NEW BEGINNINGS
This page serves as a reminder of why we do what we do. As dogs find their forever home we check back regularly to see how they are doing, and to get the thoughts of those who have chosen to share their life with a pit bull. Some of these are truly remarkable.
Click to see our adopted pets!
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Kain David and Raven Marie
I haven’t checked in in quite awhile, Donna, but I must tell you that every time I see a post from you I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to meet you and for you rescuing our youngest son, Kain David, now nearly 6 years old! He is a joy, a true pittie clown, happiest dog we’ve ever known. Our first rescue Raven Marie, who looks like your Merci, has been the perfect mother, partner for him. Please take a moment and look at the large picture on my timeline on facebook. So funny, she is spooning him with one hand on his head, the constant protector. Thanks again Donna! Always remember you change so many ppls lives with your work, the pain is worth the reward. Stay strong dear lady, you’re always in our prayers, along with Merci and all the other rescues.
xoxoxo Cyndy E., Conway, Arkansas
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LuLu’s Story
LuLu
I never knew my life could be like this. I have lived by myself for quite a while now. I have always had cats and they are the love of my life; but they do not provide much in the motivation department. I grew up with big hunting dogs that fortunately my father owned and had the burden of their care. I have loved every animal that has come into my life, sometimes even more than people. I felt that my life had become dark over the past year. I am a night nurse and sleep during the day, am awake all night, and am not really the social butterfly I had always hoped to be. For some reason I started recording Cesar Milan’s, The Dog Whisperer, TV series. I didn’t have a dog at that point, but I really enjoyed his way with animals and people. I watched this show for over six months.
I am fortunate to be able to travel with my family, and we had an exceptionally nice trip planned for September. We were to see my mother’s best friend, husband, and son in San Francisco, then travel up the coast for a family reunion. Once I arrived in San Francisco, there was no doubt in my mind that my life needed to change. They have four dogs among them and it just seemed to work. Dogs sticking their noses in your crotch, silent but deadly poots that no one mentions, sweet licks of love, and animals brushing by you just because. One dog in particular, a Pomeranian, was pleased to just settle in the nook of my arm. If I could have held him all day, he would have let me. He was calm, content, and at his happiest when being held by a human. He slept with me one night and I was hooked. How loving they are! My airplane breath, irritable traveling mood, and emotional issues did not detour this sweet creature. I knew then that my life was definitely going to change.
LuLu
When I returned home, I secretly searched for the animal I had always wanted – a PIT BULL. This is why I had never gotten a dog, because I had always secretly loved the hated, feared, aggressive PIT BULL. The response I would receive from people was just plain negative. There are also many restrictions where I live, so I considered the American bulldog. I searched for a few days online and came across ”Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue”. When I saw her face, I knew it immediately. She was the one! My LuLu.
My stomach turned. Could I handle the responsibility? I contacted Donna to discuss possibly adopting LuLu and she was very leery of a single female who had never owned a dog,. She didn’t give in easily. She discussed the breed with me, stereotypes, local ordinances, and for God’s sake I owned cats. Donna was not what I expected. She wasn’t giving up Lulu overnight. She made me think about it – almost a month I waited, but I wasn’t one to lose a challenge. I obtained all the information that Donna required and actually worked hard to please her. I had made up my mind that LuLu was going to spend her life with me. The day Donna let me pick her up was the most nerve wracking and glorious day of my life.
LuLu
I arrived at my destination: Donnas’ quiet home in Memphis where LuLu lived. She greeted me, “Go around the back, Alex. There’s a noise ordinance, and I don’t want all the dogs to start barking.” Okay. I thought how many could there be? I loved Donna immediately, strong but kind, sassy and funny. We signed papers and then my heart dropped when she came through the door. My beautiful white American Bulldog Pit-Bull Mix with hazel eyes-gorgeous. Of course, she was still attached to Donna and she didn’t really even notice me; but I knew she was the dog for me. She was not a baby but still a silly, little puppy. I was nervous. Then Donna said, “Why don’t you come in the house and see what I do.” I thought that was fantastic!
