For Jill Dyché, the executive director of the Los Angeles–based rescue group Outta the Cage, fostering dogs is both her passion and her mission. But on one particular afternoon, while driving with one of the rescue’s most lovable pups — a three-year-old pittie named Milo — she received a phone call that left her heart heavy.
On the other end of the line was Milo’s potential adopter. After weeks of consideration, they had decided not to move forward. The reason wasn’t Milo himself but rather a disagreement at home. One partner wanted him, the other did not. And so, the adoption fell through.
For Dyché, it was disheartening news. She had been rooting for Milo, knowing how deeply he deserved a permanent home. But before she could sink too far into her sadness, Milo quietly reached out — placing his paw on her shoulder from the backseat.
“He must’ve seen my face or felt the shift in my energy,” Dyché recalled. In that moment, Milo wasn’t the one being comforted. He was the one offering comfort.
An Empathetic Dog With a Big Heart
Normally, Milo is all smiles, wagging his tail and showing off his goofy, happy-go-lucky personality. But Dyché noticed that his face grew more serious when he sensed her disappointment.
“I think he was comforting me,” she said. “That’s the kind of dog he is.”
The photo she shared of Milo’s paw on her shoulder resonated deeply with followers of Outta the Cage’s Facebook page. Here was a dog who had been let down by people more than once, and yet his instinct was still to give love, not hold back.
It’s this very empathy that makes Milo so special — and why Dyché is certain he’ll one day be someone’s perfect companion.
Why Black Pitties Like Milo Are Overlooked
Despite his sweet and playful nature, Milo faces a challenge many other dogs do: the stigma of being a black pit bull-type dog. According to Dyché, dogs like Milo are often the last to be adopted, even when they’re affectionate, well-behaved, and social.
“It’s the whole judging a book by its cover thing,” she explained. “He might strike people as a scary pitbull. But he’s a big meatball.”
Milo has been waiting nine months since being rescued from a high-kill shelter, where he was on the euthanasia list. Outta the Cage pulled him just in time, giving him a second chance. Since then, he’s been in foster care with a trainer, working on basic manners while showing off his naturally friendly personality.
For Milo, the setback of one adopter backing out doesn’t change his future. He just needs the right family to look past stereotypes and see him for who he truly is — a loyal, affectionate companion.
Life in Foster Care: Baths, Walks, and Play
While he waits for his forever home, Milo is living his best possible foster life. He’s described as “unbelievably social,” with a special fondness for both big and small dogs, as well as children.
He enjoys short neighborhood walks where he can sniff the grass and wag his tail at new friends. At home, he often “dances” by tapping his feet when he’s excited — a little habit that never fails to make people smile.
Dyché recently discovered another side of him: Milo loves baths. When she brought him over to her own home, he stood patiently under the warm water, lowering his head so the stream could wash over his ears. Afterwards, he sprawled on her chaise lounge, utterly relaxed. “It was so nice seeing him relaxed and having his own agency and just being a dog,” she said. “That’s what we want for him.”
This simple joy of being treated with kindness is new for Milo. Once a stray with no safety net, he’s now experiencing what life as a beloved pet could really be.
A Forever Family Still Waiting
For all his charm and warmth, Milo still hasn’t found his forever family. But Dyché and the team at Outta the Cage are determined to make sure he gets the life he deserves.
They know whoever adopts Milo won’t just be gaining a dog — they’ll be gaining a best friend. He’s affectionate, funny, and intuitive, with a heart as big as his smile.
“He’s going to be your best friend,” Dyché said with certainty.
Until that day comes, Milo will continue being his cheerful, loving self, wagging his tail, spreading joy, and even comforting humans when they need it most. Because that’s just the kind of dog he is.
