PAWS TO PONDER

 by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc. 

Did you know, I couldn’t let October pass without including October is Pitbull Awareness Month!  People seem to be aware of all the negative publicity about some Pitbulls and very little about the breed itself.  These dogs are too often stigmatized without cause due to misinformation. According to the Canine Journal “ Many people in the U.S. commonly use the name “Pit Bull” or “Pitbull” to refer to several dog breeds or mixed breed dogs with similar physical traits, such as a broad head and muscular body. A Pitbull is not one specific breed; it is a general label given to a few canine breeds with similar origins, appearance, and temperaments”.  Depending on which website you choose, there are either three breeds of dog considered Pitbull terriers (a mix of bulldog and terrier): Staffordshire bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, and American Staffordshire terriers; add American Bulldog and American Bully and that makes five breeds.  If you distinguish between red and blue nose American Pitbull terrier you have six!  Interestingly, in the U.S., there’s a lot of disagreement about what a true Pitbull is because there’s no recognized breed simply called “Pit Bull.”

   All Pitbull-type dogs share their athletic and muscular look. Some may look more athletic than others. Some dogs are squatter and wider, and some are taller and leaner.  All Pitbull-type dogs have a square-shaped head, a square fleshy nose, and big almond-shaped eyes with short smooth coats of any color, long, straight tails with ears that may flop if left natural and not butchered short.  

“Pitbull type dogs share the same temperament, adoring humans and craving their company. They also love to get involved in family fun, whether that be a game of football or a snooze on the sofa. They are very sweet and sensitive souls and are particularly fond of children. This is how they earned their nickname, the nanny dog”.  Their eagerness to please their owners also means that they are a dream to train which has led to them becoming the number one most abused dog in the Country due to dog fighting.  In 2002, our organization rescued 18 Pitbull type dogs from a Westtown residence in a three-state dogfighting sting operation.  The dogs were chained to ramshackle “shelters” staked around the yard with heavy chains around their necks.  They were so frightened they wouldn’t walk and had to be safely carried away in our arms.    

579 days ago, Goose was rescued from being abandoned in Goosepond Mountain State Park with a severe skin infection covering his body.  His prior human experience has caused him to be distrustful of people until he knows he is safe.  Goose loves Dunkin’s Pup Cups, going for car rides and will make a great companion for a single person or couple.  He is not one for lots of company or crowds.  He’d make a great trucker buddy too!  Goose wishes everybody a Happy and Safe HOWLoween!    

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