When I walked in I saw the most glorious vision. Pit bulls were everywhere. They were kenneled in this woman’s living and dining room. They started barking at me and Donna without hesitation gave the command, “ Everyone quiet!!!” The room was silent. She said, “This nice lady is taking LuLu home and we need to say goodbye. There were fourteen dogs between two rooms, and one at a time a few chosen barks were offered. It was remarkable that this woman loved these animals so much that she would give up her home to share her life with them. There was no animal odor and dogs were patiently waiting their turn for whatever was next. She was preparing dinner for them, running them in her backyard, and deciding which one would sleep with her that evening. I was extremely moved. I knew that my baby’s temperament would reflect this woman’s inner self and I was pleased. Lulu was shy for three days. After that my life changed in the most wonderful way that I can hardly explain.
I took LuLu to the local Animal Services where the Director fell in love with her. He said, “Don’t worry, Alex we won’t have any problems with her”. I own quite an impressive dog. She can turn anyone her way with her loving and giving disposition. I immediately put her into puppy training, which is a joke. Once she sees a trick, she’s got it.
She learned to walk on the lead in one day. Her only problem is puppy attention span – it is extremely short, but she is eager to please. I give her a quick “sppsps” and she looks at me as if to say, “Oh sorry, Mommy, I forgot.” We have lived together for five months now, and she is the most wonderfully trained, beautiful puppy, and best friend I could have ever hoped for. We are still working with accepting the cats, but LuLu tries hard everyday to make friends with them. She gives me the look, “Mommy, I want to see the kitties.” She is a little rambunctious around them; but she alters her behavior every time, which I find amazing. I do believe they will become fast friends in time.
She is well socialized because of Donna’s influence and knows the importance of the pack. When I put her food down, she lets me walk away before she eats. This is of her own accord. I have never seen an animal sleep the way she does. She likes to go to bed at 10:30 p.m. — with or without me. If I oversleep, she lightly barks at me, then paws me, then jumps on the bed and licks me to death. There is no sleeping in anymore and I love it. I want to get up now because the unknown awaits. How one creature could make such an impact is a real gift! People love to pet her and ask about her constantly. I can no longer be a hermit, because she is so outgoing. She loves children and outweighs most of the ones she wants to meet.
Donna, you changed my life when you brought Lulu into it and I thank you.
MAXIMUS “MAX”
3/27/08: This is our handsome man who just turned 2 years old…..not spoiled at all….ha. We had a birthday party for him and his daddy (Philip) got him a new MS State Collar along with more toys. He has got more personality than you can imagine. My husband will say “Here Comes Rin Tin Tin” and Max will run to him and howl with this high pitch voice it is sooo cute. When Kelly practices her clarinet he loves to sing along with her, we actually got that on video. I am so thankful every day that I happened upon your website and saw his picture…we immediately fell in love with him, and it grows stronger and stronger every day. I am also attaching a picture of Lola my other rescue dog, I am sure you remember her. She and Max get along so well, if Philip takes Max with him for the weekend, Lola will sit at the window and cry. She is really the big sister and definitely the alfa dog, and watches over everything he does. They have taken over my chair and sleep together in it every night. We have been purchasing our stamps as well as numerous other things from the zazzle website and love the new items.
Hope all is well with you. Faith W.
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SEGA
Saving Sega:
It seems like it has been such a long time since I first saw Sega’s face peering at me through the bars of his shelter run on the screen of my computer. I remember thinking “that dog has such soulful eyes”. The headline read: Please Save Sega…he dies in 2 Days! Something told me that he was very special and I had to save him. I called the number for the rescue on the plea that was screening applications for the shelter Sega was in and was told that if we were approved to adopt Sega, he would be the first adult American Bulldog ever to be allowed to leave Memphis animal shelter alive. I put in an application and found out I was approved to go and save him, just 12 hours before he was scheduled to be put to sleep.
Sega’s Story:
We adopted Sega from the Memphis animal shelter 2 years ago on May 20, 2006. He was 4.5 years old, weighed only 65 pounds, Heartworm positive, and had a horrible lung infection. My husband and oldest daughter (now 17) drove 8 hours round trip to pick him up from the Memphis shelter. We brought him home, treated him for the lung infection and then the heart worms and started to give him the love of a family that he needed and deserved. Sega carries on his head and chest the many scars of battles past, but in his heart he has nothing but love for us, the people who saved him. When we brought Sega here, he did not know how to get up on the bed or the couch. He did not shake with his paw or sit when asked. He even lifted his leg in the house two times…having a family was a learning experience for Sega and having Sega has been a learning experience for us.
