Update: Deputy Adopts Rescued Pit Bull

A Richland County Sheriff's deputy adopted one of the three puppies , the sheriff's department announced Tuesday.

Deputy Amanda Burwell adopted Stonewall, one of the puppies whose ears were cut off. Stonewall is adapting to his new home and Burwell's other dogs, Sheriff Leon Lott said in a statement.

Lott also announced that 15 of the 24 adult pit bulls are now living with foster families. 

One of the pit bulls moved to it's new foster home on Oct. 26. The dog, whose new name is Loki, is bonding with the family's other animals — even the cat, Lott said. 

The public has donated $1,700 to help with the cost of taking care of the dogs, Lott said. 

The 24 pit bulls and the three puppies who were rescued have received shots and microchips, Lott said. They have also been tested for heartworms and received other treatment to protect against heartworms, roundworms and hookworms.

Some of the dogs are being trained to be service dogs, Lott said.

The sheriff's department is still looking for families to foster the nine other dogs until they can be adopted. Anyone interested in fostering a dog should call Pawmetto Lifeline at 803-622-4748. 

Anyone interested in donating money to offset the costs of caring for the dogs can make checks payable to the Richland County Sheriff’s Foundation, P.O. Box 1182, Columbia, South Carolina, 29202.