06/24/2026
"I know how much you love me, as much as I love you; and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too..." 🌈
💔 Goodbye, Gideon 💔
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of MAS Bully Alum, Gideon - "Giddy The One Eyed Pittie." I have found myself typing and retyping Giddy's announcement, debating whether to even mention the situations that resulted in him coming to our rescue program - not once, but twice. His story was a tremendous example of the resiliency of a pit bull; but his heart and soul are what truly captured the masses - for Giddy's love overflowed, despite his immense maltreatment.
The majority of Gideon's life was spent in our rescue program; and, quite honestly, conversations regarding his quality of life were had regularly. "It is not a rescue or shelter's 'job' to hold onto a companion animal for years," we were so often told. But our team remained balanced, weighing logic with emotion, and consistently falling back on our trust and faith that if - and when - Giddy is "ready," he will let us know.
And he never did. So we continued onward - committing to him every day forward, and promising to him that we would never give up in search of his forever family.
And then that faithful day in December 2020 came. An adoptive family who we fell absolutely in love with applied to adopt. They wanted to hear about all of our available dogs and discuss who might be the best fit for their home. And while their interest was initially piqued by Giddy, they had recently said "farewell" to their two beloved furbabies, and weren't sure they were ready to open their hearts to an older, special guy.
So we tried a teen, instead.
And it wasn't the fit - and that was ok.
And, with baited breath, we asked if they would be open to meeting Gideon.
And they said, yes. 💚
Every day after, we waited for something "wrong" to happen. For them to give up on Giddy and return him for being too "needy" or too "difficult" or simply "too much" for them to deal with.
But they never did.
And instead, they asked if they could take over as his people, for the rest of his life, because they felt he needed them as much as their hearts needed him.
Our entire team drove in - from literally all over the state - for his adoption day.
The ceremonious signing of the adoption contract is a memory that will forever live "rent free" in our brains.
We didn't know how much life Giddy had left in him. He was an older guy with special needs and chronic medical issues that were expected to worsen with time.
And, had he stayed in our program "forever," I'm not sure his life would have been as long as it was.
Gideon lived an amazing, long life. Longer than most pit bulls and bully breeds, if I truly had to make a statement. He outlived G-man, who never once had a day of abuse; Maple, who was determined to "go out on her terms, damnit;" and so, so many others. There are so many reasons our companion animals don't live as long as we hope. And none of the reasons for any of our adopters has ever been for lack of love and care; however...
I believe Gideon is the true and literal example of, "if love could've saved you, you would've lived forever." Because oh, my, goodness. At almost 16 years old (estimated), Gideon's body relinquished to its age and ailments. He left his earthly body surrounded by the people who became his family - our family - five and a half years ago. The room was silent, aside from muffled cries. And Giddy left us knowing nothing but love.
A dog who entered this world with a heart and mind pure and ready to receive love, who later endured horrific and malicious abuse, never ever stopped being ready to receive love. He never stopped believing that "love" was out there for him; and he was determined to ensure everyone loved him, too. And boy, did we. ❤️🩹
To the dog who showed the world that kindness can grow, even in the rockiest of places; and that love can - and will - persist, despite the heartbreak that we endure... we bless you on your way over the Rainbow Bridge.
While we don't know what it's like over the bridge, we know one thing for certain: it's warmer, kinder, and gentler, now that you're there waiting.
To Alyson and Caleb - Giddy's wonderful mom and dad - please know how immensely grateful we are for the love and grace you showed our sweet boy in his golden years of life. We recognize that Gideon may not have always been an easy dog to care for... but we imagine his enthusiasm for life made up for every hard moment. As are all our adopters, you are forever a part of our family and we are holding you so closely and so tightly as you navigate the grief of losing Giddy, the most marvelous, amazing, and wonderful One-Eyed Pittie.
Thank you, Gideon, for blessing us with your light and love for more than a decade - through all your stages and phases. What an immense privilege it was (and always will be) to love you.
Rest easy, sweet boy. 🌈
