The inspiration and drive behind our Founder, Samira Yaghi’s, passion for the mistreated and misunderstood “pit bull” type dogs all began with a pit bull puppy named Roscoe. His rough start in life was already destined for failure because he was born into a society that is uneducated about the “pit bull type” breed and preconditioned to the negative stereotype that is associated with them.

In Roscoe’s very short life, he had already endured the worst of humanity from being bred specifically to fight, living through unspeakable abuse, and left to die. On the night that Sam rescued Roscoe, he was at death’s door suffering from his horrific injuries. Sam was able to rush him to the Emergency Veterinarian where he was hospitalized in critical condition. It was this night that would serve as the stepping stone for the future and how their life’s mission would be changed forever.

This was where their story began. Roscoe quickly became a beloved member of the family. He was a game changer for everything she had ever known about the breed and everything she would soon discover. The level of judgment and discrimination, not only for Roscoe, but equally for Sam as an owner of a breed that is misunderstood by society. The limitations and restrictions they would both face together was a side of the world she was completely oblivious to.

Roscoe helped Sam recognize all the misconceptions and stereotypes that exist about “pit bull” type dogs. He also brought to light the many amazing qualities that these dogs possess. This eye-opening experience is what lit the fire, and she vowed to be a fighting voice for the underdogs. Sam found her calling at Fairfield County Animal Control (FCAC) as the volunteer rescue coordinator initially and quickly took on more roles to further the life-saving efforts that were so desperately needed in an underfunded county facility.

Sam’s work at FCAC inspired the creation of Friends of Fairfield Animals (FOFA) Facebook page. This page serves as a social media platform to make public the needs of the shelter, animals looking for rescue, rescue group networking, organizing transports, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising. The Friends of Fairfield Facebook page has successfully connected this small rural shelter with rescues and supporters across the United States and Canada. The page is still active today and continues to be led by Sam and the team of FOFA volunteers.