A dog, who was once a victim of dog fighting and lost half of her face, has finally found love and care after being adopted. Haddie’s appearance has completely changed due to the brutal attack by fighting dogs during an illegal operation. Her skin was rotten and peeling off, leading to the removal of a significant amount of it, leaving her with just one eye. Erin Williams, aged 36, was intrigued by her unique look and adopted her. They now live happily and securely in Washington D.C. Haddie has overcome her fear of other dogs and enjoys playing in her local park. Erin expressed her happiness by saying that Haddie has become a “real dog’s dog.” She discovered Haddie on petfinder.com in August 2020 and couldn’t resist the urge to adopt her.
A compassionate individual rescued Haddie from a dogfighting operation and delivered her to Mutt Scouts in Southern California. This two-year-old pup had sustained injuries all over her body, with her face being the most severely affected. A vet confirmed that the poor creature had been used as a “bait dog,” resulting in both physical injuries and significant emotional trauma. It is speculated that the other canines employed in dogfighting were continually made to attack her in order to “train” them. In these situations, all dogs involved are victims. Erin and Haddie’s fates became intertwined when Mutt Scouts paired them up, leading to a life-changing experience for both of them. Haddie’s actual date of birth was unknown, so Erin selected January 19th, Dolly Parton’s birthday, as a suitable stand-in.
Erin described Haddie as a kind and playful dog, but she had a fear of other dogs that caused her to shake uncontrollably when she heard or saw them. To help Haddie conquer her fears, Erin sought the assistance of a professional dog trainer. The trainer suggested feeding Haddie hot dogs while gradually introducing her to other dogs from a distance. Over time, they moved closer until Haddie associated dogs with safety and comfort. Erin believes Haddie’s personality, intelligence, and resilience played a significant role in her progress. Now, Haddie loves playing with other dogs at the park and even hops excitedly when it’s time for a walk.
According to the narrator, Haddie is quite the socialite. Erin mentioned that she’s fond of people and enjoys having her ears rubbed by anyone willing to do so. Although she requires medicinal sunscreen on her nose and scars whenever she’s outside, Haddie is just like any other dog in every other aspect, aside from her distinctive appearance. When strangers see her, they usually ask about her unusual features, but Erin says that people’s reactions are generally positive rather than negative, which is a pleasant surprise.
Most people respond to Erin and her unique dog, Haddie, with kindness and warmth. Erin’s infectious zest for life is hard to resist, as one friend noted, “it would be impossible not to be [excited]!” While there are some who may react negatively, Erin takes it in stride, realizing that they are missing out on knowing an amazing canine companion. Besides being a loyal friend, Haddie has also been a source of support for Erin during her struggles with depression. With a wagging tail and a gentle nudge, Haddie reminds Erin to take walks and even join in an afternoon nap.
Erin created Haddie’s accounts on Instagram and TikTok, and she believes that her followers have shown her how kind the world can be. Erin expressed her appreciation towards the supportive and thoughtful individuals she has encountered through social media.