A Community United for Bully Breeds
The Love Pit is more than a rescue—it’s a movement dedicated to saving, rehabilitating, and advocating for bully breeds in need.
Position Statement
Sweet Pea is the Heart Behind The Love Pit — She is Our Why.
On June 10, 2015, our founder, Aften, was driving to a work dinner in Dallas when she noticed the cars ahead of her swerving. At first, she couldn’t see why. But as she got closer, her heart sank—there, in the middle of the road, was a stray pit bull walking directly into oncoming traffic.
Car after car dodged around her, but no one stopped. Aften knew she had to act fast. Without hesitation, she pulled her car across multiple lanes, turned on her hazard lights, and stepped out into the street, hoping to save her.
She gently called out, “Come here, Sweet Pea. Come here, sweet girl.” The dog hesitated, then slowly lay down in submission. That’s when Aften saw the full extent of her suffering. Sweet Pea’s body was covered in infected wounds, fleas, and ticks. She had been overbred, neglected, and left to fend for herself. Part of her face had been torn open. Yet, despite everything, she wagged her tail and looked up at Aften with trust.
Aften wasn’t alone—several coworkers, also on their way to the same dinner, had stopped to help. With a little encouragement and support, Sweet Pea gathered what strength she had left and jumped into the back seat of Aften’s car. From that moment on, her life would never be the same.
On the way to the vet, Aften took a photo of Sweet Pea and shared it on an Instagram account she had started to network her foster dogs—The Love Pit. Within hours, the post went viral. In just 24 hours, she witnessed the worst of humanity—the cruelty that had left Sweet Pea in such horrific condition—and the very best of humanity, as people from all over rushed to help. Donations poured in to cover her medical care. Strangers sent messages of support. The outpouring of kindness proved that people did care—and that together, real change was possible.
That was the moment The Love Pit became more than an Instagram account. It became a mission. With the funds left over from Sweet Pea’s recovery, another 13 bully breeds were saved. Then dozens more. Then hundreds. Then thousands. What started as one act of compassion grew into a movement—an entire community of fosters, adopters, volunteers, and advocates working to give pit bulls the second chance they deserve. Sweet Pea lived out her best years with Aften surrounded by love before passing away in the summer of 2021 from lymphoma.
Though she may no longer be with us, her legacy lives on in every dog we rescue, every family we unite, and every person who believes in second chances. She was the first, but because of her, she will never be the last. Every day, we wake up on a mission to #SaveBullyBreeds—in her honor, and for all the Sweet Peas still waiting for their chance.
Passionate. Dedicated. Unstoppable.
Our rescue leaders dedicate themselves every single day to rescuing, rehabilitating, and advocating for bully breeds, ensuring they get the future they deserve
Allison Biel
Managing Director | Development & Advocacy
Stephanie Kolach
Managing Director | HQ Facility
Strength, Strategy, and Heart
Our Board of Directors is made up of bold, driven leaders—visionaries who use their expertise, influence, and passion to create real change for bully breeds
Drew Slone - Board Chair
Aften Bell - President
Amy Brillhart - Vice President
Angela Laguer - Co-Treasurer
John Pruitt - Co-Treasurer
Letty Minkoff - Secretary
Ceren George
The Impact of Compassion: By the Numbers
By saving dogs from shelters, providing essential training and rehabilitation, and educating the public, we’re reducing surrender rates, strengthening the human-dog bond, and breaking stereotypes. Every adoption is more than a rescue—it’s a ripple effect that fosters responsible pet ownership, promotes advocacy, and builds a future where bully breeds are valued, not feared.
1509
Forever Homes Found
1592
Lives Rescued & Transformed
268
Shelter Surrenders Prevented
230
Thrive Critical
Care Cases
Champions for Change: Our Corporate Partners
Our corporate partners play a vital role in saving and advocating for bully breeds. Through their support, we rescue more dogs, provide critical care, and create lasting change. Together, we’re building a future where every bully breed gets a second chance.
Awards and Recognition
Recognition for the Work, Love, and Advocacy Behind Every Rescue.
Channel 5 Clear the Shelters Pawsitively Good Award
Guidestar Gold Transparency 2025
