A rescue dog named Sunny has captured the hearts of many after overcoming a traumatic past as a bait dog in dog fights. Rescued in April 2019 by Nicole, a 22-year-old from Michigan, Sunny’s story highlights both the horrors of animal abuse and the power of love and rehabilitation.
Nicole visited the Best Friends Humane Society in Sylvester, Georgia, with her brother, where she first encountered the frightened puppy. The moment she laid eyes on Sunny, she felt an immediate connection and knew she had to take her home, despite the disturbing background shared by the shelter staff. It was revealed that Sunny was likely used as bait in dog fighting and was the sole survivor of her litter.
When Sunny first arrived at her new home, her physical and emotional scars were evident. Nicole described the puppy as having “the saddest eyes” she had ever seen. “We were able to see the full extent of Sunny’s scarring,” Nicole recalled. “She had a dent on her nose that’s only noticeable by touch, and she has scars covering her body from head to toe.”
Sunny exhibited several signs of her past trauma, including food aggression and a fear of larger dogs and men. Nicole noted that Sunny would guard her food aggressively, refusing to allow any larger dogs near her. This behavior reflected the deep emotional wounds inflicted during her early life.
With determination and patience, Nicole dedicated herself to helping Sunny heal throughout the summer of 2019. Her efforts paid off, as Sunny gradually learned to trust and interact positively with other dogs. Today, she enjoys the companionship of larger canines and displays a remarkable curiosity about her surroundings. Nicole proudly states that Sunny has transformed into “every person’s dream dog.”
Sunny’s newfound joy is evident as she accompanies Nicole on various outings, from grocery shopping to family trips. Nicole acknowledges that while Sunny’s scars will always serve as a reminder of her past, they also symbolize her resilience and strength.
Nicole has shared Sunny’s remarkable transformation on TikTok (@observingniko), where a post showcasing her journey has garnered over 815,000 views and more than 212,100 likes. The online response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers expressing their admiration for Sunny’s story. Comments range from empathy to gratitude, with one user writing, “I can’t believe this is still a thing,” while another stated, “my heart, you saved that sweet baby.”
Recognizing the need for greater awareness of animal abuse, Nicole hopes to shed light on the realities faced by bait dogs and the broader issue of animal welfare. “There is so much abuse in the world, from commercial farms and backyard breeding to chicken and dog fights,” she stated. “We must take accountability for the actions we’ve committed. Dogs like Sunny are all over the place, waiting for someone to save their life.”
Nicole considers rescuing Sunny one of the most fulfilling experiences of her life. She emphasizes the importance of adopting animals, particularly those from abusive situations, and encourages others to become advocates for animal welfare. As Sunny continues to thrive and inspire others, her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of animals and the impact of compassionate care.
