Recognizing One Pit Bull’s Potential

Katie P. has fostered many dogs for different animal rescue organizations, but Tessa, a two-year-old pit bull she fostered for the ASPCA, was a unique case.
 
“There was just something about her,” says Katie, who recognized Tessa as highly intelligent, sensitive, and gentle. 
 
Within a week, Katie and her boyfriend Perry decided to adopt Tessa. 
 
“She has so much potential,” Katie says. “And there are such misconceptions about pit bulls. The reality is Tessa is sweet, loving, and loyal.”
 

Meeting Tessa’s Needs

Before she was moved to the ASPCA Adoption Center, Tessa had been at Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) for just over two weeks. 
 
“She was a stray who displayed high levels of fear,” says Rachel Maso, Director of Behavior for the ASPCA Adoption Center. 
 
Specifically, Tessa was afraid of the leash and would lie still on the ground, showing her teeth when presented with the leash. Sometimes, she would also grab the leash so intensely that staff were unable to walk her.

Enrichment and Exercise

Rachel’s team set Tessa up in a quiet area of the ASPCA and provided plenty of enrichment while she settled in. 
 
“We gave her lots of healthy chews and puzzle toys to help her burn some of that nervous energy throughout the day,” says Rachel. 

Reinforcing Better Behavior

Katie and Perry have experience dealing with multiple breeds as well as behavior issues like insecurity and aggression.
 
At their first in-person meeting, behavior specialists showed Katie how to walk Tessa and when to reward her. 
 
“Katie helped transition Tessa’s new behaviors into a home environment and reinforced them in real world scenarios,” Rachel says. “We knew it was a good sign when she asked to take Tessa hiking after just a few days.”
 
 Katie and Perry officially adopted Tessa on April 12, knowing the ASPCA Behavior Team would continue to support them if they had any challenges.

Advancing to Ambassador

Katie and Perry love having a pit bull as a pet, though they’ve experienced first-hand the misconceptions about the breed. The couple live in a quiet New Jersey neighborhood near parks and green space—and lots of other dogs.
 
“Sometimes people are afraid of dogs like her—with their boxy heads and muscular bodies—even though she’s so sweet and gentle,” says Katie. “We’ve shared her story with everyone, and she has a great reputation in our community. Everyone knows her now. She’s come a long way.”

Rachel says the stigma placed on pit bulls means they often languish in shelters and have increased chances of developing behavioral challenges.
 
But Tessa, now re-named Harley, has become a positive ambassador for her breed. 
 
“She educates people that pit bulls are wonderful dogs and pets,” Katie says. “When people say they’re considering adopting one, it’s really warming to hear.”

Adds Rachel, “Tessa was such a misunderstood sweetheart. Adopting a pit bull is an opportunity to enrich your life and save theirs. I’ll always have a very special place for Tessa in my heart.”

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