America’s Dog
I was at the Humane Society the other day, and that prompted me to get out the old Jasnowski photo albums. I was struck by two things: the Humane Society had a lot of Pit Bulls up for adoption– really a lot, and I remembered my dad telling me often about the wonderful dog he’d had as a child. This dog could have been a candidate for canine sainthood, the way he was so gentle and loving and played with my dad in their little yard right by the railroad tracks in downtown Detroit. There were often chalk marks in front of their house, left by hobos indicating that you could get a sandwich there. Men riding the rails would politely knock at the back door and my great-grandmother or grand-mother would hand them out a small sandwich. Once, dad said, a man tried to open the door and come into the house, but when he heard the low, rumbling growl he let go of the handle very fast indeed.
The dog in many old photos was Beau, and he looked very much like a Pit Bull. Pit Bulls were called “America’s Dog” in those days. One can’t ignore their history, but one can train for love and obedience. It’s sad to think of these animals caged and trained to fight. Let men fight each other if they wish to. Most dogs would rather snuggle on the couch with you. Wikipedia has an interesting chapter on Pit Bulls.
Shelters, Humane Societies, and private Pet Rescues often have an abundance of these dogs. Accidental litters, people moving, the unexpected time and expense of the commitment to an animal; there are many reasons for animal abandonment.
So, if you’re thinking of a new pet anytime in the future, remember to check out the shelters, and “America’s Dog”. The Humane Society offers great puppy and dog classes, and your library offers many books and videos to get you off to a good start with your new best friend.
Filed under: Books, Movies, Music, Research
Tags: dogs
by Lisa on
November 17, 2009
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admin on November 17th, 2009 at 3:38 pm said:
What a wonderful story Lisa.
Man of Michael Vick’s fighting dogs are getting a second chance at my favorite animal sanctuary Best Friends, dubbed the Vicktory dogs. http://www.bestfriends.org/vickdogs/
They even have their own wine.
http://news.bestfriends.org/index.cfm?page=news&fps=1&mode=entry&entry=E8BD6A57-D8EB-49B8-E9226C2DF5776DCE
mdavis on November 17th, 2009 at 5:21 pm said:
What a great story! When I adopted my dog just over a year ago from the Kent County Animal Shelter, there were what looked like a couple different litters of pit bulls puppies. Oh, were they cute! I didn’t want a puppy that young though; being gone over 9 hours a day 5 days a week, I didn’t feel like I would have the time to spend with her. The dog I did adopt is part pit bull, though, and it is the part most people see (except the vet staff; they see the boxer!). She is the sweetest(and perhaps most hyper) dog! She loves people and even though we still have some training to do, I have never felt fear around her. In fact, I will take things out of her mouth without a flinch from her. It IS all in the training and treatment.
Karolee on November 18th, 2009 at 10:43 am said:
Great job, Lisa! Our story is the same as the above, except our pit bull is mixed with black lab. Mia is the biggest baby around my friends and family. Give her some lovin’ and you have a friend for life! She is very obedient, and is a terrific watch dog. She barks at anyone on the sidewalk or comes on the porch. I was nervous about getting her when we adopted, but my son was positive this was the dog. We’ve never regretted our decision.