In December 2022, a young American Pit Bull Terrier named Mara was just hours away from being euthanized at a high-kill shelter in Georgia. She had spent over a month there with no interest from adopters—until a rescue group, Braveheart Bulliez, stepped in to save her.
Pit Bulls are often misunderstood, but Mara’s rescuers saw past the stereotypes. “As soon as we saw her photos, we knew we had to help,” said Krystle Carrara, founder of Braveheart Bulliez. “She had the most soulful, trusting eyes.”
But Mara’s journey to safety was far from over.
Braveheart Bulliez found her a foster home and even arranged for in-home training, but within weeks, the foster backed out unexpectedly. To make matters worse, two sponsors who had pledged financial support also withdrew, leaving Mara with nowhere to go.
By January 2023, the rescue placed her in a reputable boarding and training program. Mara excelled—she became a fantastic leash walker, learned to stay calm around other dogs, and even underwent muzzle training for safe socialization. “She blew everyone away with how smart and eager to learn she was,” Carrara shared.
Despite her progress, no foster or adopter stepped forward. After exhausting all rescue contacts, Mara remained in boarding for another 10 months, which took a toll on her both mentally and physically.
Finally, a promising foster emerged—someone who had specifically applied to care for a special needs dog. “We knew they’d be perfect for Mara,” said Carrara. The foster took her in, but there was a catch: they were planning to move overseas in six months. That time has now come, and Mara once again needs a permanent home.
If she isn’t adopted soon, she’ll be forced back into boarding, a situation that previously caused her to shut down emotionally. No one who knows Mara wants to see that happen.
Mara is fully trained, incredibly intelligent, and craves human companionship. She enjoys car rides, long hikes, and is obsessed with pup cups. She does need to be the only pet in the home, but she is muzzle-trained for safe interactions in structured environments.
“This sweet girl has been failed by humans time and time again,” the rescue shared. “But we’ve never given up on her, and she knows that. We will do whatever it takes to find her the perfect home.”
Mara deserves a second chance with a loving family. If you or someone you know can provide her with the forever home she’s been waiting for, visit Rocky Kanaka's adoption page for more details.