Former fighting dog brings happiness to Jacksonville ex-con

The heartwarming story of a Jacksonville man and his dog are finalists for the 2016 Petco Foundation Holiday Wishes campaign.

Dog owner Jason Bertrand said he has spent a lot of time behind bars. Bertrand spent 14 years and 10 months of a 15-year minimum mandatory sentence.

In his contest submission, he is quick to say that the true story is not about him but one of his best friends -- a blond pitt bull named Sugar Mama.

"It took a while for her to trust me enough to lay next to me or lick my head until I’m practically bald," Bertrand said.

Sugar Mama was rescued from a pit bull fighting ring where she was exploited for entertainment and profit. Bertrand said she was locked up in cramped crates in the woods. She suffered a broken back.

"It breaks my heart to think of how people could neglect and mistreat this amazing dog," he said. "Despite everything, Sugar Mama passes no judgment and holds no grudges. She still wants to please her master, which she shows by wagging her tail and being excited to see me after a long day."

Sugar Mama, according to Bertrand, has changed his life since he's been her owner for past five months. Being in prison calloused Bertrand, yet Sugar Mama melts his heart.

The story of Bertrand and Sugar Mama caught Petco's attention and they are in the top 54 submissions.

If their story is selected as the winner, Pit Sisters, where Sugar Mama was adopted, will receive a grant award ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. The Pit Sisters' organization, TAILS, will receive the award,

Submissions win by having the most public votes. Visit the official contest page to vote for the People's Choice Award.

Some organizations will have the chance to win an additional grant of up to $25,000.

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