Ana is an Associate Editor who loves animals and food. A good taco and a snuggle with her dogs is all she needs.

In our lives, we have many heroes among us. They can be those who keep us safe, like the police, or they can be our role models.


Isn’t it great when that is a bit of both? Stories about police officers and firefighters taking care of those who need it truly warms the heart.

When Erica Mahnken, co-founder of No More Pain Rescue, got the call about a pit bull in need, she quickly jumped into action like a true hero!

Ashley was found in a crack house in January, extremely malnourished and covered in cigarette burns. There was no food or water in the abandoned house. There was also no heat; the poor pit bull must have been freezing, as it was winter.


It appears that Ashley’s former owners left when a storm hit, leaving her behind. Erica called some friends in the New York City Fire Department, as she knew the Fort Pitt station once had a firehouse dog.

Ashley was immediately friendly when she walked into the firehouse, with her tail wagging nice and fast. The arrangement was supposed to be temporary, but the firefighters called a few days later to ask if they could keep Ashley.

“They said, ‘We’re going to adopt her. We just love her so much. She is at home here,'” Eric told The Dodo. “So I was thrilled. And as soon as I walked her in there, I knew that that’s where she belonged.”

Now, Ashley has a happy and safe home where she can help protect others! Aren’t you glad to see this pit bull’s new lease on life?

Please SHARE this pit bull’s inspiring story with all of your friends and family to give them a reason to smile today!