Tears Over Former Bait Dog’s Transformation After Finding Loving Home

A dog’s astonishing transformation from being used as a bait dog to finding a happy home has left the internet in tears.

A heartwarming video was shared on TikTok by Tania Crawford (@brooklynsuebyers) showing the appalling state of her foster dog, Rocky, when she took him in at the end of August. Rocky could be seen with scars all over his face, his fur was patchy, and he looked very nervous, which is a stark contrast to the happy pup now.

The adorable clip then flashes forward to show Rocky wearing matching pajamas with his foster mom and enjoying some delicious snacks together. He’s certainly come a long way since being used “as a bait dog,” and looks so much happier and healthier now too.

Since posting his transformation online on October 3, the video went viral with more than 432,300 views and over 80,000 likes at the time of writing.

Crawford, of Oklahoma, told Newsweek: “Rocky is such a special boy and I’m so happy his videos are getting traction, and maybe even bringing some attention to dog fighting and bait dogs.”

Typically, bait dogs are used to provoke and train fighting dogs, meaning they’re subjected to physical abuse and often left with severe injuries, which can sometimes be fatal. According to Bone Voyage Dog Rescue, they are purposely selected for their passive nature and inability to defend themselves.

They are used as live bait to test out the fighting instincts of other dogs, and to desensitize the aggressor to inflicting harm on other animals. This cruelty and brutality can leave bait dogs with lifelong injuries, as well as psychological trauma.

Bone Voyage Dog Rescue suggests that the injuries sustained can include deep wounds, broken bones, and internal bleeding. These can lead to long-lasting pain or discomfort and can impact their quality of life even after being rescued.

Although Rocky hasn’t found his forever home just yet, Crawford is certainly taking good care of him as his temporary fosterer. Alongside the video, the caption adds that he will “only know love from here on out,” as she never wants to see him suffer again.

Over the years, Crawford has adopted four dogs and fostered more than 20, but she explained that very few have touched her heart in the way that Rocky has. What he went through was unimaginable, and she is so glad to support him after fostering him through the Oklahoma Pet Collective Society.

The post about Rocky’s transformation has gone viral, gaining more than 4,200 comments so far. Many people praised Crawford for saving him, but seeing the pain he had been through left many social media users in tears.

One comment reads: “The happiest video I’ve seen today after seeing so much pain, destruction, heartbreak. Literally wiped my tears to make room for a smile.”

Another TikTok user wrote: “That’s heartbreaking! I had no idea what a bait dog was until now.”

“You will get more love than you know. We had a rescue bait dog, and he was the softest and most loved,” responded another TikToker.

A different commenter responded: “Thank you for giving this sweet baby a good life!”

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