24-06-2025
Resilient pup rescued from dog fighting is ‘full of energy' — and needs a home
A resilient pup was rescued from a dog fighting ring — and she needs a new home.
'I'm FULL of energy and ready to find a fun family that can keep up with my playful side,' a Florida animal shelter said in an online adoption profile written from the perspective of Rhonda the dog. 'I would thrive in a home where I had my own backyard to zoomie in; you should see how fast I am!'
As of June 24, Rhonda has waited roughly 300 days for a fresh start. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Brevard said she was seized in an alleged dog fighting case before landing at the shelter in September.
'Unlike many dogs who've suffered such trauma, she radiated friendliness and joy, showing not an ounce of aggression,' an animal photographer wrote on the Albert Harris Photography Facebook page in February. 'Her sweet nature won hearts and minds, and because of that she was adopted quickly within a month. But fate had another twist for her.'
Days after Rhonda was adopted, she was returned due to her energetic nature. Now, the mixed-breed dog is one of the pups who has been at the shelter the longest, the SPCA wrote in a Facebook post and emails to McClatchy News.
'We don't know everything about her past, but we do know she's full of energy and love,' Shelby Hicks, public relations and community engagement coordinator, wrote in an email. 'Her high energy and strong personality may be why she's still waiting, but we believe that in a home with a consistent routine, she'll make an amazing companion.'
The shelter thinks Rhonda could get along with a calm canine friend and recommends potential adopters bring their dogs to meet her. The 4-year-old pup has become known for her love of playing tug of war and 'never goes anywhere without her favorite rope toy.'
As of June 24, the shelter's website listed Rhonda among the dogs available for adoption. Details about the shelter's adoption process can be found at
'She's not just a dog; she's a testament to resilience and the power of love,' Albert Harris Photography wrote. 'She deserves to be the queen of her own castle, spoiled and cherished for the rest of her days.'
The SPCA is in Titusville, a roughly 40-mile drive east from Orlando.
