Meatball, also known as Meaty, Meatser, McMeat, is one of our favorite success stories. Two years ago, this love-a-bull meathead was awaiting his untimely death in a Central Valley, California shelter.
Who knew he would transform into an international superstar?

Meaty’s family saw his photo online after it was posted by Fresno Bully Rescue, a pit bull oriented rescue in California. They were asking for someone to rescue this handsome boy before his euthanasia date. Lisa Reilly couldn’t bear to see him go and headed to the shelter immediately.
When she arrived, Meatball was sprawled out in the sun, tongue lolling, tail wagging. She knew would be the perfect addition to their pack! Ever since that day, he has been living a life that most dogs could only dream of.

Over the past year or so, Meaty has become an internet sensation – He has over 39,000 followers on Instagram!
Meatball’s family posts photos daily, which receive thousands of likes and comments each post. That’s impressive!
No one can resist his ridiculous and contagious smile.

As well as being one of the sweetest, most handsome dogs alive, Meaty quite possibly the greatest costume party guests of all time. He is dressed to impress for every occasion!
Here are some of our favorite Meaty costumes!
Minion Meaty

Ms. Meaty

May The Meatball Be With You


Meaty, He Is

Raiders Of The Lost Meatball

Meatball Cena

Meatington Bear

Meatball is also dressed for every occasion, including special events and holidays.
St. Meaty’s Day

Here Comes Meaty Claus

Santa’s Little Meatball

Though Meatball enjoys a good dress-up day, he takes his professional life quite seriously.
He’s the son of a police officer after all!
When Meatball goes to work with his dad, he is addressed as McMeat, the Crime Fighting Dog.

Meatball is also a model for business wear.
They are still trying to find clothes in his size.


He even helps out with the occasional proposal – Congratulations, mom and dad!

And he has worked wonders in the world of aviation.
Watch out, Amelia!

After work, Meaty likes to sit down and enjoy a glass of the finest toilet water money can buy.

Or snuggle up with his family, of course!

Meaty has four siblings, including two other rescued pit bulls, Punky and Ricardo Tubbs, and two dachshunds, Bitty and Dappe.

That’s quite the collection of dogs!

Though Meatball’s life didn’t start off great, we believe he truly got his version of a fairy tale ending.
Even he can’t stop smiling!


Congratulations Meaty! We are so happy that you’ve found your forever family.
If you would like to adopt your very own Meatball, visit your local shelter. There are millions of dogs just like Meaty waiting for loving families.
Thank you to Meatball’s family, and Fresno Bully Rescue for saving this beautiful boy.

All Photos by Lisa Reilly @loveabulllisa