White Collar Crime, Standoff Leaves 'Perfect Pit Bull' Homeless

If Zsa Zsa sounds like a fancy name for a stocky grey and white female pit bull, it's probably because she once lived a fancy life. She lived in a mansion and was given the best of everything.

Less than a year ago Zsa Zsa was a very well cared for "lady of the manor." Housetrained, healthy and happy, this extremely well-behaved pit bull enjoyed a charmed life, one that any dog or cat would be lucky to have.

That all ended last year on an otherwise perfect Atlanta autumn day when Secret Service agents knocked on the door of a Norcross hotel suite where she was staying with her 69-year old owner.

He was wanted by federal authorities for failure to appear in court on a fraud by wire charge. He barricaded himself and Zsa Zsa in the room, refusing to open the door. The impasse soon escalated to the point where a S.W.A.T team was called in. The immediate area was secured by law enforcement as a mediator tried to get Zsa Zsa's owner to give himself up peacefully.

He countered by threatening to commit suicide.

Somewhere in the tense three hours that followed, her distraught owner agreed to release Zsa Zsa from the room in case the stand off became more than just a stand off. Local television news reports showed her obediently trotting off with law enforcement, having no idea her life of luxury had just ended.

Her owner eventually gave himself up and was, a lot less willingly, also trotted off by law enforcement. He was sent to prison and Zsa Zsa was taken to the Gwinnett County animal shelter.

A friend of her owner's endeavored to find a better environment for Zsa Zsa, realizing that a noisy and busy county shelter was stressful beyond endurance for the peaceful pit bull.

That's how Zsa Zsa came to LifeLine Animal Project. While her former owner serves a long sentence, she hopes to be twice lucky and find another loving home. 

Adjusting to homelessness has been hard for this mild-mannered dog. "She's a perfect pit bull," said Debbie Setzer, LifeLine's community outreach director, "but living in a shelter has been hard on her."

"She's so sweet, gentle and easy-going, great in public, loves walks and loves everyone," Setzer continued.

This would bear out when you first meet Zsa Zsa. If you are willing she will touch her pink and black nose to your nose and give you a tidy (for a pit bull) kiss on the face. She spends some of her days in the clinic with LifeLine staff, going from person to person for affection. She's so well-mannered that Setzer sometimes takes Zsa Zsa with her on errands.

Zsa Zsa absolutely adores riding in cars. "She's great with kids, great in the training classes we take her to, and has shown no aggression about food or otherwise," Setzer said.

It doesn't take a large income or a large residence to be a good pet owner. It only takes a large heart and willingness to give a pet love, companionship and the best care possible.

If you want a sturdy and faithful canine companion that will help your house feel like a home, consider giving Zsa Zsa that coveted second chance that all homeless pets deserve.

To find out more or to apply to adopt Zsa Zsa, contact adoptions@lifelineanimal.org