Pit Bulls have been stereotyped as violent and aggressive dogs for decades. It isn’t fair for these dogs since it’s people who forced them to fight in dogfighting rings. Pit Bulls are sweet, loyal, and gentle dogs like any other dogs. They were just used in dogfighting because of their muscular body and powerful jaw.
In Canada, a Pit Bull named Hansel was rescued from a dogfighting ring. Because he was a Pit Bull, the animal shelter was set on euthanizing him. Thankfully, he was pulled by a non-profit animal rescue organization called Throw Away Dogs Project, where he waited to get adopted.
Thankfully, Hansel didn’t have to wait very long. Fire Marshall Tyler VanLeer of the Millville Fire Department in New Jersey was looking for a dog that they could train as an arson detection dog. With the support of Tyler’s fire chief and the Throw Away Dogs Project, they got Hansel started with his training.
As soon as Tyler met Hansel at the firehouse, he felt a strong connection. He and Hansel started training for 16-weeks and focused on imprinting Hansel with the scent of ignitable liquids. Tyler and Hansel completed their training and were finally ready for their first day on the job.
Hansel adjusted really well to his new environment with the Millville Fire Department. He was already used to everything that could be seen or heard in a firehouse since the environment was very similar at the academy where he trained.
What’s even more amazing about Hansel is that he’s the first Pit Bull to become an arson detection dog in New Jersey. His achievement shows that Pit Bulls are just like any other dogs. They’re smart enough that they can be trained to become service dogs.
Hansel is well-liked by everyone at the firehouse. He gets spoiled with treats and belly rubs from the other firefighters, but his favorite person in the world is Tyler. Here’s a video featuring Hansel’s amazing and inspiring story. Thanks to a group of remarkable people, Hansel got his second chance. He showed everybody that Pit Bulls aren’t the mean and violent dogs they were once thought to be.
Video Source GeoBeats Animals via YouTube