Wednesday, May 27, 2009

the pits



I was just looking at the website for the Washington Humane Society (shocking...) and noticed that the good majority of dogs there needing homes are pit bulls, or pit mixes. I know that there can be issues with this breed and many people are afraid of them for various reasons, but it made me sad! They all are adorable and just want someone to love them. I hate how some breeds are so misunderstood and get a bad reputation because of a few bad seeds. Like rottweilers, for example. So many people wouldn't consider having them in their homes, but they can be such wonderfu dogs if they get the proper training. At the S.P.C.A. in Arlington , there is a rottweiler named Angel who has been there for such a long time, it breaks my heart. I know she's been there well over a year, if not longer, because, you know me, I look at these websites far more often then I should! If I could adopt her, I would, but a 90+ pound dog would not be happy in my little apartment. I don't even think she'd be happy at Steve's- she needs a yard. Speaking of Steve's, his neighbor's have a rottie who is on the porch all the time- never outside playing and it makes me really sad for the dog. I really kind of want to sneak over to rescue him sometime, but Steve won't let me...

This summer, I really think I am going to start volunteering with one of the rescue leagues. There are so many in DC, so it isn't as though I have to search for one...

If you were to adopt a dog, what breed would you want?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

yes, certain breeds are predisposed to certain behaviors (thanks to genetics and breeding origins) but ANY dog can be a great dog with proper training. pit bulls are big ol puppies just like any cocker when brought up that way. it is crazy how many pit and boxer mixes there are filling the SPCAs and pounds. i hear ya'... if i didn't find M my plan was to just be the crazy dog lady on the block (i still kinda wish that were an option)

if i were to adopt today i have a very long list of breeds i absolutely love but the Frenchie is still on top... although i've always loved great danes too... it just takes so much work and space to keep them happy!

Melanie said...

I love Labs. I had a Lab mix growing up, and he was the BEST dog, so gentle and always happy. I'm all about the big breeds, which unfortunately means that I won't get one until I have a house with a yard (and it will be a very, very long time until I can afford one of those). I'd never buy pure bred though, when I get a pet, it willdefinitely come from a shelter.

Lis said...

I have a beagle/walker hound mix and a black and tan coonhound mix - both adopted (Norfolk SPCA and Norfolk Animal Rescue) and they are totally my heart! If I could adopt another one - I think I would just go to the SPCA and see which dog my two girls fell in love with. After two - it really becomes there choice and not mine! :)

And I think it's so sad how people view some breads - one of my BFF's has a pit and a rottie mix and they are so sweet with my puppies as well as kids!!

Ohmygoshi said...

i don't really have a specific "breed". we always just went with the cutest most cuddly one. and wow you have some strong will-power to not be adopting all those adorable rescues! I don't think i could stand NOT taking one home everytime i visited.

Carolyn said...

A friend of mine adpoted a pit bull who was used as a bait dog. Half of his nose is missing! She was worried about his temper but it is the sweetest and lovable dog you have ever met. All it wants to do is cuddle up on you. I die a little every time i see his face. It's adorbale.

If I were to adopt another dog, I don't mind so much about the bred, I would go for a dog that had been at the shelter for a really long time. It KILLS me to see dogs that have been there for soo long.

Lindsay Sweeting said...

Beagle, beagle, beagle. I love those dogs more than anything else...it's the breed I own now. Unfortunately, I will never allow a pit bull into my home because two (yes, TWO) have attacked my beloved beagle. They have gotten the reputation deservedly in my area. Maybe I'm just too close-minded about dog breeds, but after the experiences I've had I don't like them at all.

Wearing Mascara said...

Hey!

I feel the same way you do. Especially with (brace yourself) rats. I have been a rattie lover for quite sometime and there are many lil guys who need to be adopted. It's hard because at even Humane Society's, ratties aren't treated too well... held by tails, not loved... nothing. So sad. I am looking for a new one because my rattie Thurston passed away recently and left Spencer. So, Spencer definitely needs a friend.

xoxo

Mel said...

The dogs we've had have always been from unwanted mutt litters or from rescue groups. I had a poodle growing up and I would probably want the same thing.

If I lived in a cold area with a lot of space I would get a siberian huskie