With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility: Riptide’s 600-Day Wait for a Hero

Let’s talk about a real-deal American Bully with a big heart, serious muscle, and a loyalty streak a mile wide.

Meet Riptide—a 100-pound XL American Bully who’s been waiting far too long for his forever home. Over 600 days in a shelter. That’s nearly two years of concrete floors, fluorescent lights, and zero chances to be the loyal companion he was born to be.

And even after all that? Riptide still believes. He still wags his tail. He still lights up for car rides, toys, and belly rubs. He’s holding out for someone strong enough to lead him—and kind enough to never give up.

“With great power comes great responsibility.”

– Uncle Ben, Spider-Man (and every true bully breed owner who gets it)

🐾 Meet Riptide:

Breed: XL American Bully
Age: 5 years
Weight: 100 lbs (currently watching his figure)
Neutered: Yes
Location: Palmetto, FL

Riptide is not a starter dog. He’s not a novelty or a photo op. He’s a powerful, intelligent, deeply loyal animal who’s been failed by humans before—but hasn’t let that break his spirit. He needs someone who brings leadership, patience, and integrity. Someone who doesn’t just talk the talk—they show up.

What Riptide Needs:

Calm, confident leadership
A structured, predictable daily routine
An experienced handler who understands large, strong breeds—especially bullies
A calm, low-traffic home with no kids or other animals
Slow, respectful introductions with new people
A signed behavior waiver

He bonds more easily with women but can build trust with calm, consistent men. With the right person, this dog will give everything he’s got.

What Riptide Comes With:

To set him—and you—up for success, professional training support may be provided at no cost.

👉 Please ask the shelter staff about this opportunity when inquiring.

He’ll also come with his own heavy-duty crate, generously donated by

For the Love of Dogs, volunteers of Manatee County Animal Welfare—so you can maintain structure and safety right from day one.

Riptide is muzzle-acclimated, trained with a Gentle Leader, and knows a strong lineup of commands:

sit, down, place, wait, heel — and he’s working on recall, too.

🎾 What He Loves:

Despite everything he’s been through, Riptide still lights up for:

Swimming
Playing fetch
Car rides
Stuffies (with supervision)
Belly rubs and long naps
Treats (taken gently, of course)

This dog isn’t broken—he’s just waiting for someone to see his worth and meet him where he is.

💙 Who He’s Waiting For:

Riptide is waiting for a hero. Someone who understands that dogs like him aren’t liabilities—they’re legends. He needs someone who doesn’t just want to adopt a dog, but wants to build a bond. The kind of person who believes in second chances and takes responsibility seriously.

This isn’t a dog you’ll mold. This is a dog you’ll partner with.

Shelter staff and volunteers adore him. They know he’s special. He’s their “big smoochy ham,” their smart, silly, affectionate protector with the kind of loyalty that can’t be bought—it’s earned.

After 600+ days, we’re done waiting quietly. He’s done being overlooked. His time is now.

📞 Ready to Step Up?

If you have the experience, the heart, and the backbone to meet Riptide where he is—and lead him forward—you might just be the one he’s been waiting for.