Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The Opportunity to Overcome

Dear Readers:

The following story was sent to me by a good friend, and I felt it was truly worth sharing as we seldom see anything good written about a Pit Bull. I am thankful that it has received such an overwhelming response!


I want to thank everyone who left comments on this article. Although I wish I could take credit for this rescue, it was actually an Animal Control Officer who is the real HERO, here.

Unfortunately, I don't know the name of this person, nor do I know where the story originated from. It only says "Washington", which could mean just about anywhere. So, if any of you should stumble across more information, PLEASE share it with us. If I should find out more, I'll do the same.

Again, so sorry if it was misleading to my readers. Even though I've had a hand in helping to save many a bully breed, I can't take credit for this one. The ACO who was called to pick up the dogs is the "true" HERO for this Happy Ending.

I am, however, overwhelmed by the response I received. It is truly heartwarming to know that there are people out here who have looked past the stigma of the word "PIT BULL" and have shared their wonderful stories and experiences with these amazing dogs.

As I said, all too often, we hear and see only the negative aspects of the "Bully Breed".

Hopefully, My Pet Rescue Blog has shared some of the more POSITIVE sides to these dogs and is helping to erase the stigma attached to the breed.

Please keep sharing these wonderful stories about your own Pit Bulls. Hopefully, one of these days, we can convenience our lawmakers, law enforcement, and our communities that it is NOT the breed but rather the irresponsible, and sometimes cruel, "human" who is to blame. PUNISH THE DEED, NOT THE BREED.

My best to all of you.

Jo Ann & "gang"

____________________________________________

I am a Pennsylvania State Dog Warden and I received a call concerning two strays that showed up on a front porch early one morning.

When I got there, this is who greeted me:

A female Pit Bull and a male Chihuahua.
The Chihuahua was guarding the Pit Bull!!!

They looked to have been on their own for a while. The Chihuahua was missing fur and the Pit Bull had an injured paw.

I was able to slip a leash over the Pit Bull and walk her into a cage and put her in my truck.

However, the Chihuahua would not allow me to get near him but would not leave the Pit Bull behind…….So I thought of a plan to get the Chihuahua into my truck.

My first option was to make a ramp by using a board.

This proved to be a bit too challenging for the little guy.

I found a stool and it worked like a charm! Perfect! He was in!

Once on the tailgate though, the Chihuahua would not let me get near without putting up a fuss!

Every time I neared, he would bark and snarl, cautioning me to stay away. If I came too close he would jump off and we would start all over again. So I sat on the ground, about 25 feet away, and slowly scooted my way over, all the time having a conversation with a Chihuahua that was guarding a Pit Bull!

Eventually he let me get close enough so we could have a face to face & heart to heart discussion.

I told him that his intentions were very noble and would not go unrewarded for the both of them.

-- Unfortunately with the abundance of Pit Bulls and general misunderstanding of the breed, they are not easily adopted and when found by a Dog Warden, Animal Control officer or Dog Catcher, they usually end up at an Animal Control facility that holds them for 48 hours. If they are not claimed, they are euthanized. However due to this little guy’s tenacity and I do believe true affection for his Pit Bull lady, I was not going to let that happen. --

So with my promise to be their protector, he let me pick him up.

However he wanted nothing to do with separate cages. So together they went!


I took the Chihuahua, his Pit Bull and their story to the Washington County Humane Society.

It took some time to get them into the shelter, not because of who they were, but due to lack of space. Their story of dedication and should I dare say love won the hearts of everyone who came in contact with them. Eventually a space was set up for them in a restroom in the lobby and they settled in. The shelter intends to find them a home that they can share together.




The happy ending to this story is not a typical one for most Pit Bulls who are running at large.

It took the determination of this one small, scrappy Chihuahua to save the life of this Pit Bull.

Can you imagine how many lives could be saved if we humans took the time to look past the stereotype and really looked at each dog as a dog?

You may find a loving, loyal and dedicated companion to fight for like our Chihuahua friend did.

This little man and I both extend thanks to the Washington County Humane Society for giving them a second chance at a life together.

Perhaps this story will give you a second chance to revisit your thoughts and opinions concerning Pit Bulls. They deserve the opportunity to overcome a stereotype that can most certainly lead them to death.

These two thank you for that opportunity.


24 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a heartwarming story. If only more people had this level of compassion for our wonderful canine friends.

Andrea said...

