The NC Seven were rescued from a North Carolina dogfighting operation and given a chance at healing through our One Lucky Pup program. This case study follows their journey from chains and cruelty to rehabilitation, adoption, and, when necessary, humane compassion. Together, their stories show why giving fighting dogs a chance matters.

When her chains were cut, Gertie was the most shutdown of the group. Used extensively for breeding, her world had been reduced to fear and survival. Through patient decompression in foster care, hiking, and carefully guided positive experiences, Gertie slowly began to trust.

She learned to love human affection, formed bonds with children and other dogs, and eventually blossomed into a confident companion. Gertie was adopted into a quiet, loving home where she loves her new life, which include two children and another dog.

The oldest and longest-fought of the group, Stephanie arrived emaciated and covered in scars. Confiscated before the raid due to her condition, she was expected to be one of the most behaviorally challenging cases.

Instead, Stephanie became the heart of the NC Seven. Social, affectionate, and innately well-adjusted once freed, she thrived in foster care, delighting strangers and dogs alike. She was adopted by a family in Staten Island, spending the rest of her life cherished and adored by two children and her parents, before passing in 2024. Despite spending the majority life at the end of chain, Stephanie never stopped believing there were good humans to be found.

Buttercup greeted her rescuers with shy kisses the day she was freed. Likely used primarily for breeding, she was sensitive and fearful, but extraordinarily gentle. In foster care, Buttercup learned to trust at her own pace, forming friendships with dogs, a cat, and ultimately her foster parents.

Her foster family made it official: Buttercup—now Tilly—was already home! After years on a chain, she now sleeps in a bed, snuggles freely, and lives the life she always deserved.

Around 3–4 years old and the largest of the group, Heath bore the physical scars typical of fighting dogs. Emotionally, he surprised us. Gentle, affectionate, and eager to trust, Heath excelled in a positive reinforcement training program, learning how to live in a home for the first time.

Despite complications from neuter surgery and symptomatic babesia, Heath thrived. He formed healthy relationships with people, dogs, and even horses. He found his forever home with his trainer, Anya, proving that his past did not define his future.

James was the only dog in the yard with no evidence of having been fought, though his purpose remains unknown. Still, severe neglect and isolation had left him deeply fearful of humans. What helped James heal was other animals (dogs and even cats!) who gave him the confidence to re-engage with the world.

In a remarkable turn, James became a source of comfort for fellow survivors Hazel and Stephanie. He was adopted and enjoyed hiking, playtime, and the simple joy of curling up at home. He passed in 2024.

Hazel’s rehabilitation was the longest and most complex. Used for both fighting and breeding, she carried deep emotional trauma despite her love for people. Through more than a year of an intensive force-free training and decompression program, Hazel transformed, learning confidence, boundaries, and joy.

After being the final NC Seven dog waiting for a home, Hazel’s story reached the local press. That visibility led her to the family who would complete her journey. Today, Hazel is finally home, closing the chapter on an extraordinary rescue effort.

Rollins was just a puppy when seized, 5-6 months old, already exhibiting severe hyperarousal and predatory fixation deliberately bred and reinforced by his captor. Despite months of intensive rehabilitation, his behavior escalated in ways that posed safety risks.

With heartbreak and responsibility, we made the humane decision to give Rollins peace through behavioral euthanasia. He spent his final day running free on our (foster) Puppy Farm, where he took his final breathe surrounded by love. His story is a painful but necessary reminder that ethical rescue sometimes means choosing compassion over outcome.

Most dogs rescued from fighting operations go on to live safe, joyful lives when they are provided kindness, force-free training and direction, routine and skills to live in a home. The NC Seven are proof that dogs from cruelty cases are not broken or disposable.

Rehabilitation is not about saving every dog at any cost, it is about doing what is right for each individual, prioritizing safety, and believing in their capacity for healing.

Six of the NC Seven are living the lives their abusers tried to deny them. One was given peace. All were given a chance. This work matters.

In August 2025, the man who organized the fighting and owned these dogs, Rico Pagan, was convicted and sentenced to 7-15 years in prison, pleading guilty to four counts of felony dogfighting and 13 counts of animal cruelty. The Gaston County District Attorney's office considered this one of the best results they had seen in a state court dogfighting case, hoping it would set an example for others. 

Photos: Brent Clark/AP Images for HSUS