Angelo
October 9, 2011

I had been looking to adopt a Pit Bull for several months and had visited the MSPCA Methuen quite a few times. I grew up with three Pit Bulls and one bull mastiff. They are the smartest and most loyal dogs in the world, I could NOT imagine adopting any other breed.

I was nervous starting a new adoption because I already had two adopted cats and I needed a Pit Bull that would be accepting of these two ladies (Isabelle and Gingerbread).  Although ALL the dogs I encountered were sweet, I did not feel that immediate connection. In the early fall of 2010, two MSPCA staff, Mike and Diane, contacted me about an abuse case in Springfield involving eight puppies, of which the MSPCA received three. One of the dogs, Tumble, was an adoption candidate, but he was having some serious health issues and there was discussion that a Boston vet tech might adopt him. Weeks later Mike e-mailed me and said he was available again. I decided to foster him and he was brought to me on Friday, October 8, 2010 by Larry, an MSPCA volunteer.

I was a nervous wreck and did not know how the cats would react. That Saturday night I was at dinner with friends and could not stop thinking that I might have made a huge mistake.  I felt terrible for the cats - I felt it wasn't fair to them that now this dog was in their home. I was planning on having Larry pick him up Monday.  But Sunday rolled around, and I took him to a park down the street from my condo. While I was walking him I looked down at him and he looked back at me and just seemed so happy and thankful. It was then I knew that he would be with me for the rest of his life.

Today, Angelo (Tumble’s new name) is afraid of Gingerbread but LOVES Isabelle. Unfortunately Angelo was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. He had a difficult summer and underwent some costly treatments...he is worth every last cent. Thanks to Dr. Kearns and the staff at Angell Memorial, Angelo is now in a "remission" stage and is loving life!

Angelo is known around the neighborhood as a "lazy" boy who LOVES to visit two of his best human friends. His first human BFF is Amy; at her house, he gets many treats and naps near the steps and tourists visiting The Old North Church stop to take his picture and ask questions about him and the breed. Angelo then makes his way to Cafe Li'l Italy or Theo's Cozy Corner for toast with his other human best friend, Sonny. When it comes to dogs, Angelo's BFF in the whole world is Sheila, another Pit Bull that was rescued from the MSPCA in Methuen. They are amazing together and when walking them people often stop for pictures and ask questions about the breed. Angelo and Sheila do EVERYTHING together including CGC and therapy dog training. They are GREAT ambassadors for this breed.  

Adopting Angelo was one of the BEST decisions I've ever made. He is an amazing dog with a tremendous amount of loyalty and love. People are shocked when they see that he is a Pit Bull with such an incredible demeanor.