Thanks for being a true HEROE!! Your story brings tears to my eyes! Ten years ago someone abandoned a mixed-pit on our property. At first we were a little scared, but love overcomes all, and we worked very long and hard to make him a member of our family. If he would've been taken away by authorities, he probably wouldn't have made it. He is AWESOME and we wouldn't trade him for ANYTHING!
THANKS for going the extra mile!

Anonymous said...

Awe - that brought tears to my eyes. Glad to know they were placing them together.

Anonymous said...

great story! That little one looks like it's probably a Jack Russell or Rat Terrier mix...rather than a Chihuahua.

Anonymous said...

That is a wonderful story. I wish us humans could protect and serve our fellow humans so well as that little Chihuahua. Ralph Mims

The Word Warrior said...

Thank you for your lovely Tale of Chihuahua and Pitt! I thought you might like to know that I have a female Pitbull (Amber) and a male Chihuahua (Giorgio) and they have the exact kind of relationship. They also share an inexplicable love affair and are very protective of each other. Sharing a bowl of food, no problem. Sleeping curled up together, no problem. Amazing, T

Unknown said...

what a beautiful pit. they are all, all, all about love. I talk about mine in my blog: http://ejalexander.wordpress.com/

Anonymous said...

You have brought tears to my eyes - what a wonderful story. I have a mixed pitbull and never have found such a loving dog and would get one again in a heartbeat! I would love to hear about the forever home that they found.

Anonymous said...

I have just saved 5 bit bull pups they are a mix from being bait puppies,,, they are cute and smart,, I have 2 left and they are great dogs,,, keep up the good work and if any one wants a pup let me know,,, djkrohn11@aol.com

Anonymous said...

So sorry that this is still going on and we continue in this way of dealing with our presious furry friends. In my day we protested in large numbers when we wanted change. We need change and we need it fast, no more back yard breeders and make it a privledge to own an animal and be held accountable for taking care of them forever! Thank you for what you've done, did and continue to do for our wonderful friends.......Joan and Scooby SCBR Volunteer in Maine

V said...

What a wonderful story. May God bless you Warden for going above and beyond. Blessing to the Humane Society that made room for 2 more and special blessings on the chi and pit. I hope they have many many years of happiness in a loving home together.

Lisa said...

What a WONDERFUL story! Now I want to hear that they both got adopted into a loving family together! I found a starving, freezing female pit bull on my street 4 1/2 years ago and although leary about pit bulls, I stopped to help her. I always stop for stray dogs. She came right to me and jumped into my car. I already had 2 dogs and 3 kids so I chose to take her down to our wonderful humane society so that she could find a new home. It was a Sunday so they were closed but a volunteer came out and told me that she would probably be euthanized if I left her. Needless to say, I did not leave her. I took her home with the intention of finding her a good home. Within 3 days, I had totally fallen in love with her. She was my shadow and wanted to be in my lap every time I sat down! She was nothing but skin and bones when I found her. She weighs 62lbs now and is the happiest and healthiest dog ever. She is the most LOVING, LOYAL dog I have ever met and it is so clear that she knows I rescued her and she acts like she is SO thankful! I will always be willing to rescue pit bulls from now on. They are the most wonderful dogs ever!

Anonymous said...

If only there could be many more dog wardens like you! This story would touch the hardest heart. Thank you for your compassion.

Lisa said...

Thank you for taking such great care to rescue them and keep them together. And PLEASE make sure they are adopted together. They are obviouly BFFs. :-) If we weren't full to our limit, we'd take them in a second!

Keep us posted on their situation! THANK YOU!

Jo Ann said...

Hello, Readers:

First, I want to thank everyone who left comments on the article "The Opportunity to Overcome" -- the story of a Pit Bull and Chihuahua.

Although I wish I could take credit for this rescue, it was actually an Animal Control Officer who is the real HERO, here. I have edited the story make this very clear.

Unfortunately, I don't know the name of this person, nor do I know where the story originated from. It only says "Washington," which could mean just about anywhere. So, if any of you should stumble across more information, PLEASE share it with us and if I should find out more, I'll do the same.

Again, so sorry if it was misleading to my readers. Even though I've had a hand in helping to save many a bully breed, I can't take credit for this one. The ACO who was called to pick up the dogs is the "true" HERO for this Happy Ending.

I am, however, overwhelmed by the response I received. It is truly heartwarming to know that there are people out here who have looked past the stigma of the word "PIT BULL" and have shared their wonderful stories and experiences with these amazing dogs.

