In 2021, a devastating fire destroyed the home of Diane Crocket, co-founder of Pit Road K9 Rescue & Sanctuary. It also took the lives of several of her rescue dogs. But Diane and her daughter Carla—who is now the president of the rescue—were both well known in the community, and other animal rescues and local businesses all pitched in to help get Pit Road back on its feet. We had a chance to speak with Diane about the rescue and what it means to the animals that they save. Here’s what she had to say.
Tell us about Pit Road K9 Rescue & Sanctuary.
My co-founder David and I started rescuing mainly bully breeds before 2000. We were one of the first rescues to pull bully breeds from the Newport News SPCA.
What prompted you to get started?
We started rescuing pit bulls because there was a real need. Most pitties left shelters in a black bag out the back door. I was friends with the director of the local SPCA and working at a local vet clinic. When he realized what we did as Pit Road, we were able to help them save some often misunderstood, but totally deserving, second chance, at-risk dogs. My daughter got involved after I injured my back in a car accident, and we have never looked back.
Is there anything you do that sets you apart from other rescues?
I think what sets us apart from other rescues is a real, true love of bully breeds. We are now an all-breed rescue because of the overwhelming need for people to step up. Rescues are full, shelters are full, and yet, people still surrender their fur babies. We will do this until we don’t have to, and all dogs are loved and happy.
You are also an animal sanctuary. Tell us about that.
When we say Sanctuary, we mean that an unadoptable dog with us will be given sanctuary, safety, and love for the rest of their life.
Is there a significance to the Pit Road name?
Funny story…Pit Road got its name because of our love of pitties and NASCAR (National Stock Car Racing Association)!
NOTE: For those who are unfamiliar with car racing, each track on the NASCAR circuit has what’s called a “pit road” off the track where drivers can come in for fresh tires, fuel, and whatever mechanical adjustments need to be made during the race.
Why is saving animals so important to you?
Saving dogs is what we do! It’s a passion for us.
Anything else you’d like to add?
As you mentioned in the intro, we had a catastrophic fire several years ago resulting in the loss of our home and several dogs. We were helped during this time by an amazing group of rescues and volunteers who worked tirelessly. We were overwhelmed but learned the meaning of rescues helping rescues.
This Rescue Spotlight is sponsored by Detroit Tiki Co.