Once You Go Pit

A few months ago, we recieved an email from a wonderful gentlemen who needed a bit of advice on Pit Bulls. See, his tenant in the basement suite had just moved out and given the Pit Bull to a friend. She ran away from her new 'home' and made it all the way back to where she used to live but alas her owner wasn't there! (She made the trek from Abbotsford to Langley and arrived exhausted with bleeding feet, poor girl.) The family had no intention of keeping her and although the woman in the basement suite was quite taken by the dog, she heard all sorts of terrible myths surrounding the breed. We recieved the email asking for advice and assistance in rehoming the girl. We talked to them, offered some tips and advice and left it at that. we were sure we'd hear from them again.

Sure enough, she never left. We recieved an email about one month later saying how the family adored her and they could not dream of giving her away.

Jump to present day....this has been a horrible summer for Pit Bulls. Hal Harris's pack of pitties in Surrey, talk of a breed ban, ugh it's enough to make any pit-owner scream! Then, we recieve this in our inbox:

Hi there,

Just thought you would like my email to the Vancouver Sun, reporter Ian Mulgrew today congratulating him on his article.

Pit Bulls Bravo and well said, Mr. Mulgrew. A light in the midst of mass hysteria is always a welcome read. About 6 months ago, a young, female Pit Bull came into our lives quite by accident. Prior to her arrival, none of her breed would have been welcome onto our property, let alone in our house. We have a couple of cats and a small dog, refugees all. From the start, she was shy and sensitive, eventually fitting into the order of things. She absolutely loves our small dog and treats like a pet of her own, on occasion giving this one attention and sometimes an unscheduled bath. The cats became used to the new addition and one of them, the Siamese, enjoys hiding and teasing her. Both have a great play. Then there is Clancy. A dark. gray and black tabby rescued on the shores of the Fraser River. I was there on quite another matter when he decided to hide in my truck and come home with me. Been here ever since and established himself as kingpin very quickly. Our new addition avoids this cat whenever she senses him near. She has tried to be friends but “Mr. Kitty” will have none of it. This Pit Bull enjoys walking, playing and to my knowledge has never bit anything or drawn blood. She is affectionate and very intelligent. The Pit Bull descriptions blaring across the airwaves and in print do not apply to this one. The proposed annihilation of the breed defies logic. You are right about the owners: they must be held accountable. A good example is the dogs in California abused by the former NFL quarterback and friends. All but one have been rehabilitated. I believe that case has recognized a non human as a victim for the first time in US law. Perhaps law student Adam Perry, who wrote a ban-the-breed article published by your paper on page A11 today, may learn something by looking it up. Unfortunately, common sense can’t be taught in a class room or learned from a book. Try life to learn this one. His compromise about not culling the existing souls, if reasonable, is somewhat encouraging but leave much to interpretation and possible abuse. I am aware of the Ontario ban and find it appalling. The owners of any vicious animal that attacks another animal or human being must face serious criminal charges in all applicable cases. And all the facts must be considered. The thinking behind such bans and proposals prompts sober reflection, particular if one applies this principle to man. Thank you for your article. I have read others you have penned / word processed and quite enjoy them. Keep up the good work!

What a refreshing letter and wonderful perspective. Thank you for not giving up on Loca and giving her the family she deserves. Thank you for becoming advocates for the breed. And thank you Loca for being the quintessential Pit Bull and changing people's minds.