The story of Merryweather, an adorable 3-year-old brown pit bull, is one of resilience. Her plight exemplifies the notion that animal rescue spotlights both the best and unfortunately, the worst of humanity. 

Those who are familiar with Merryweather’s tale are aware that she was found on the train tracks in Louisiana by police officers. It was determined that she was a victim of bestiality and had been brutalized by men who have still yet to be caught. She eventually was placed in the St. Landry Animal Rescue, run by Stacey McKnight, located in Opelousas, LA.

It should be noted that the shelter’s staff do their very best to meet the needs of all the animals who enter the premises. However, due to extenuating circumstances, specifically a lack of funds, space, and foot traffic, it makes it difficult for dogs, like Merryweather, to find forever homes. On top of that, negative stereotypes surrounding both pit bulls and abused dogs made the odds even more stacked against her. Essentially, there was not much hope for Merryweather if she remained at St. Landry. 

Thankfully,  Larissa Wohl, pet rescue expert for the Hallmark Channel, happened to visit the shelter for the 2019 Hero Dog Awards. While touring St. Landry, she came across Merryweather and was instantly charmed by her sweet disposition and “wonky” arm, unaware that it may have been caused by either human hand or neglect. Once Stacey filled Larissa in on the dog’s horrific backstory, including the fact that she has had numerous surgeries to fix the damage that has been done to her body, she decided that she needed to bring awareness to Merryweather through social media. Eventually, Ellen Ballon Dante and Lindsay Bird, executive director and lead rescuer at Deity Animal Rescue  in Los Angeles, CA, offered their assistance in getting Merryweather adequate care. A plan was enacted for the dog to come to the incredible non-profit organization and eventually to be adopted. 

Through fundraising efforts, financial support from Stand Up For Pit Bulls, and some help from famous friends, Merryweather did make her way to LA. In September 2019, singer Fiona Apple, who had been made aware of the situation by Ellen, actually dropped off her friend, actor Brian Gross, at the airport to retrieve Merryweather from Louisiana. Brian and the pup ended up taking a 1,780 mile road trip back to Deity. 

Now, Merryweather’s journey is far from over. She is still living at the animal rescue, just as sweet, wiggly, and in want of belly rubs as ever. If you are reading this and think you might be the right pup parent for the precious girl, please consider applying for adoption. Another way to help out Merryweather, as well as other dogs at Deity, is to make a donation. 

Fiona Apple helped greatly to bring attention to Merryweather’s story and even got to meet her when she arrived from her freedom ride from Louisiana, she is a huge pitbull advocate giving us yet another reason to love her, learn more here.

Listen to our podcast with Ellen Ballon from Deity Animal Rescue and Larissa Wohl the Rescue Pet Advocate of the Hallmark Channel discussing Merryweather’s epic rescue and freedom ride.