Susan Daffron talks to Eric Gray from Smilin Pit Bull Rescue in New York about a Pit Bull named Aspen who is available for adoption. Aspen's foster mom Lorna was also on the call to give more details about this sweet dog that has made an amazing transformation both in health and personality thanks to the tender loving care of the volunteers and supporters working with the rescue. The detailed story of her rehabilitation is on her Web page, but the short version is that in January 2010, a rescuer found a female pit bull on the East Side of Buffalo, New York. Aspen was so emaciated Eric thinks she was one or two days away from dying of starvation. She had obviously been living on the streets for a long time and was severely underweight. She had an open wound and was losing fur due to lack of nutrition. In the photos, you can see every rib and the bones in her spine.

But even though she'd obviously been through a lot, Aspen was a loving girl. Over time her health has returned and her personality has blossomed. Aspen loves people, has learned to play with toys, and adores a good tummy rub. At this point, all her medical issues are behind her and she's a beautiful dog again. Today, Aspen is a normal weight and her coat gleams with good health, so she's ready for her forever home. Aspen doesn't like cats, so Eric hopes to find a home where she can be an only dog. Aspen needs an experienced dog owner, ideally one who has worked with pit bulls or other energetic breeds, so they will be firm (but not rough) with Aspen's obedience and continue the training that her foster mom Lorna has started.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: SusanD@petliferadio.com.