Meet Mauka, a pitbull who was meant to be eliminated for the first few years of his life, but transformed into a devoted companion after experiencing love.

He is our spokesperson dog for our fifth annual Shelter Dish, which raises funds to provide well-balanced meals to sanctuary animals across the United States.

Rescuers from Cedartown Pet Rescue, Education & Sterilization (CARES) rescued 107 pets from an illegal dog fighting ring. The severely malnourished animals had been living outdoors on chains and had never acknowledged the lightest touch.

However, when the rescuers arrived, a scrawny pitbull approached, wagging its tail: this is the companion dog they named Mauka. She was covered in wounds from previous battles and in desperate need of good food.

Mauka was taken in by TREATMENTS and fed nutritious food when she first experienced love. Soon after her arrival, she developed a high fever and began vomiting. She was offered vet care and identified as Babesia. She was treatable, however the medications were expensive. The rescue said her life mattered and began treatment.

Little by little, he started to gain weight and open up. His character started to emerge and even a year later he finally found a home that takes care of life. He now has six different other dogs that he plays with and sleeps in bed with every night.

The shelter has been able to provide all the veterinary care they need thanks to donations from generous people and also thanks to the money they have saved from receiving donated pet food. Food is not only vital, but it is also one of the largest expenses for a shelter. GreaterGood.org’s rescue financial institution helps fill the gap, ensuring that pets waiting for their permanent homes, like Mauka, always have a full belly.