Not all stories start at the beginning.

For many dogs, the beginning reads much more like the end. Zippity, a three-year-old “court case” Pitbull has such a story. Zippity ended up with Chicago Animal Care and Control when her original owner was suspected of training her for dog-fighting. For a long time, dogs in her position were treated as evidence in court cases and euthanized afterwards.

But Zippity is evidence of something else entirely. Redemption and second chances. Safe Humane Chicago, a local non-profit, works with court case dogs to help them move beyond their histories to find a place in loving homes. The group gave Zippity the love, training and socialization she so desperately needed. In return, Zippity showered every dog and human she met with relentless love.

After assessing Zippity as an excellent candidate for adoption, SerendiPittie Rescue (a SHC partner) placed her in a foster home.

Zippity and Alexandra walk along the lakefront at Montrose Dog Beach as if they’ve spent years rather than weeks together. Zippity joyfully licks Alexandra’s hand, licks the camera and licks the beach air. The only thing this exuberant dog would ever fight is gravity.

“She has this frenetic love for everything,” Alexandra says with a smile. “She loves dogs, she loves people – I mean – she even loves cats! I think she has all this love stored up and she is making up for lost time.”

It’s a beautiful afternoon and the sun shines on Zippity’s back as she surveys the shore.

“She deserves this beach,” Alexandra says. “She deserves a great family, and a great family deserves her. I’d love to keep Zippity, but she is such a sweet dog that I know she could easily make so many people happy. My mission is to find Zippity the new beginning she deserves so that I can continue to help foster the transition of dogs from the pound into loving homes.”

The pages in Zippity’s life have turned back from the final chapter through the middle pages, but she still needs help writing that new beginning. And who knows, maybe you’re the one to help her do it.

Want to know more about this cuddle bug? You can check out Zippity’s PetFinder profile for more details about adoption. If you meet Zip and she steals your heart, well – don’t say whe didn’t warn you.

Here’s to a new beginning!

This blog post is part of Mutt Jackson’s THE JUST LOVE PROJECT. On a weekly basis, we’re posting stories that highlight the moments of love and kindness we discover through experiences with our fellow humans and dogs. We’re starting with stories centered around our beloved Montrose Dog Beach and will expand worldwide.

For all the latest stories and updates, please subscribe to our newsletter. If you or someone you know have a tale to tell, we’d love to hear from you! Shoot us an email at ILuvMutts@MuttJackson.com.