When Jill Dyché, executive director of Los Angeles–based rescue Outta the Cage, set out with rescue pup Milo to meet his new family, she was filled with hope. But on the drive, her phone rang with crushing news: Milo’s adopter had changed their mind.

The disappointment was hard to hide — but Milo wasn’t about to let her carry that sadness alone. As if sensing her emotions, the black pit bull gently placed his paw on Dyché’s shoulder while she drove.

“I think he was comforting me,” Dyché said. “That’s the kind of dog he is.”

An Empathetic Companion

Normally, Milo is all smiles, wagging his tail and lighting up every room he enters. But in that moment, his face grew serious, as though he understood the weight of the news. “He knew something was going on,” Dyché recalled.

The adopter had backed out because her partner wasn’t on board with bringing Milo home. For Dyché, this rejection stung — not just because it meant more waiting for Milo, but because she knew how unfairly black pit bulls are judged.

“It’s the whole judging-a-book-by-its-cover thing,” she explained. “He might strike people as a scary pit bull. But he’s really just a big meatball.”

Milo’s Journey

Milo’s story is one of resilience. Found as a stray, he was placed on a euthanasia list at a high-kill shelter. Outta the Cage intervened, and for the last nine months, Milo has been living in foster care with one of the group’s trainers.

Despite everything he’s endured, Milo has remained “unbelievably social.” He loves people, adores kids, and gets along with dogs big and small. He has even been known to wag his tail so hard he looks like he’s dancing.

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A Dog Who Loves Life

Milo thrives on simple joys: short walks, playtime, and even baths. On a recent visit to Dyché’s home, he stood happily under warm water, lowering his head so it would wash over his ears. Afterwards, he sprawled across her chaise lounge like royalty, finally at ease.

“It was so nice seeing him relaxed and having his own agency and just being a dog,” Dyché said. “That’s what we want for him.”

Hoping for a Forever Family

Milo’s future family will gain far more than a pet — they’ll gain a loyal best friend who has already proven his capacity for empathy.

“He’s just a very affable, happy dude,” Dyché said. “He’s going to be your best friend.”

After months of waiting, Milo deserves a loving home that will see past appearances and embrace the affectionate soul he truly is.

Closing Thoughts

Milo’s paw on Dyché’s shoulder wasn’t just a moment of comfort — it was proof of the compassion this dog has to offer. His journey from stray to survivor shows the power of rescue, recovery, and second chances.

While his adopter may have backed out, Milo’s perfect match is still out there. And when they finally meet him, they’ll quickly realize what Dyché already knows: Milo is the kind of dog who makes life better just by being in it.

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