As a Pit Bull advocate, I do not endorse the breeding of dogs. There are way too many dogs in shelters, foster homes and being euthanized every day to justify the need for the breeding of more dogs. If you are really interested in getting a dog, and feel you must have a puppy, your first try should be a rescue organization or your local animal shelter. Your local breed-specific rescue can be a great resource for puppy adoptions, and if you let them know of your interest they will often add you to a waiting list and conduct any pre-adoption house checks/paperwork before a suitable dog has even arrived. Puppies are usually not that hard to find, but be prepared to deal with some serious scrutiny. Good rescues will not allow great pups into the arms of a potentially horrible owner. [Read more…]
12 Tips for Responsible Pitbull Ownership
Why do you think the Pit Bull reputation has become as tarnished as it is today? How did a dog that was once considered to be a decorated war hero and wonderful family pet suddenly turn into the vicious, unpredictable creature we see today on the nightly news? The answer is a simple one really, the dogs have not changed over the years, but the types of people seeking ownership of these dogs has. [Read more…]
The Problem With Chaining Dogs
I am not talking about putting a leash on your dog to take him for a leisurely walk through the neighborhood, as there is certainly no problem with Fido getting some much-needed exercise to work off the holiday pounds. Instead, I am talking about the practice of attaching your dog to a stationary object, such as a stake or tree, and attaching a leash, chain or rope as a means of confining your canine companion. Dogs are social creatures, and being confined to a small space for long periods of time can cause immense psychological damage. This inhumane practice can harm not only the dog, but also poses a threat to other animals and humans. [Read more…]
The Mike Vick Pit Bulls – One Year Later
Before receiving an email from the Humane Society of the US, I had not realized it has already been a year since the Michael Vick dogfighting controversy first started. In total, forty-seven Pit Bulls were taken from Vick’s residence in Smithfield, VA. Over the past year, many of the dogs taken from the Vick compound have been rehabilitated – some going a handful of rescue organizations, while 22 of them will spend the rest of their days at Best Friends Sanctuary in Utah, a no-kill animal shelter. Only one of the dogs, despite the torture all forty-seven of them endured at the hands of Vick and his crew, had to be put down for human aggression; one out of forty-seven. [Read more…]
Things to Consider Before You Adopt a Dog
Many dogs in shelters and foster care have ended up there because of ill-prepared owners that did not take into account the financial and time considerations that need to be made when bringing a dog into the family; this is especially true with puppies. While no one wants to think about the not-so-pleasing qualities that come along with dog ownership such as destroyed furniture, fleas, medical emergencies, allergies and illness, they are common setbacks experienced by pet owners. As someone that is thinking about bringing a new pet into your home, you need to carefully weigh out the pros and cons as to whether or not you, and your family, is ready for the increased responsibility that goes along with dog ownership. Below are a few topics to discuss before taking the final step in finding a new family member. [Read more…]
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