When American pit bull terrier Lita was rescued from an Atlanta dogfighting ring, she was just under a year old and had already been bred several times. Her deep scars and bite marks tell another tale—one in which she was most likely used as a “bait” dog to train more aggressive fighters. At the time of her rescue, she was so weak she could barely lift her face out of the dirt. And a severe heartworm problem almost resulted in immediate euthanasia. Her adoptive owners, Ormewood residents Shannon and Matt Terrell, are thankful Lita was spared and treated successfully. The “goofy” two-year-old leads a happy life, says Shannon, and loves to snore on the couch, play with kids, and take long walks on the beach.