Assumptions can shape how we see the world, and dogs often carry the weight of those misconceptions. Some breeds continue to be feared or unfairly judged, even by people who spend time around them every day.
Anubis, a Rottweiler, became a powerful example of how those ideas can be wrong. Once described as a “scary devil dog” by a shelter volunteer who focused only on his appearance, he went on to reveal a calm, loving nature that told a very different story.
What Anubis truly needed was patience, compassion, and the opportunity to be understood for who he really was. Thankfully, he crossed paths with people ready to stand beside him and give him that chance.
A Rottweiler Misjudged By First Impressions
When Anubis, a two-year-old black and tan Rottweiler, arrived at Miami-Dade Animal Services, he was immediately branded aggressive, dangerous, and devilish.
Having survived on the streets for an unknown period, he instinctively reacted defensively to anyone approaching.
Anubis had relied solely on himself, naturally distrusting people who had abandoned him without food, shelter, or care.
Shelter staff quickly declared him unsafe, confining him to the back of the facility.
He was never walked due to his perceived aggression and a positive heartworm test, and the isolation only worsened his anxiety, placing his life in jeopardy.
With just a day before euthanasia, Humans And Animals United (HAAU), a Florida-based nonprofit rescue, learned of his case and stepped in to save him.
“Some staff at the shelter were scared of him, and Anubis wasn’t trusting anyone,” Rosa Fond, the founder of HAAU, told The Dodo.
The team believed a kind, loving dog lay beneath his tough exterior, and they committed to revealing his true self.
Patience And Care Uncovered His Gentle Nature
Before joining a foster family, Anubis needed time to relax, regain trust, and work with a trainer. The process demanded patience and consistency, but the transformation began as soon as he received attention and care.
“It took a lot of time and understanding, and I mean a lot! But we gave him the chance that he needed,” Fond said.
Removed from the shelter environment, Anubis revealed the loving nature that had been hidden beneath fear.
The dog once considered aggressive became a joyful, affectionate companion.
“When he left the shelter, he realized he was safe. He had a huge smile and happy eyes,” Fond said.
Once placed in his foster home, Anubis met an unlikely companion who became his closest friend and “little brother.”
A small bearded dragon lizard quickly won his respect, and to everyone’s amazement, the lizard became the one in charge.
“Anubis has to ask the bearded dragon for permission to enter a room or take a toy, as funny and hard as it is to believe,” Fond said.
❤️🐾🎉 Anubis, the so called aggressive Rottweiler who was in the back of the shelter without being walked due to aggression and also Heartworm positive. The scary devil dog one volunteer said… the monster… he will never make it out. The last plea came out for him, we had to come up with a plan to save his life. It has taken love and dedication but here is Anubis! The Gentle Giant! Well the bearded dragon runs the house as you can tell 😂 Our rescue is thankful for everyone’s support in saving the loves who need us the most. No rescue is easy, we do not post all we go through to guarantee a bright future for these kids. What we love doing is bringing you the great updates to inspire a better world for these souls. Anubis is at his foster living a great life! #Humansandanimalsunited #rosafond #savinglives #animalrescue #rescuedogsoftiktok #haau #fosterssavelives #humansandanimalsunited #bekindtoanimals
The duo formed a bond of mutual trust and deep affection.
Now, Anubis thrives surrounded by his human family and his reptilian friend, a gentle giant whose story demonstrates the profound difference compassion and opportunity can make.
He simply needed one chance.
“The ‘aggressive’ rottweiler is now safe and loved. The family that he’s with now has gone above and beyond to love him and guarantee him the best future,” Fond said.
