Pit Bull Terrier Dogs Available for Adoption in Marietta, Ohio

Cocoa Pretzel is a cute female senior Pit Bull Terrier mix (perhaps 8-years old+) who was surrendered by her owner on March 2, 2026 along with Buddy (a tan Pit Bull Terrier) who had shared her home. Cocoa and Buddy became homeless because their owner could no longer care for them.

Cocoa Pretzel has a mahogany/brown-and-white short-haired coat, a long skinny tail, and a beautiful face with a cream-colored mask, a red/chocolate nose, a slender muzzle, and short semi-erect ears. Cocoa has the cutest smile, especially when she shows her pink tongue (smile).

This little lady has a sweet disposition, and we guarantee that you will be smiling when she looks up at you with hopeful trusting eyes.

These photos of Cocoa Pretzel were taken on the afternoon of May 28th when HSOV Volunteer Jennie Payton Sherrard spent time with her for updated outdoor 'glamour' pictures and a bathroom break.

Cocoa Pretzel currently weighs 51.3 lbs. Cocoa has a fatty growth on her left front leg/paw which is noticeable in several of her pictures.

This sweet senior would love to find a home where she could spend her retirement years in comfort and would be loved forever.

Note: Cocoa Pretzel went home with a foster family on May 19, 2026 so that she could enjoy a short vacation from our shelter before the Memorial Day holiday. Cocoa returned to HSOV on May 22, 2026 and, much to her pleasure, she is currently housed in the front office instead of a floor crate.

Her foster family reported that Cocoa Pretzel was an easy house guest and gave her a wonderful review:

"All she (Cocoa Pretzel) is asking for is a bed in a corner to lay down on and some kibble & treats. She sleeps about 18 hours a day. She is house and crate trained. Stairs are a little hard for her. She does our 6 or so to get off the porch but has not attempted our stairs to the basement so she’s stayed on the main level, but she doesn’t mind. Cocoa does not hear us open the front door and our dog getting exciting we’ve came home. She also does not hear when you open her cage door so you have to pet her to wake her up. She is likely deaf or very hard of hearing. Her and my dog get along fine and have sniffed and wagged tails everyday. She just doesn’t want to play and dukes fine with that so they practically just coexist in the same home. Cocoa hasn’t met a stranger, she’s a very gentle old lady. She does enjoy a good collagen twist for easy enrichment on her bed. She is not picky about her treats or kibble. At this age she’s simple and is happy with whatever you can give her."

Cocoa has been making her temporary home in our front office after coming back to HSOV. She has been good with other dogs and also with a special-needs kitty who is also in our front office. Cocoa Pretzel is a push-over for 'good girl' treats (and people food) (smile).

Update: Cocoa Pretzel went home with a foster family on May 29th so that she can enjoy being in a real home instead of a shelter environment while she awaits her forever home. Cocoa Pretzel is still available for adoption/foster. If you would like to meet this sweet senior in person, please complete/submit an HSOV Adoption/Foster Application for approval so that we may arrange a meet-and-greet with her foster family.

The Pit Bull Terrier is a resilient and loyal breed known for its muscular build and loving nature. Originally bred for bull baiting and later dog fighting, Pit Bulls today are beloved family pets cherished for their gentle temperament and playful personality. With proper training and socialization, Pit Bull Terriers make affectionate companions that thrive on human interaction. Recognized for their strength and agility, these dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to channel their energy positively, reinforcing their reputation as devoted and trainable pets.

The Humane Society of the Ohio Valley has been in existence for 150 years. It is the oldest organization of...