Walk Fido:

For those of us who work with rescue organizations every day, there is a sad, sad phrase that is often uttered about the single most difficult type of dogs to find homes for: big black dogs. No matter how lovely the dog is, no matter how perfect the temperament, many potential adoptive families overlook big black dogs at shelters all across the country in favor of dogs that have more unique coloring (blue! red! orange with stripes! white with brown spots!). This issue is so close to our hearts (we have a little black pit bull after all!) that we've decided to feature a weekly roundup of local BBDs that need homes. Their photos and links to their profile on PetFinder will remain on our site until these dogs find a home.

July 27, 2007

Pit Bulls - Same Dog, Same PR Problem

The heart-wrenching and difficult-to-imagine Michael Vick situation has been much in the news and much on our minds. While cruelty to any animal, and the encouragement of animal fighting, is difficult to stomach, it is particularly frustrating that pit bulls are once again thrust into the media as aggressive fighting dogs.

While ANY breed of dog is a product of their owner (we can't underscore enough our belief that the owner on the other end of the leash is where it all starts and ends), pit bulls are once again painted as the bad breed. It is this awful brand of PR that leads to breed specific legistation (BSL).

We direct you to some excellent articles on this issue:

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Technorati Tags: bad pit bull PR, breed specific legislation, BSL, michael vick, pit bull, pit bulls

Books

Marion Nestle: Pet Food Politics: The Chihuahua in the Coal Mine
Dipping a toe into pet food politics...
Michael Schaffer: One Nation Under Dog: Adventures in the New World of Prozac-Popping Puppies, Dog-Park Politics, and Organic Pet Food
It has arrived and we are checking it out. We weren't wild about some of the things Schaffer said recently on NPR (as in, it is often OK to let dogs hump other dogs at the dog park), but we're setting aside all judgements until we read it on our own. <
Nathan J. Winograd: Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America
We've read articles, and excerpts and blog posts. Now it's time to read the book. We're very late to the dance on this, but wanted to add it to the sidebar so you know we're digging in!
Patricia B. McConnell: The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs
"All dogs are brilliant at perceiving the slightest movement that we make, and they assume each tiny movement has meaning." We could not agree more and since McConnell's book begins with this line, we're compelled to read on. We'll let you know what we think when we're through & any insights along the way.
Nick Trout: Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing, and Hope in My Life as an Animal Surgeon
Touching look at the difficult financial decisions vets & owners must make under duress. Equally heartwarming & heartbreaking.
Cesar Millan: Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life
A great book that helps you extend the lessons learned in the first - this takes you way beyond the basics and gives you very clear steps on how to have the right kind of relationship with your dogs so you are the pack leader. (*****)
Cesar Millan: Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
You've seen the show, now get the book. You must become pack leader. We require all staff members to read this book - to live it and to love it. We highly recommend it to all of our clients too. All the tools you need to understand your dog, their behavior and what can be done to correct it are all right here in this gift of a book. (*****)