In the heart of Massachusetts, the tireless volunteers of Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE) continue their mission of saving lives—one paw at a time. Among the many dogs currently under their care, one name stands out: Butterball Destiny. This cheerful, brindle-coated bull terrier and boxer mix has spent every day of his two-year life in the safety—but not permanence—of rescue. And after surviving more than most dogs ever will, Butterball is still waiting for the one thing he truly needs: a home to call his own.
A Rough Start in the Deep South
Butterball’s journey began in Mississippi, where he, his littermates, and their mother Destiny were discovered in dire conditions. The small family was rescued from a neglectful environment where food was scarce, and compassion even scarcer. “These pups and their momma were pulled from a bad situation in Mississippi where they were neglected and barely fed. But they are safe now,” shared the team at Great Dog Rescue New England.
But safety wasn’t the end of their struggle—it was just the beginning.
Shortly after being placed in a foster home, the family faced yet another tragedy. A tornado tore through Mississippi, destroying the home that had offered them temporary comfort. “The Destiny dogs just can’t catch a break!” GDRNE wrote in a social media update. “First they were strays. Then they were in foster and survived the tornado in Mississippi, and their foster has lost their home. And now they have been waiting and waiting and waiting for homes!”
Growing Up in Rescue
While Butterball survived the odds, his emotional story is bittersweet. Many dogs spend weeks, maybe months in foster care. Butterball has spent his entire life—over 700 days—in rescue. It’s a heartbreaking statistic for the GDRNE team.
“Puppies growing up in rescue just breaks our hearts,” they say. “And we just don’t get it. We really want them to fulfill their destiny of being a loved, pampered family dog.”
Photos of Butterball over the past two years show a dog who’s blossomed into a 50-pound bundle of energy and affection, yet his forever family remains elusive.
A Joyful Soul, Ready for Love
Despite everything Butterball has been through, his spirit remains unbroken. Described as “energetic, happy, healthy and playful,” Butterball is a poster pup for resilience. His striking brindle coat, white-tipped paws, and soulful eyes are matched only by his eagerness to bond. He thrives in the company of other dogs and finds joy in simple pleasures—tossing toys, going on walks, or receiving affection from both adults and children.
He is fully house-trained, neutered, up to date on all vaccinations, and ready to make someone’s life infinitely brighter.
The Mission Behind the Rescue
Butterball’s story is one of many being written by Great Dog Rescue New England. A 501(c)(3) non-profit, GDRNE is a foster-based, shelterless organization powered entirely by volunteers. With no physical facility, the group depends on a network of compassionate individuals throughout New England to provide temporary homes for dogs like Butterball until permanent placements are found.
Their work doesn’t stop with rehoming. GDRNE supports spay and neuter efforts in the South, donates to clinics, and places dogs with agencies that train them for service work. But more than anything, their goal is to give each dog—not just shelter—but the life they were always meant to have.
How You Can Help
Great Dog Rescue New England welcomes adopters from Massachusetts, as well as from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other New England states. Adopters must be at least 24 years old and willing to complete an application process. Though they do not place dogs specifically for emotional support or service work, they are deeply committed to matching each rescue to a family that will love them for life.
For those touched by Butterball’s story or looking to add a dog to their lives, now is the time. Butterball has waited long enough.
Visit https://gdrne.com to learn more about the adoption process, fill out an application, or make a donation to support their life-saving work.
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