Dogs that were forced to fight for entertainment now recovering thanks to Pit Sisters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It’s Destiny’s fifth day with the local nonprofit Pit Sisters and by the looks of her wagging tail, she couldn’t be happier.

But if you look closer, her face and body are full of scars. She’s even missing chunks from her ears.

Despite that, she’s seen big improvements.

When she was rescued from a dogfighting ring, her eyes were swollen shut.

The organization that took Destiny contacted the nonprofit’s founder, Jen Deane, to see if she could help.

“She (Destiny) had 40 puncture wounds in her head. She had staples all over head and all over her body where they had to stitch up her wounds,” Deane said.

Deane also took in another dog, Hope, from the same dogfighting bust.

“She also has a condition called Babesia gibsoni and that is a disease that is transmitted via a dog bite or a tick bite,” Deane said.

In all, Pit Sisters is caring for 35 dogs that were rescued from fighting rings.

The problem is international. Some of the dogs at Pit Sisters are from Canada.

Despite the trauma, Destiny and Hope seemed trusting of humans.

“They'll come up and sit in your lap and love you, no matter what. That's unconditional love,” Deane said.

Deane said people could learn from that lesson of love.

“We hold grudges over stupid things but think about what these little dogs have been through,” Deane said.

Destiny and Hope aren't ready for adoption just yet, and the treatment for their condition is expensive. If you'd like to donate to help with their treatment, you can visit the Pit Sisters website and make a note that your donate is for Destiny and Hope.

Pit Sisters is holding a one-year anniversary event in honor of the Doc Tony Tail Center on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Cox Media Group