At a crowded California shelter, a sweet pit bull named Hogan curled into the corner of his kennel. Overcome with fear, he shook and cried, sensing that time was running out. Without help, his story was about to end far too soon.
When Ozzie and Friends Rescue learned about Hogan’s situation, they refused to let him slip away unnoticed. Rescuers rushed to save him, giving the terrified pup a second chance.
As soon as he was loaded into the car and realized he was safe, Hogan’s tears turned into smiles. He showered his rescuers with kisses on his freedom ride.
But Hogan’s journey wasn’t over. For three long years, he waited patiently at the rescue, hoping someone would see past his breed and into his heart. The playful, outdoorsy boy loved adventures but struggled to feel comfortable around other animals, making it harder for families to see him as the perfect fit.
In 2021, Hogan was placed with foster mom Evelyn Perez-Benitez. What was meant to be temporary quickly became permanent.
“I absolutely fell in love with him,” Perez-Benitez said.
Now, Hogan spends his days hiking trails, swimming in lakes, and soaking up the love of the mom who never lets him feel unwanted again.
For Perez-Benitez, Hogan has not only brought joy but also opened her eyes to the challenges pit bulls face. Too often overlooked and unfairly labeled, dogs like Hogan can spend years waiting for families willing to give them a chance.
Though she once thought she’d only be fostering him, Perez-Benitez can’t imagine life without her boy.
“I do everything I can for him,” she said. “I want to give him the best life possible because he is my family.”
From crying in a shelter kennel to smiling on every adventure, Hogan is living proof of what love and second chances can do.
To help other dogs like Hogan, make a donation to Ozzie and Friends Rescue.
