A dog once “used as bait” in illegal dogfighting, tragically losing half of her face, has finally discovered the true meaning of love after being adopted. Haddie, who was brutally mauled by fighting dogs, endured unthinkable pain but is now a symbol of hope and resilience, completely transformed from her darkest days.
When she was rescued, Haddie’s skin was literally rotting and flaking off, necessitating the removal of much of it, which left her with just one eye. Despite her physical scars, her story is one of recovery and rebirth. Erin Williams, 36, was immediately drawn to Haddie’s unique appearance, and the two now share a beautiful life together in Washington, D.C.
Today, Haddie has overcome her fear of other dogs and loves nothing more than playing freely in her neighborhood park. “She’s become a genuine dog’s dog, which thrills my heart,” Erin shared with The Mirror.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
Erin first came across Haddie on the online pet adoption site Petfinder in August 2020, and she couldn’t stop thinking about the one-of-a-kind dog.
Haddie had been rescued from a brutal dogfighting ring in Southern California by a kind stranger and taken to Mutt Scouts, a rescue organization. Her body was riddled with injuries, but it was her face that bore the most significant damage. A veterinarian determined that Haddie had been used as a “bait dog,” meaning she had been repeatedly attacked by fighting dogs as part of their “training.”
“We don’t know much about her specific past,” Erin explained, “but it’s possible that the dog fighters forced their fighting dogs to constantly attack her.” Erin emphasized, “In these situations, every dog is a victim.”
A New Beginning with Erin
When Mutt Scouts matched Haddie with Erin, both of their lives changed forever. Erin didn’t know Haddie’s actual birthday, so she gave her one, January 19th, in honor of Dolly Parton.
At first, Haddie was described by Erin as “kind and silly,” but her trauma left her terrified of other dogs. The mere sound of barking or the sight of another dog would send her into violent tremors. Determined to help Haddie overcome her fears, Erin enlisted the help of a professional dog trainer.
“We’d feed her hot dogs and introduce her to a dog from across the park,” Erin recalled. “Gradually, we got closer and closer until she associated other dogs with safety and treats.” In the end, Erin believes it was Haddie’s intelligence and resilience that made her recovery possible.
Now, Haddie loves running around with other dogs at the park, and when she’s especially happy to be outside, she does a “funny little hop,” much to Erin’s delight.
Haddie’s New Life
“She’s a social butterfly,” Erin said. “She loves humans and expects everyone to stroke her ears.”
Although Haddie needs to apply special sunscreen to her nose and scars whenever she leaves the house, she’s just like any other dog—except for her distinctive look. Strangers inevitably notice her unique appearance and often ask about her, but Erin says the reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.
“The majority of people respond with warmth and kindness,” Erin shared. “Her enthusiasm for life is so contagious that it’s impossible not to love her.” Occasionally, there are negative comments or uneasy glances, but Erin dismisses them, saying, “Those people will never know her, so their loss is theirs.”
A Bond That Transformed Two Lives
Haddie hasn’t just changed Erin’s life—she has also helped her cope with her own struggles with depression. “Haddie is always there to remind me to go for a walk, and she’s always up for an afternoon nap,” Erin said with a smile.
Erin created Instagram and TikTok profiles for Haddie, where the dog’s followers have shown incredible kindness and support. “The people I’ve met through Haddie’s story have taught me how unbelievably kind the world can be,” Erin remarked. “It’s been a true gift.”
Conclusion
Haddie’s journey from a victim of abuse to a beloved family member is a testament to the healing power of love and resilience. With Erin by her side, Haddie continues to defy the odds, inspiring countless others with her strength and joy for life. Through this heartwarming story, we are reminded that even in the darkest of times, love can heal and transform, creating a beautiful cycle of care and compassion.
