Most of us do our best every day to make sure that our pets are healthy, safe, and content with their lives. However, there are monsters out there who make livings out of abusing animals.
Often, these animals are kept in captivity, bred in squalor, and trained to fight each other. Luckily, animal abuse has been classified by the FBI as a "crime against humanity."
Even so, terrifying instances of illegal activity still take place in dangerous corners of the country, and we're just happy that there are organizations, like the Animal Recovery Mission, that work to expose the cruelty practiced on many illegal farms.
During one of his undercover raids, ARM founder Richard Couto came across the most loving, kind dog that he had ever seen.
After the raid, he immediately adopted the young pit bull, and spoke to The Dodo about his experience.
Scroll further to see photos of Kona, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Richard Couto is the founder of Animal Recovery Mission, an investigative animal welfare organization.
Months ago, he went undercover with his team to expose the abuse practiced at an animal farm called Rancho Garcia, in Palm Beach, FL.
That’s where he met Kona, just one of hundreds of animals that were freed in October. 'He was going to be prepped for fighting,' Richard told the Dodo of the lovable, kindhearted dog. While undercover, Richard and the fellow investigators fell in love with Kona.
Fortunately, the ARM team got involved just in time, and exposed the cruelty that was taking place on the farm. Immediately after the raid, the farm’s owner was arrested.
Hundreds of animals were rescued and brought to safety, including the dogs. Kona spent weeks with Animal Control forces before he could be adopted. 'I rushed to Animal Control and personally adopted him,' said Richard.
'We’d been undercover, so couldn’t show any affection to the animals, so it was the first time I could get on my knees and be nice to [him],' he said. 'Kona was the first animal I came in contact with, and he jumped in my lap and started licking me. It was a great feeling.'
One of the first things that they did together was go to the pet store to pick out a toy for Kona. 'I let him walk through the aisles,' said Richard. 'It was very foreign to him. He’s never owned a toy.'
Now, the young pup lives at the organization’s sanctuary, and roams freely with all the other rescued animals, including cats, sheep, rams, ducks, goats, and horses.
Although he has lived a rough past and suffered maltreatment, Kona does not have a single vicious bone in his body. He’s so kind and loving that he doesn’t even bark!
'On the farm, he was scared. You could see the fear on his face. Now he’s literally a new dog,' said Richard. 'He’s at our sanctuary, surrounded by people who love him.'
We hope nothing but the best for little Kona and Richard, and we thank ARM for their amazing dedication to animals everywhere.
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