The story of Haddie is a true success tale, as this former “fighting bait” dog has found a new life filled with love and healing. Despite the terrible abuse she suffered in the cruel world of dogfighting, Haddie has managed to overcome her past and undergo an incredible transformation. Her journey from a scarred and unrecognizable victim to a happy and healthy canine is nothing short of amazing.
Haddie went through a traumatic experience that resulted in the removal of a lot of her skin. As a result, she ended up with only one eye which Erin Williams found endearing. Erin is a kind-hearted person who resides in Washington, D.C. Haddie and Erin now have a happy and secure life together, which is a stark contrast to Haddie’s dark past. While Haddie was initially scared of other dogs, she has now overcome this fear and enjoys playing in the park like any other dog. Erin is delighted to see Haddie embracing her newfound freedom.
Erin’s adventure with Haddie started last August 2020, after she found Haddie’s profile on petfinder.com by chance. Erin was captivated by Haddie’s one-of-a-kind appearance and couldn’t stop thinking about her, which eventually led to their serendipitous meeting. Haddie was rescued from a dogfighting ring located in Southern California, all thanks to a kind-hearted stranger who recognized the dire need for intervention. Her face bore the scars of the traumatic past she had endured as a “bait dog”, a heart-wrenching position that was forced upon her.
Although we don’t know much about Haddie’s history, Erin believes that she was subjected to brutal attacks from fighting dogs as a means of “training” in the cruel world of dogfighting. It’s important to remember that all dogs involved in these situations are victims of the cruelty. When Mutt Scouts paired Erin with Haddie, it was a life-changing moment for both of them. Because they don’t know Haddie’s actual birthday, Erin decided to celebrate it on January 19th – the same day as Dolly Parton’s birthday – to make it extra special for her beloved furry friend.
At first, Haddie was known for her friendly and playful demeanor. However, she had a hidden problem that prevented her from enjoying the company of other dogs – an intense fear that made her tremble with anxiety whenever she was around them. To tackle this issue, Erin sought the help of a professional dog trainer and began the journey to overcome Haddie’s fear. Slowly but surely, using hot dogs as a motivator, Haddie learned to form positive associations with other dogs in the park. With newfound confidence, Haddie transformed into a bubbly and lively pooch, running around the park with joy and even hopping around to express her glee.
Despite her distinctive appearance that calls for the application of sunscreen on her scars and nose, Haddie seems just like any other dog. Passersby usually approach Erin to ask about Haddie’s unique looks and story, but surprisingly, Erin has had mostly positive encounters. People often appreciate Haddie’s lively spirit and inquisitive nature, which she radiates with charm. Though there are occasional negative reactions, they are rare and typically reflect a lack of understanding of Haddie’s true character.
Erin’s furry friend, Haddie, has been a source of comfort for her during her struggles with depression. Not only does Haddie encourage Erin to take walks, but she also provides much-needed companionship during quiet moments. Through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Erin has shared Haddie’s lovable personality with the world and has been met with overwhelming support and kindness from strangers. This experience has reminded Erin that there are still good-hearted people in the world and has brought a new layer of joy to their lives. Despite facing adversity, love and positivity have prevailed, thanks to the wonderful community they’ve encountered online.