It’s no secret that Pit Bulls often face stigma and misunderstanding. Their tough exterior and challenging past can overshadow their true nature, which is just as loving and sweet as any other breed.
This is especially true for Dexter, a tan Pittie from Georgia, whose life began under difficult circumstances.
A Rough Start
Dexter’s journey started on the streets, where he wandered as a stray until he was finally picked up in 2019.
He arrived at a local shelter severely underweight—20 to 25 pounds below a healthy weight—and suffering from sun damage that left much of his fur missing.
Instead of finding a loving home, Dexter found himself on the euthanasia list due to a lack of interest from potential adopters.
However, fate had a different plan for him.
A Last-Minute Rescue
When Mark Romans and his fiancée came across Dexter, they were taken aback by the sad, hunched figure they saw in the shelter.
“His paperwork said: ‘Big, tan guy.’ He didn’t even have a name, and he was scheduled for euthanasia because nobody wanted him,” Mark shared with GeoBeats Animals.
Thanks to the efforts of Fly With Me Animal Rescue, Mark and his fiancée had the chance to meet Dexter, and they instantly formed a special bond.
What began as a chance encounter turned into a beautiful friendship that neither would ever forget.
Who’s the Sweetest Pup in the House?
It didn’t take long for Dexter to show everyone just how sweet he really was. Despite his rough past as a stray, he quickly demonstrated that he had been loved before—he was house-trained, knew how to behave indoors, and relished cozy naps on the couch.
But there was one thing Dexter loved more than anything: his family. To expand their little pack, Mark and his fiancée decided to adopt a kitten named Zoe.
The moment she arrived, Dexter welcomed her with open paws.
The two formed an unbreakable bond, quickly becoming best friends. Unlike the typical cat-and-dog rivalry, Dexter and Zoe shared a relationship filled with love and companionship.
More Than Just a Pet
For Mark, Dexter’s presence in his life has been a source of strength and comfort. After recently being diagnosed with lupus, Mark found in Dexter the unwavering support he needed.
The affectionate Pittie became a crucial part of his mental health journey, always in tune with Mark’s energy and emotions.
Without uttering a word, Dexter knows how to bring a smile to Mark’s face and lift his spirits when he’s feeling down.
Advocating for Understanding
Despite their bond, Mark still encounters negative stereotypes surrounding Dexter’s breed. This led him to establish the East Coast Bully Advocates, a group dedicated to changing perceptions of Pit Bulls.
“I was walking on the boardwalk when an elderly lady passed by and said, ‘That thing’s gonna get you in your sleep one night.’ That comment inspired me to start the East Coast Bully Advocates,” Mark explained.
Today, the organization has achieved remarkable success, helping save hundreds of dogs in need.
Mark is committed to proving that Pitties are not to be feared, and Dexter stands as a living testament to their loving nature.
“No matter how much hate I receive for owning a Pit Bull, I will always show the love these dogs have and how truly misunderstood they are,” Mark stated on Instagram.
A New Life
Once a stray dog struggling to survive in Georgia, Dexter is now a beloved companion, a sibling, and a caregiver.
His transformation from a neglected pup to a cherished family member serves as a heartwarming reminder of the love and resilience of dogs.
With the support of his loving family, Dexter is living the life every dog dreams of—full of adventure, joy, and unconditional love.