A Family Adopts A ‘Hearty Dog’ Who Survived His Entire Life Before Facing Slavery

In the heart of South Pasadena, amidst the gentle hum of suburban life, a tale of resilience and redemption unfolds—a story that begins with a dog named Strawberry and ends with a loving family’s embrace.

Strawberry, a 2-year-old pitbull affectionately dubbed the “unicorn dog” for his indomitable spirit, had endured more hardship in his short life than most could imagine. Caught in a cycle of shelter transfers and near brushes with euthanasia, his journey had been fraught with uncertainty and despair.

But fate had other plans for Strawberry, as he was rescued by the La Belle Foundation in Los Angeles—a beacon of hope in a world that often seemed bleak. Despite the scars that marred his face and the haunted look in his eyes, Strawberry’s spirit remained unbroken, his determination to survive burning bright.

“When we found him, he had horrible scratches on his swollen face and sticky eyes,” the rescue organization shared on Pets News Today, their words a testament to the resilience of the canine soul. “But beneath the scars, he had the heart of a lion—a heart that refused to be defeated.”

As Strawberry underwent treatment and rehabilitation, his true nature began to shine through. Despite the hardships he had endured, he was a gentle soul at heart—a dog who craved nothing more than love and companionship.

And so, when the Kuhlman family of South Pasadena saw Strawberry’s story on the website, they knew they had found their newest family member. “Something spoke to me about her,” said Kristin Kuhlman, the family matriarch. “She had been searching for a home for so long, and we couldn’t resist.”

With open arms and hearts full of love, the Kuhlman family welcomed Strawberry into their home, showering her with the affection she had so desperately craved. “She’s a big, cuddly teddy bear,” laughed Claire Kuhlman, Kristin’s twin daughter. “She loves to snuggle up with us and play fetch in the backyard.”

Even Jeff Kuhlman, the patriarch of the family, couldn’t help but be charmed by Strawberry’s infectious energy. “She’s got so much personality,” he said, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “We found a collar with strawberries on it, and it just seemed fitting. Plus, ‘Strawbs’ is easier to say!”

As Strawberry settled into her new life with the Kuhlman family, she quickly became a beloved fixture in the neighborhood. Recognizable by her distinctive head tilt and boundless enthusiasm, she won the hearts of everyone she met.

“People would roll down their windows and shout, ‘Hello, Strawberry!'” Kristin explained, her eyes twinkling with pride. “She’s become quite the local celebrity, and we couldn’t be happier to have her as part of our family.”

And so, as Strawberry basks in the love and affection of her new home, her journey from struggle to sanctuary serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love, resilience, and second chances. For in the embrace of a loving family, even the most wounded souls can find healing and hope.