Adopter Name

Carrie A Santiago

Rescue Dog’s Name

GizmoSushi and Bane

Where Did You Find Your Dog?

Originally from Ohio, my husband and I relocated to Florida but knew we would rescue our first pitbull type dog from Ohio. GizmoSushi (darker brindle) was saved by my brother-in-law out of a very bad situation in Cleveland when she was about 7 weeks old. At first my brother-in-law Chuck wasn’t sure if he was even going to call me to tell us about her because he didn’t know if she would even make it. A few weeks later we were driving to Ohio to pick up our new baby girl. Bane (light blue nose brindle) was found in Tampa, Florida area and saved by Rugaz Resuce. Bane and his litter mates were thrown away at a very young age but luckily Rugaz was there to save them.

Tell Us About the Moment When You Knew that You Two Were Meant for Each Other.

I will never forget the moment I saw GizmoSushi. My husand and I arrived at Chuck’s house to meet Gizmo and we were greeted at the door by his boxer and two pitbulls. I turned the corner and saw this small puppy running toward me and then turning into complete wiggles. I knelt to the floor and she was so happy and wiggling so much she couldn’t control her body movements. I picked her up and Gizmo dug her head into me and that was it….she was ours. Bane is a little different story. My husband and I were looking to resuce another pitbull type dog so I started researching rescues from south Florida to Atlanta to New Orleans. After weeks of looking, I saw a face of a puppy online that struck me to my core. I contacted Rugaz Rescue and before I knew it my husband, Gizmo, and I were taking a 6 hour car ride to meet this 10 week old puppy. We walked in and I swear he looked right at us while the other adoptalbe dogs didn’t seem to notice we were there. Bane was this chilled out, handsome, tough little dude and he stole our heart. The best part was Gizmo and Bane were instantly best buddies!

How Has Your Hero Changed Your Life?

Everyday I wake up with a smile on my face because of GizmoSushi and Bane. They mean the world to me, are pure happiness, and light up my soul. My rescues are constant reminders to have a strong heart and to do good to light up the darkness. Our plan was always to rescue and advocate for pitbull type dogs. Our life has changed because we work harder than ever for them and dogs everywhere to educate others about pitbull type dogs, breed specific legislation, and rescuing/adopting dogs. We volunteer at a local animal refuge and I am a street team member with Pinups for Pitbulls, a national non-profit who’s mission is to re-store the image of pitbull type dogs and end breed specific legislation. Gizmo and Bane go to work with me and are advocates for their ”breed” everyday constantly changing people’s opinions about the stigmas tied to pitbulls and rescues. My pups are proud to be underdogs and rock their blue collars.