn’t matter what’s going on, as long as I am with her or Tater Tot is with her.”
This inseparable trio often visited Caitlyn’s mom at her workplace, where a sprawling field offered plenty of space for the dogs to run and play. Sweet Pea would romp around with her brother Tater Tot for a while, but before long, she’d return to stand protectively by her mom or granny’s side.
Even when off-leash, Sweet Pea never wandered far. Her family was her anchor, and she made sure to keep them close—always.
Despite everything she endured, Sweet Pea found the strength to survive, heal, and rise above her past. The unwavering love and support of her family became her fuel, her reason to keep going. Without them, her journey might have had a very different ending.
But the most powerful part of Sweet Pea’s story is the lesson she leaves behind: love is stronger than any prejudice, stereotype, or scar.
In the end, love always wins.
You just need to find the right people.