Sega’s Friend Abby:
When Sega first met my daughter Abigail she was just over 1 year old, she was quick moving and had a squeaky high pitched voice that Sega was not too sure of. She made him uneasy and we understood we needed to take it slow if they were ever going to be friends. About 6 months after he moved in and a million goodies later, he decided it was time to make Abby his best friend and there has been no looking back. They are now virtually inseparable. They spend every day both laying on the couch together and watching TV, cuddling, sharing snacks or in Abby’s room playing games. He lets Abby set up all of her little pet shop toys on his back and play with them and occasionally he gets involved in the game by picking one up and tossing it about while Abby giggles at his antics. When Abby wants to play doctor with her pretend doctor kit, Sega is always the first one in line to volunteer for the job of patient and sits quietly while she takes his temperature and puts Band-Aids on his pretend injuries. He loves to play ball with her and he treats her with a gentle, loving nature you would never expect from such a giant of a dog. Watching the two of them together amazes me every day. Sega has recently added a new game to his list of things he likes to do with Abby, he actually plays Duck, Duck Goose. He sits in a circle with all of us while Abby walks around “Ducking” everyone and when she taps his head and says “goose” and starts to run around the circle, he chases her until she sits down and then he sits next to her and excitedly gets ready for the next round. He loves to play with his friend Abigail and it is so funny to watch the two of them together. What Sega and Abigail have is a love that everyone should experience.
Sega’s 2009 Update:
Sega is now 7.5 years old and was diagnosed with many health problems this February 2009. We realized something was wrong with him when he started to limp so we took him into the vet to have tests and x-rays done. His vertebrae in his spine near his tail bone are producing extra bone causing it to fuse together. He has arthritis in his back and legs, mild hip displaysia, a chip on his back left hip, his back left knee is also producing extra bone and growing together and now, just this past week we have found that he also has arthritis and bone growth in his neck. Poor Sega has had a rough life. We are doing everything we can to keep Sega’s condition from worsening. Lot s of love, meds and a few really expensive orthopedic beds seem to be helping a bit.
Sega’s 2 Year Anniversary
Sega is the sole reason I rescue dogs today. After adopting Sega, I got back in touch with the rescue that worked on getting him out of the shelter and I now spend my days volunteering for that rescue and even fostering dogs. So it is because of Sega that many other dogs are alive today, so I guess you could really say it is Sega who saved me!
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CHESSIE
Hello, my name is Norman.
I am a disabled pediatric dentist. I was never a private practitioner but taught at UT College of Dentistry for over 20 years. I served as Interim Chair of Pediatric Dentistry for two years and was Director of the Division of Public Health for four years. I also served as Dental Director of the UT Children & Youth Project for more than 15 years. In addition to my BA, DDS, and specialty in Pediatric Dentistry, I earned a Master of Public Health (MPH). I served my country as a dentist in the US Army Reserve for six years. I also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Memphis for my efforts on behalf of poor and handicapped children. So much for my bona fides.
In 1998, I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. For two years, I was treated with a medication called Rezulin, which was banned by the FDA in early 2000. However, I had been poisoned, and contracted Hepatitis, Nephrotic Syndrome, and Multiple Sclerosis. I became paraplegic, but recovered about 50% of my abilities after over two years of intensive physical therapy. My liver, kidneys and nervous system are damaged forever. So be it. I’ll die, but I won’t go down easily.
My wife, kids and I had a fox terrier mutt for 14 years we rescued called Daisy. She died 3-1/2 years ago, a beautiful dog with a beautiful nature. I had been told about a year earlier, when I knew Daisy’s time was short, that the best way to get over the death of a beloved dog was to get a new one as soon as you can bear it, since the family grieves for a lost member, even if it had four legs.
So I called a rescue organization called Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue, thinking it was really Pet Rescue. I was wrong. The chief of the organization, Donna Velez, came out to my family with this 6 month old pit bull, affectionate and loving, who would have been euthanized. She explained the real story of pit bull terriers. Even my wife and kids took a liking to her and we took this dog named Chessie. That was three years ago.
