Since they have regularly been used as guard dogs or fighting dogs, pit bulls have gained an undeserving reputation for being violent. However, even though these animals are built with a lot of muscle and a strong jaw that can bite very hard, they are not actually different from any other dog. The mistaken stereotype that pit bulls are dangerous or mean causes many of these adorable and friendly puppies to end up in animal shelters. Fortunately for one dog, he found an owner who was willing to take him in, and now he cannot stop grinning.
At just 14 inches tall and 70 pounds in weight, Meatball is a short, chunky little brown pit bull. His shape is so adorably rounded, that Lisa Reilly immediately fell in love with him. Because of his signature shape, he was named after one of his favorite foods. Reilly says, “It’s hard to really tell just how short he is in person, but he’s so low to the ground and wide like a Mack Truck… He literally just looks like a meatball. He has no neck and he has no waist.”
Because he was a pit bull, Meatball did not have much of a chance of getting adopted. However, the Fresno Bully Rescue, an organization that tries to save pit bulls and prevent them from being euthanized or put into illegal dog fighting arenas, was there to look out for him. He was not very well trained, but Reilly still decided to adopt him because something about his joyful personality and silly looks reminded her of her recently deceased dog, Kitty.
When she was trying to take a picture of her newly adopted pup, Reilly discovered something surprising and hilarious. It turns out that Meatball can recognize cameras, and he gets a big goofy grin on his face each time his owner is about to take a picture of him. Reilly explains, “as soon as the camera turns on he just gets this huge grin on his face. It cracks me up!”
After an unfortunate bout of illness, Meatball has quickly settled in with his new family. He now has several siblings because Reilly also owns two other rescued pit bulls and two dachshunds. Meatball still loves playing around and getting treats, but he is now learning to follow more commands and behave a little better.
Since Meatball knows how to smile for the camera, Reilly decided to start featuring him on her Instagram account with “Meaty Monday” posts. In the images on the loveabulllisa account, Meatball’s friendly and pleasant nature is immediately evident. He is willing to be dressed up in a variety of outfits, ranging from a baby onesie to an Indiana Jones costume complete with a fedora and whip. In each image, Meatball proudly poses and smiles sweetly at the camera. Whether he is being placed in a flower urn or posed relaxing on the couch “holding” a glass of wine, Meatball is clearly being a well behaved and very much loved dog.
Reilly’s popular Instagram posts have helped to show that pit bulls are not just vicious fighting animals. When they are raised properly, they can be sweet, intelligent dogs who are extremely loyal to their owners. Thanks to Reilly’s faith in him and the dedicated work of the Fresno Bully Rescue, Meatball is now safe and happy with a new family that truly appreciates him.
