By Carey Sharp

Mower County Humane Society

Volunteers hear it all the time during shelter open houses.

Someone inevitably asks, “Why do you have so many pit bulls?” Shelters all over are filled to capacity — a large percentage of the resident dogs being pit bull types. The MCHS doesn’t turn away a dog in need because of its breed or appearance. Each dog is judged on individual personality and temperament. Every dog deserves a chance at a forever home.

A decade ago, we saw very few pit bulls. There weren’t a lot of them in the area. Volunteers knew little about them. Between 2004 and 2005, there was a dramatic increase in the number of pit bulls in Mower County. A market for these dogs was established and backyard breeders jumped at the chance to make some money. Pretty soon, shelters everywhere were being flooded with pit bulls and pit mixes.

When the pit bull population exploded, volunteers at the MCHS did not run for the hills, screaming in terror. We didn’t hide our heads in the sand and ignore the situation either. We armed ourselves with the best ammunition possible: education. We gained knowledge based upon fact, not media hype or sensationalized tabloid frenzy. We read, studied and shared information with each other. We did all that we could to learn about the controversial dogs in our care.

What we learned was shocking. They are dogs: wonderful, goofy, loving dogs. Their stoicism and willingness to please people is both their biggest asset and detriment. It is what makes them so attractive to people who want them for unsavory reasons.

In the right hands, they blossom.

Of course, they are not the right type of dog for every person. They need, and deserve, an experienced, responsible owner. People who choose to own a pit bull need to be a hundred times more responsible and on top of things than other dog owners. Truthfully, there will always be people waiting for “that dog” to make a mistake. Pit bull owners and their dogs need to be ambassadors for the breed. They should strive to make each interaction with their dog a positive one.

This is not always the case, however. Many of these dogs are owned by very young and inexperienced people, out on their own for the first time. Some aren’t ready for the responsibility of owning a dog.

As a result, the dogs get passed around frequently, sometimes having multiple homes before they hit maturity. Add over breeding to the mix and this is why so many end up in shelters.

It’s a tough road for a pit bull in a shelter. Some sit for a long time, overlooked by potential adopters. In a kill shelter, they are the first ones to be euthanized, without being given a chance. Both are heartbreaking scenarios for the shelter workers who love them, care for them, and tirelessly advocate for them.

The MCHS is thankful for donations received in memory of LuAnn Soiney, “Sadie” Freese, Ken Guy, “Lucy” Flack, Kathy Hogan, and Dave Gibson.