Today is the day you are going to get a dog! You have looked forward to this for a long time. Imagine! In a few hours you will have a dog to love and cherish. You have everything you need, even a new bed and a leash and collar for a medium-size dog.
The shelter has a lot of dogs. You take your time. Your eyes lock on the sweetest dog imaginable. You ask to hold him. His face is as soft as velvet; his tongue tickles. He is such a happy and affectionate dog. His folded ears and cocked head say it all: "Please choose me! Please! I will do whatever you ask of me. I'm faithful. I'm easy to take care of. Give me a chance and you will never regret it! Please! I can make you so happy!"
Your mind is made up. This is your dog. Then you are told it's a Pit Bull. You are blank and confused. The shelter worker tells you, "It is our duty to inform the general public when an animal is considered possibly dangerous." The dog is literally pried from your arms. You have lost a chance to know and love one of the dearest and most loyal of dogs. The cage door slams with such finality. Final as in the dog will be put down.
This scene plays out in many shelters across the country. This discrimination is cruel beyond words. You leave the shelter without a dog; hopefully you will do some research on the breed and try again. You will never forget his face; and you'll be haunted by his memory.
Viciously maligned by the media the Pit Bull and its relations suffer blow after blow. The breeders fight valiantly to overcome this prejudice. It is an up hill battle.
Upcoming: This is the series that will continue
With gratitude to Marcia Townsend.
