Rambo in his new home in Nova Scotia
By: John Stewart December 15, 2008 10:10 PM – Rambo is alive and flourishing in a new life with a family in Nova Scotia.
The Mississauga dog, who became famous after being locked up on death row for 10 months at the City’s animal control centre because of Ontario legislation banning pit bulls, is adjusting well to his new life of freedom, according to the rescue organization that moved him to the east coast.
“Rambo is going to spend his first Christmas ever in a home this year, a home where he’s allowed to live his life and not be hunted nor hidden,” Lee-Anne Tibbo, of Ador-a-Bull Dog Rescue, said in an e-mail to The News.
It was early on Christmas Day last year that the mixed-breed puppy was picked up by an animal control officer in east Mississauga. Rambo had escaped from the backyard of the house where his owner, Gabriela Nowakowska, was a tenant.
Nowakowska was charged with owning an illegal dog, prompting a lengthy legal battle over the controversial law that banned Ontarians from acquiring new pit bulls after 2005.
A plea bargain was reached in October; Nowakowska pleaded guilty, received a suspended sentence and agreed that Rambo — whose life she said was being wasted in captivity in the City’s animal control shelter — would be sent to another province.
“He’s been adopted by a wonderful family and has a canine sibling,” Tibbo said. “He’s settling in well and having a great time there, getting to be a dog. He’s adored very much and I know that he’s going to have a fantastic Christmas filled with many dog cookies and toys.”
Tibbo said she found Rambo “a great dog” in the time she trained him before he was adopted out.
“During his months with me, he did have to learn a lot,” she said. “He had to learn a lot about life’s experiences and how to behave properly, but never once did he show any resistance or aggressive behavior. He continued to be a fantastic house guest and he fit in very well.”
jstewart@mississauga.net
