As this year comes to a close, we are elated to hear that abused pit bull turned animal rights advocate, Caitlyn, has been named People Magazine’s best survival story of 2015. In May, Caitlyn was found wandering the streets of North Charleston, South Carolina, with her muzzle taped tightly shut, her tongue sticking out and bleeding. It appeared that she had been in that condition for several days, unable to eat or drink. For a moment rescuers were unsure if she would survive, but she has indeed overcome the odds. She underwent multiple surgeries to reconstruct her lips, tongue, and cheeks and, despite a visible scar that runs across her face, has recovered beautifully.
Photo via Charleston Animal Society Facebook
The man who is accused of taping Caitlyn’s muzzle shut to keep her quiet has been arrested and sits in jail as he awaits trial next year. Caitlyn has found a new loving family to call home and continues to gain national recognition as a symbol for abused animals everywhere. Caitlyn was featured in People’s annual pet awards issue (which will hit newsstands on December 21st), appearing in the “Hero Pets” section with her own photo shoot spread. The Charleston Animal Society has also started a movement using the hashtag #IamCaitlyn as a reminder that Caitlyn stands for every abused and abandoned dog in shelters.
Caitlyn’s story is one of resilience, strength, and willingness to love despite cruelty. We’re inspired and, of course, glad to see some positive press about a beautiful pit bull! We hope others will be reminded by her story that there are so many shelter animals waiting to be adopted into loving homes.