From Bait Dog to Beloved Companion: Triumph’s Journey of Healing and Hope
When a young pit bull arrived at a shelter in Moreno Valley, California, this summer, his condition told a heartbreaking story. He was covered in scars, fresh bite wounds that were badly infected, and he carried himself with his head hung low, wary of human contact.
Among his most striking injuries was his upper lip, where a large piece was missing, likely bitten off during an attack. He was also malnourished, and his worn-down teeth suggested the use of a “break stick” — a tool commonly employed to separate fighting dogs.
Shelter workers didn’t know where this two-year-old stray had come from, but they knew one thing immediately: he needed urgent help. They quickly reached out to rescues, and It’s The Pits Dog Rescue, a San Diego-based organization specializing in bully breeds, stepped forward. They named him Triumph.
Looking at his injuries, rescuers feared the worst — Triumph had likely been used as a bait dog, repeatedly attacked by other dogs to prepare them for illegal dogfights. But despite his painful past, they soon discovered his true nature: Triumph was a gentle, affectionate dog with a goofy personality, eager for love and belly rubs.
“He’s such a sweet boy,” said Andrea Malley Sowieja, communications director for It’s The Pits. “You just can’t help but fall in love with him. He loves cuddling, giving kisses, and soaking up all the affection he can get.”
In the weeks following his rescue, veterinarians treated Triumph’s infected wounds, helped him gain weight with a proper diet, and closely monitored his swollen mouth injury. To everyone’s relief, his lip healed fully without surgery. Within a few short weeks, most of his physical wounds had faded, leaving behind only scars — and Triumph began to blossom into the playful, curious dog he was meant to be.
At his foster home, Triumph quickly learned how to play with toys, enjoy walks, and interact peacefully with other dogs. He thrives on both activity and downtime, equally happy running in the yard or snuggling on the couch.
“Triumph is really a homebody,” Malley Sowieja explained. “He loves adventures, but at the end of the day, his favorite thing is just being with his people.”
Triumph’s story highlights a harsh reality: although dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states, the practice persists. The ASPCA estimates tens of thousands of people are still involved, with the internet making it easier than ever to connect and organize fights. Dogs like Triumph are too often the silent victims.
But Triumph himself is a symbol of resilience. Officially cleared by vets, he has been waiting for adoption since October, still in foster care until the right family comes along. His unique features make him especially memorable — a wide, toothy smile shaped by his old injury, and striking eyes: one deep brown, the other a pale blue.
According to his rescue, Triumph would thrive in a patient home, ideally with gentle female dogs or puppies, where his past traumas are respected, and his confidence continues to grow.
“Triumph is exactly why we do this work,” Malley Sowieja said. “Rescue can be overwhelming at times, but seeing him heal and rediscover joy reminds us of the power of love and compassion.”
From bait dog to beloved companion, Triumph’s journey is far from over — but his future looks brighter every day.