One-eyed ‘pirate dog’ Haddie was rescued from illegal dog fighting and has now overcome her fear of canines with the help and love of her new adoptive owner, Erin Williams, 36, from Washington D.C.
One-eyed dog survives illegal dog fighting and finds love with adoptive owner
A dog who lost half her face being “used as bait” in dog fighting has learned the meaning of true love after being adopted.
“Pirate dog” Haddie is unrecognisable after being relentlessly attacked by fighting dogs in an illegal operation.
The skin on her face was “rotting” and falling off, so much of it had to be removed, leaving her with just one eye.
Her unique appearance attracted Erin Williams, 36, and now the pair live safely and happily together in Washington D.C.
Brave Haddie has impressively overcome her fear of other canines and loves nothing more than playing with the pack in her local park.
“She’s become a real dog’s dog, which warms my heart,” Erin told The Mirror.
Erin showed Haddie what it means to be loved
She lost half her face being used as bait
Erin found Haddie on an online pet website, petfinder.com, in August 2020 – and couldn’t stop thinking about her.
Haddie was rescued from a dog fighting operation by a good Samaritan and taken to Mutt Scouts in South California.
The two-year-old pup has injuries all over her body, but the worst of it was on her face.
A doctor pinned her injuries and temperament down to her being used as a “bait dog”.
“We don’t know much about her exact experience in that world, but it would likely have involved the dog fighters forcing their ‘fighting dogs’ to attack her relentlessly to ‘train’,” Erin explained.
“All the dogs in these situations are victims.”
Haddie is known as the ‘pirate dog’ on Instagram and TikTok
After Mutt Scouts matched Erin and Haddie together, the pair became inseparable and transformed each other’s lives.
The sweet girl is just like any other dog inside
Whenever Haddie leaves the house, she has to wear medicated sunscreen on her snout and scars – but aside from that, she’s just like any other dog, albeit a little different looking.
Haddie has taught Erin to appreciate the little things in life
Her infectious personality makes strangers smile
“We get the occasional rude comment or uneasy look, but they’re thankfully few and far between.
“And those people don’t get to know her, so it’s their loss.”
The one-of-a-kind dog has also transformed Erin’s life and helped her cope with depression.
“Haddie is always there to remind me it’s time to get out of the house for a walk, and she’s always up for a free afternoon of napping,” Erin said.