As I said, all too often, we hear and see only the negative aspects of the "Bully Breed."

Hopefully, My Pet Rescue Blog has shared some of the more POSITIVE side to these dogs and is helping to erase the stigma attached to the breed.

Please keep sharing these wonderful stories about your own Pit Bulls. Hopefully, one of these days, we can convenience our lawmakers, law enforcement, and our communities that it is NOT the breed but rather the irresponsible, and sometimes cruel, "human" who is to blame. PUNISH THE DEED, NOT THE BREED.

My best to all of you.

Jo Ann & "gang"

The Southern Mint Julep said...

My friend from NY, Bonnie Folz, who I got to know through the Vivi search shared this story on Facebook. This is the most wonderful story I believe I have ever read, and the photos are wonderful.

Your site is just wonderful. Please visit mine at http://my-southern-mint-juleps.blogspot.com and http://newtinkerbellsmommakat.wordpress.com/ if you have a chance.

God bless you for your kind, kind heart towards his precious creatures.

Anonymous said...

I am a cat rescuer and a coworker knowing that I had a soft spot for animals asked for my help in finding a home for their college age son's dog. He was a 100 pound bull mastiff/pit bull mix. He looked very intimidating with his all of his muscles and his solemn stare. Only knowing from what I had heard about the breed, I was a little leary of him. I brought him over to my house where I had five cats and a large male collie dog and he instantly became part of the family. We fell head over heels in love with him and his funny personality and he was the best dog in the world. He passed away from cancer some years later, but we were truly blessed to have had him. He touched our lives in immeasurable ways.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful story! We had a 100 lb. bull mastiff/pitbull mix that we tried to help find a home for for a coworker and within one day of bringing him home to our house full of foster cats and our big collie, we instantly fell in love with him and his funny ways and he became part of our family. He passed away from cancer some years later, unfortunately, but we were truly blessed to have him. He is so missed...what a heart of gold he had!

sheltervet said...

Thats are a great story! There are no bad dogs only people who make them that way. I hope they do get adopted together and their happy ending is shared with us. There should be more ACO's like you, Bravo!

Symone said...

To the Pennsylvania Dog Warden....THANK YOU...I'm an Animal Control Officer in the state of New Jersey, and I thank you again for taking the time to allow this little guy to trust you!! Unforunatly the truth of the matter is that some in our field would not have taken the time to put a ramp and then a bench. They would have just polled him and threw him in the truck! To sit there and allow him to decide to trust you on his own terms and in his own time is awesome!! I had a abused pitty that was dumped it took me 3 weeks to catch her....everyone laughed at me but I refused to give up!! She now is a very happy and loved pup living with a family!! Again thanks for what you do...keep it up!!! They need us!!! Symone

Jo Ann said...

RECEIVED THE INFORMATION BELOW.
MAYBE THIS WILL CLEAR UP WHERE THIS TOOK PLACE.
THANKS FOR THE UPDATE, SALLIE.


The person who rescued the two
dogs identified himself as a Pennsylvania
State Dog warden. He said that once he
got the dogs in a cage in his van (it has a
PA license plate), he took
them to the Washington County Humane
Society. Here's the address of the
Washington County Humane Society
that's located in Pennsylvania. If
you call them at the number listed
here, they can probably tell you the
name of the warden who brought them
the dogs, and update you on what's
happened to them since.

Good luck, and thanks for the story

Sallie Murphy
Alexandria, Virginia Washington County Humane Society
Place page
1527 Route 136
Eighty Four, PA 15330
(724) 222-7387

Ellen said...

This was listed at the bottom of one of the submissions of this great story, so perhaps she can tell us the rest.

Story sent to us by: Beth Kipp, Vice President, Adopt-A-Bull Rescue, Inc.

bullmastiff puppies said...

Its really a true story.Wow!!

Anonymous said...

This is the sweetest story of true loyalty and love. I have to admit it brought a tear or two, or three. They were,\ "happy tears," and a few sad ones too as I thought of those who are not as fortunate as these two, but in friendship and being rescued. If only all of us would and could be such a loyal friend or partner as this little guy has been to his sweetie. I mean, not just those in the animal world but to humans as well. What a happier world this would be. If I ever learn who the rescue worker was I will send it on. And if you learn, let us know too, even if he or she won't let you pass along his true identity. Thanks for sharing. Jerri in VA