The Healing Powers Of A Pit Bull

In October 2010 while hiking in the Sequoia National Forest, I had a terrible accident that landed me in Cedars Sinai Hospital for almost a month. I fell fifteen feet out of a fallen tree and snapped my jaw, cracked my cheekbone, pulverized my chin, and broke three bones on my right foot. When I was finally released from the hospital my jaw was wired shut; I had lost about fifteen pounds (mostly muscle in my legs), had a bandage around my neck from the tracheotomy, and was on crutches. Luckily my boyfriend at the time was there for me throughout this whole ordeal. If not for him, my parents, and his dog Cutter, I don’t know how I could have gotten through this ordeal.

My boyfriend had a busy schedule, so I was often left alone at his apartment. I had to stay in bed most of the time; one could imagine how lonely and bored I was in my situation. It really wasn’t that bad, though because Cutter - my boyfriend’s pit bull - was there by my side every minute of the day. When I got up to go to the bathroom, he’d follow me and sit outside the door. When I sat at the desk to work on puzzles, Cutter would sit underneath my feet with his head in my lap. He was the best.

Cutter was my companion during a very difficult time in my life. He gave me a sense of love, hope and security. He was my playmate as well as my guardian. It was as if he could sense what I was going through and what I needed, so he laid by my side and kept me company. I have had plenty of wonderful experiences with other dogs, but not at the same level as what I shared with Cutter; we both just wanted to love and be around each other. Cutter is the only dog with whom I have ever experienced this type of bond.

It is because of the impact Cutter had on my life that I got decided to get involved with Angel City Pit Bulls. Pit bulls are such special dogs that are sadly often misunderstood. Cutter played an important role in my healing, and taught me a great deal in the process. What Cutter did for me, I want to pay forward by helping others.

Hopefully my story will inspire people, like Cutter inspired me – and more and more people will get involved with animal rescue and education. Not only will this help more dogs go to good homes, but it will also allow people to experience the incredible love and loyalty that pit bulls have to offer.

Francesca
ACPB Volunteer