AL: Wilson, the pit bull who just wants a hug and a home

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Wilson, a two-year-old pit bull, loves people so much he greets them with a hug. But when Wilson was rescued from northern Madison County he could barely walk, let alone jump up to give a hug.

When Julia Coberly first rescued Wilson, he could only walk a few yards and then he would sit because he just did not have enough strength to go on. Coberly would then put the dog over her shoulder and carry him back to the car.

Wilson, now twenty pounds heavier at 55 pounds, still likes to be carried.


Wilson, a two-year-old pit bull, takes a walk with his foster owner Julia Coberly, on the Jones Valley Greenway. (Eric Schultz)

Wilson likes to be close to Coberly and will often give her 'hugs' standing on his back legs and leaning into her. He is an affectionate dog.

Julia Coberly, a volunteer with Huntsville Animal Services, is currently fostering Wilson. "About eleven months ago, Wilson came into the shelter as a stray, was very emaciated and in general unhealthy," Coberly said in an email. "The shelter director was immediately drawn to him and started looking for a foster. I didn't have any Boxer fosters at the time, so I agreed to take him in. The plan was to get him up to weight, schedule his neuter and then bring him back to the shelter so that he could go into the adoption area. "

Two months later, Coberly said ", Wilson was in pretty good shape, but by that time I felt horrible about bringing him back to the shelter. He was doing so well in my home and I didn't want him to take up a kennel that would have been available to another dog that otherwise might have been euthanized."

Wilson is about two years old, neutered and current on vaccinations. He is taking heartworm and flea preventative. He has no issues with small dogs, but would definitely need to be supervised around them until he had settled into the home. He is a little overly fond of cats, squirrels and rabbits. In fact, about the only time he barks is when he sees a squirrel or rabbit or cat.

Wilson walks well on a leash and visits the walking trail on a regular basis. Wilson loves meeting new people and is good with children and strangers. Again, cats, not so much.

If your life could use a few more hugs, Wilson is available for adoption through Huntsville Animal Services, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
and Sat. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
or call (256) 883-3782.




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Wilson, the pit bull who just wants a hug and a home (Photo Gallery) | AL.com