When people saw Sully, a 5-month-old Pit Bull, they didn’t see his wagging tail or hopeful eyes. They only saw a “mean-looking” dog. Strangers avoided him, assuming he was aggressive. But Sully’s true nature? It’s nothing short of surprising.
All it took was five minutes with him—just five minutes—to realize how wrong they were.
A Lonely Life at the Shelter
For months, Sully sat in a cramped shelter cage, his days blending into lonely nights. Despite his sweet personality, no one gave him a chance. He went to sleep every night, hoping someone would finally see him for who he really was.
Then, one day, everything changed.
Julia Correll, a volunteer with the Desert Dog Project, first met Sully at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control in Arizona. His tired eyes and worn-down body tugged at her heartstrings. How could anyone think this gentle soul was scary?
Sully, once named Gindo, had lived a tough life. He was picked up as a stray alongside his puppies and a female dog. While the others found homes, Sully was left behind. Adding to his struggles, severe arthritis made every step painful.
But Julia saw beyond his appearance. “He is the most gentle, loving dog,” she said. “He loves belly rubs and sitting on your lap. Nothing rattles him. He’s a true lover.”
A Second Chance at Life
Determined to show Sully a better life, Julia started taking him on outings. They spent sunny afternoons at the park, lounging on a blanket and soaking up the warmth. In those quiet moments, a deep bond formed. Sully had found his hero.
What began as fostering quickly became forever. Julia couldn’t bear to let him go. “He’s the easiest foster dog I’ve ever had,” she shared on Instagram.
Adjusting to home life wasn’t instant. It took Sully six months to feel fully comfortable, but his gentle nature won Julia over. To support his mobility, Julia went above and beyond—strollers, custom braces, physical therapy, and even acupuncture became part of his routine.
A Happy Ending Worth Celebrating
As Sully thrived, Julia decided to give him one more surprise: a sibling. When Effie, another rescue dog, joined the family, Sully stepped up as the most caring big brother. The two became inseparable.
Sully’s life is now filled with love, adventures, and the family he always deserved. From feared and forgotten to cherished and celebrated, Sully’s story is proof that sometimes all a dog needs is a chance to show their true self.
Share Sully’s story with your friends—because every misunderstood pet deserves a happy ending!
