I agree many dogs are mislabeled. I'm the kennel manager for a large, private rescue foundation and am directly responsible for the care and rehab of as many as 75 or more pit bulls daily and 150 or more dogs of various breeds. Over the years I have known well over a thousand pits.
I make decisions every day as to what dogs should be put down and which ones can be benefit from rehab. I do not take my responsibility lightly because I will not adopt out dangerous dogs. Many people in animal rescue become so clouded with good intentions that they fail to look at the situation realistically.
I disagree with Cesar Milan that all dogs can be rehabbed. Some are beyond help and I see it not only in pits but other breeds as well. Being a responsible dog owner is only part of the problem and I do not blame the dogs. The owners need to be held responsible and most don’t understand the potential damage any dog can be capable of. Also, just as some people “just need killing”, so do some dogs.
While we don't just rescue the bully breeds it is unfortunate that they are the majority in most shelters. I must admit that I prefer pits and they are the only breed I have personally owned for the last twenty years.
I used to get on these threads and try to have rational discussions regarding dangerous dogs but I just don't have much time since my job is 24/7, and compounded with the numerous personal attacks, many through freep mail, who has the energy for that.
Check my homepage to identify the pit bull. Also, check out In Hope, An Animal Shelter Story because that is what I live with every day, by choice of course, because somebody has to do it.
Agree. The ole lady calls me Dog Whisperer 2. People with dogs who say they bite or they don’t like men are suprised at the dogs reaction to me.
I have no natural fear of dogs. I just came from a Vet/Kennel fixing a Bully Breed American Bulldog. They snipped him. He has a 6 inch gash on his side, stitched and a drain above and below to keep infection out. He was docile and even touching his scar you get a look. No growl no nipping.
They are better than Pits but they started out as the American Pit Bull. But they are related to the English bulldog. He is 10 months and 70 lbs already. Once he is sewn up I will be fostering him and once I check any aggresion issues, I may end up keeping this one.
thank you for the wonderful work that you do.
I just don’t how you do it every day. But there are many many doggie lovers out there who appreciate your compassion and hard work.
My Lola came from the “doggie orphanage”.
What I still have a hard time understanding and know I will get posts on, Why would anyone NOT want to adopt a dog or rescue one? I really think it is selfish and an ego trip to get a dog from a breeder (wow, I will really hear it now!).