Last of 9 dogs rescued from dogfighting ring seeks home

It’s been a year since Hazel the dog was rescued from a South Carolina dogfighting ring.

It’s taken that time to bring out the “sweet, funny” dog she is, Elli Frank said. The longer a dog spends in a dogfighting ring, the more “shut down” they can be.

“She’s funny,” Frank said of Hazel, now being fostered in Connecticut. “If she could talk, I think she’d probably be like Chelsea Handler.”

Hazel was one of nine dogs taken into custody by police in Gaston County, S.C., on June 2, 2021. All were placed in the custody of Frank, who runs a New York-based nonprofit called Mr. Bones and Co.

Of the nine dogs authorities say were part of a dogfighting ring run by Rico Pagan, now free on bond while awaiting trial on dogfighting charges, two were determined to be unable to be rehabilitated.

Of the seven remaining dogs authorities say they found living in squalid conditions on Pagan’s property, six have been adopted. Stephanie was adopted by a New York City Police officer. Buttercup, Gertie and James went to homes in upstate New York.

“Captain Rollins was the only dog we were unable to successfully rehabilitate,” Frank said. “We allowed him to peacefully pass on my farm here in the Hudson Valley.”

Heath the dog was adopted by a trainer in Fairfield, one with experience with former fighting dogs. Now only Hazel remains.

Hazel needed help. “She’s overcome an extensive amount of trauma,” Frank said. She’s about 5 years old now, and while she’s not aggressive toward other dogs, “she can be reactive if she feels threatened because of the history she’s been through.”

It’s not that Hazel wants to fight. “She just prefers the company of humans,” Frank said.