Despite their bad reputation, many pit bulls are lovable dogs looking for nothing more than an owner who loves them as much as they love them.

Two pit bulls proved their love and loyalty to their owner by repaying him for adopting them into his home.

Robert McGowan adopts two pit bulls

When Robert McGowan adopted Ladybug and Ellabelle into his home, he had no idea how much the two would make a difference in his life. When he initially went to the shelter, the staff tried to warn him away from adopting them.

The staff recounted how the two had been neglected and probably abused before coming to the shelter. But McGowan didn’t care; he was determined to give them a home.

“They’re very docile and timid,” McGowan told The Dodo. “They’re not aggressive at all.”

Ladybelle and Ellabelle settle into their new home

Soon, the pair of dogs were in McGowan’s home, where they spent their days napping and taking walks with McGowan and his family. Best of all, Ladybug and Ellabelle weren’t hostile at all.

Soon, though, they would prove their weight in gold. It all started when they realized that McGowan was in trouble, and in a big way.

Four men try to rob McGowan

As McGowan sat in his garage, four men entered and started punching him. At first, the thieves’ goal was to steal McGowan’s car. After telling them the keys were in the house, the men insisted on accompanying him inside so that they could rob his home as well.

That was when the two pit bulls rushed to defend McGowan.

The two dogs were there to protect McGowan

As the men entered the home, Ladybug and Ellabelle started barking, which caused the car thieves to panic and start running. Never in their wildest dreams did the robbers expect the two pit bulls to be waiting for them to enter.

As for McGowan, other than being a little beaten up, he was otherwise OK. Best of all, the men had left empty-handed.

“They chased them out. They stood there barking, making it clear that no one was going to hurt me anymore. The four people took off,” Robert said, obviously proud of Ladybug and Ellabelle.

McGowan feels that pit bulls have an undeserved reputation

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As a reward, McGowan made sure to get the two dogs plenty of toys and treats. McGowan hopes that his story encourages others to take a chance on a pit bull and adopt one. He feels that the breed often has a bad reputation from the stereotypes about them.

Ladybug and Ellabelle seem to love McGowan, and the feeling is mutual on his part. Without him, the two dogs might have been euthanized, and he feels that without them, the robbery could have turned out much worse.

“They are rescues. Unwanted dogs. They saved my life,” he wrote. “Please consider adopting a rescue. They might save your life too.”

H/T: We Love Animals, The Dodo