Chessie has been very important in my continuing recovery She is a house dog, with run of the house privileges. She sleeps with my wife and I in the same bed about half the time, and is a constant and loyal companion to me. She also helps me with my exercise, especially going on walks. She has won over my friends, who entered the house the first time quite warily. She has never bitten anyone, and likes other dogs. She is a beautiful, loving dog with a heart of pure gold. She is a great therapy dog!
Please understand, any dog can be made vicious (Rottweilers, Dobermans). It is not the breed. It is what irresponsible people who feel they “own” their animals and train them to be cruel who give this breed a bad rap, and a cheap shot. So many dogs are put to death each day! Condemn the responsible party, the human. Dogs, like people, learn what they live. Deposit kindness and love in your pit bull and you will get it all back with interest. I beg you–condemn the responsible person who does not fence in his yard, doesn’t have his pet spayed or neutered, and doesn’t only not use a leash, but lets the dog run free in the streets! This is the criminal. Do not punish the one who is not at fault; punish the one who made the silk purse into a sow’s ear.
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TRINITY
Meet Trinity, our rescued pit bull. She moved to Connecticut on March 1, 2008 and has been an ambassador for the breed ever since. Enjoy the tales of Trin and her ladies! Join us at TrinitythePitBull.com. You can also read DAD’S STORY ABOUT ADOPTING A PIT BULL.
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DIAMOND
Diamond is doing great! She loves being an only “child” although I’m sure she misses the boys (two Dobermans). We were so proud of her and how she (Diamond) handled her first few days here. She didn’t mind all the kids petting her or hugging her. She even tolerates the other dogs. She’s even managed to beat out the Yorkie down the block to become the new neighborhood mascot.
We have to educate the neighbors about her. Quite a few of the neighbors were scared of her at first, but now they stop to pet her or ask questions and most of them complement me on how well behaved she is. Even the vet said that she was the most well behaved pit bull that they’ve ever seen. The normally don’t take pit bulls because too many of them are aggressive. They were so impressed with her they sent me home with a bag of dog cookies.
Diamond Dad promised me to send you some of Diamond’s “winter fashions” pictures (she has a rain coat and a sweater). I even got her a pumpkin costume today so we can hand out candy for Halloween in fashion.
I just wanted to thank you for giving me Diamond. I don’t think I can get through law school without her. Just coming home to her every day is truly a gift.
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KARA
In 2002 I left my home in Virginia and moved off to school. I brought with me pieces of my past and hopes for the future. FINALLY I was on the “right track.” But two years into my new life, I found myself exhausted and isolated. Living the dream was lonely- I was working all the time and trying to survive on a small stipend. I no longer had the family and friends that I did back home. For a while I tried to fill this void with different activities, new hobbies or people. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t find whatever it was I was searching for.
My third year in school I stumbled across a listing for a litter of stray puppies located in an animal shelter. That’s when I first saw Tucker, a little chocolate lab mix with a sweet sad face- I could tell he needed a place to call home and I needed a family. So I consulted with several experts on the safest toys, potential hazards and the best way to puppy proof my house.
It was around this time that I met Jessica, a passionate crusader for Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue. I asked her a million questions like most new “dog moms” will. So, I made up my mind and drove 400 miles to pick up this energetic, playful pup. I couldn’t wait to get him home…I had done my research and planned ahead for everything. I was determined to be the best dog mom ever. Only, things didn’t go according to my perfect plan… Tucker was a rowdy little boy- he loved to jump on people, chew on things, bark and howl. Still, I thought he was the best thing since sliced bread. But after a few months I started to realize that maybe he needed a companion to play with. It was then I began to consider the idea of adopting another dog. So, despite my concerns, I decided to go ahead and become a “foster mom” to a beautiful pit bull named Chara (aka Kara). It was during this process that I unknowingly came into contact with Kara’s current foster mom, Jessica. It wasn’t until months later that the two of us realized that we had spoken before!
