Recently at Pets Alive Westchester in Elmsford, New York we took in two dogs from a soldier who was suddenly deployed overseas. Unable to find homes for his beloved dogs he came to Pets Alive Westchester as a last resort. He was desperate to find homes where they would be safe, loved and have a lifetime of stability and happiness. We took them in knowing how difficult it would be to place not just one of them but both of them together in a home. This is Roxy and Rex.
Roxy and Rex are pit bulls, a brother and sister pair who are about 4 years old – and they are truly fantastic dogs. They know commands, they’re very well behaved, completely (and strongly!) housetrained, and they get along well with many other dogs too. They have accepted their transition gracefully and ignore the barking and chaos around them when they go out for walks or to the play yard. 
They are fantastically leash trained, walking perfectly without pulling. They’re even crate trained! Roxy and Rex are very tightly bonded to each other, with Rex watching carefully over his sister. They’re fantastic dogs with a fun-loving attitude who love being around people, and they’re also very calm dogs who give off a vibe of happiness to anyone they come in contact with. People can’t help but fall in love with them the instant they see them.
Some of our staff has speculated that this fantastic and friendly pair may be a subtype of pit bulls called “American Bullies”, and although it’s hard to say for sure their physical appearance certainly supports that as does their behavior. American Bullies have a powerful look but a docile nature, love people, and generally do well with other dogs.
It is historically difficult in our area to place pit bulls. It is harder still to place a pair of bonded pit bulls – but upon meeting this pair, we 
knew we had to try. These two beautiful and majestic, loving dogs are very, very worthy of a chance for adoption.
We know that a soldiers family goes through a tremendous amount of sacrifices throughout their loved ones military career. We in the animal world see the sacrifices that they have to make by leaving their beloved pets behind to serve our country. We thank our military and their families for all of their sacrifices that they continue to make to keep our country safe. We are here to help in any way we can as are many other great organizations. In this case the owner wanted us to place Roxy and Rex in a permanent loving home together if possible. Otherwise, we would have held them for as long as necessary or found foster for them until he returned. But these were not his wishes.
When we originally posted about Roxy and Rex on our Facebook page, we were somewhat disappointed with the reaction. Many wanted to place blame for the situation they find themselves in. We don’t want that. We are here to help, to help animals. These fantastic and worthy animals need our help – as does their owner, who never wanted to give them up and desperately wants them to be okay. When we are in a position to help, we want to do so, and blame is not helpful to achieve our goal for these two: to find wonderful homes for wonderful animals, to save their lives. Please help us focus on that goal by sharing their story and helping to find them a loving home.
Roxy and Rex are waiting for you. They have a lifetime of roly-poly pit bull love to share. If you’re interested in meeting Roxy and Rex, please email us at adoptions@petsalivewest.org or fill out an application!