Hanzo, a pit bull with an unforgettable smile, was rescued from an alleged dog fighting ring and faced the threat of euthanasia due to Ontario’s breed-specific legislation. Thanks to Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary, which fought a two-year legal battle, Hanzo and 20 oth

Hanzo’s journey took an extraordinary turn when he became the first pit bull in the U.S. certified in accelerant detection. Now, he works alongside his handler, Tyler Van Leer, a fire marshal in Mobile, Alabama. Hanzo’s remarkable drive and playful spirit make him a perfect working dog, tirelessly detecting ignitable liquids at

Beyond his job, Hanzo is a beacon of positivity, bringing smiles to his fellow firefighters and acting as a therapy dog for EMTs after tough calls. Tyler, proud to be Hanzo’s handler, emphasizes that pit bulls like Hanzo aren’t inherently aggressive—they just need a chance to thrive. As Hanzo continues to serve his community, he’s also changing perceptions of his breed.