I have had my babies for almost two years now. We’ve had some rough times; Kara had surgery to remove a benign cyst on her belly. Then there was a change in management and our new landlords told me I had to get rid of my pit bull or move. So we moved. But all in all- it has all been worth it. The pups go on runs with me on the weekends to Shelby farms; they have their own stockings at Christmas. Every night, I fall asleep and they are there….they both let out a loud sigh before falling asleep and sometimes I do too…. Usually I wake and I am snuggled in the middle between them. Kara snores and Tucker loves to lay right in the middle of the bed. Nothing turned out the way I had imagined…but that’s ok, because this version is a lot better- mostly because it was real.
At some point, I think we have to throw our perfect plans for how we want our life to go and start living it the way it is. Life is full of surprises, some more fun than others. My ten year high school reunion is coming up this summer. So far, I haven’t finished my degree, I don’t have a fancy house or car…. And I’m not married…nor have I lost those 10 pounds I’ve been shooting for…But I do have a wonderful family. I consider myself lucky to have found these two loyal companions.
It’s hard to describe to what their silent support means, or how much they can say with just a look. After almost thirty years, I have discovered that things rarely turn out the way you would have expected them to. One minute you think that you are right on track and the next you are derailed. I have started to take time and enjoy the small things in my life a little more. I sit out side and read with the dogs… then I clean up the kitchen floor only to have them track mud on it again . I laugh at my feeble attempts to keep order and keep moving forward. I’ve tried to stop focusing so much on the things I don’t have and appreciate the blessings that are currently in my life.
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TANK
Tank is doing great! He has the most character of any dog I have had. In the morning he will lay in bed for a minimum of 15 minutes and oftentimes more, I guess to get his beauty sleep. He also thinks he is still a puppy or at least acts like one. There is never a dull moment when he is around. Tank also loves to travel he has been to South Carolina, to visit my niece and nephew, Indianapolis, where his girlfriend lives, and Colorado, were he loves to go trout fishing with Daddy. It is the only time he will go in the water. He will actually put his head under water to play with the fish on the stringer.
Tank does not have a mean bone in his body he loves everybody he meets and can’t wait for the chance to meet new dogs and cats to play with. I took him to Telluride were everybody has dogs and he was just in heaven. I can’t wait till I have enough room to add to our family. I think he would love to have someone to play with that has the energy level he does.
Tank and I are going to California next month. I am curious what his reaction is going to be when he sees the ocean for the first time. I am sure he will love it especially when he notices all the other dogs around. He and I will be doing alot of hiking while we are there. I’m not sure what his reaction will be to that since he would probably prefer to lay on the couch and watch tv. He is lazy but that is one of the traits I love about him.
Donna thank you so much for putting Tank and I together.
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December 10, 2010
Dear Hearts of Gold,
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I am Lala. My original owners left me on the streets of Memphis. Thank goodness I was taken in by Heart of Gold otherwise, I don’t know what I would have done. Although I was skinny and didn’t know where my next meal was coming from, I knew some day I would find a good home. I had a great foster family but eventually came to my forever home in Nashville.
I did not know that when I got a forever home I would get a great Mom and a brother too. My brother’s name is Sammy..he’s a cat. I love him. My Mom tells me I’m the sweetest girl in the world. I don’t know about that, but I try. Mom also tells me I’m her little Social Butterfly. I don’t know what that means. All I know is that I love going to the pet store and even the bank (they don’t just keep your money they give away doggie treats too)! I even love the vet. There is always people and other dogs there. I even get to go to doggie day care sometimes. That is wonderful. I love playing with the other dogs. I always get a good report card when I go.
Last year my Grandmother and her dog Happy moved in with us. Happy is my best bud. He is a Cocker, Poodle, Maltese…or a Malti Pooker as my Mom calls him. He is not as big as me. I’m about 55 pounds and he’s about 25 pounds. Size does not matter though. We play and run, and cuddle, and kiss and play and kiss and play and nap together.
I can not thank Hearts of Gold enough for helping me find my forever home. I hope all the pups you have find their forever home very soon.
Puppys Hugs and Kisses,
Lala
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BUTTERCUP aka “BAILEY”
September 29, 2010
Hi Donna,
Bailey is doing wonderful. I’m attaching some recent photos. She loves going out on the boat lobstering with my husband and I.
Take care,
Erin
