Pitbull awareness

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Mass Appeal) - They've all been the human companion of a much loved pit bull! This Saturday, October 23 is National Pitbull Awareness Day and to tell us all about it is Candy Lash, Director of Community and Media Relations for Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society and Paul and Melissa, Cherry's loyal owners.

Tell me the story of how you came to be cherry's owner.

We were about to buy a house together and he came home one day and said, I applied for a dog but we probably don't have a chance. About March of the following year, we inquired about charity. March, April, May, we had a couple home visits, we put a fence up. Did some things around the house. We flew out in August with our other dog. About a week after that, Cherry came live with us.

Madison being a pitbull mix. We were well aware of the breed and challenges out there for this breed. Madison came from South Carolina. I adopted her as a 6 week old puppy. She's almost 6 now. She's actually the reason why we were approved. Madison is a very confident, well behaved dog. The problem with Cherry is that they think he was a bait dog. He was there for the champion fighters to practice on. You can see he has some pretty nasty scars on his back. Originally, he couldn't even walk. Madison took him under her wing and become a mother to him.

They love humans and were raised originally as nannies. A lot of people fear dogs that have been in a fighting situation. We use him to show people that they can be rehabilitated and live happy lives.

That's one of the greatest misconceptions about them is their drive and willingness to please people and make them easily rehabilitated. It takes time and patience. These dogs are loyal and great family dogs. There's a lot of negative perception that comes through the media that gives them a bad image.

Because pit bulls are the most common types of dogs, they are teaming up to raise awareness about the great qualities about pitbulls and encourage people, give them a look before adopting. All of our dogs are temperment evaluated before they are put up for adoption. The qualities they have, loyalty, intelligence, train ability, is part of the reason why they have been mistreated. Those great qualities are what make them a wonderful family companion.

One of my best friends has a pitbull. She has a 1-year-old son. They are wonderful. They are a product of their home environment. That's one thing that came out of Cherry's case. For the first time, they were evaluated as individuals and not just as a breed. You cannot proceed profile dogs. They have individual personalities and traits but they are a product of their environment. Cherry's best friend is our one-year old cat. They play, they sleep together. He's so gentle. He's living prove that you can be born and bred to do something but it is really the teaching of fighting that comes from these dogs.

There's something about children and animals. You'll see in talking about the kitten. Cherry and Madison are going to be celebration as is Piglet who was featured as the first case contribution in animal cruelty. Piglet is a little pitbull who suffered terribly and was released to that. Piglet will be with us. Piglet has adopted a kitten into his family as his very own.

Meet them on Saturday, October 30th, you can bring your dog there dress them up in a costume.

A great way to show off your holiday favorite costume. How could you not love this face?

Pitbull Awareness Day
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Noon - 3 p.m.

Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society
171 Union Street
Springfield, Ma
(413) 781-4000
website: www.dpvhs.org