A "Vicious" Dog???

She came to the Animal Shelter described as "vicious."  We learned that she had been dumped because she "wouldn't fight ." Apparently, she had been used as a "lure" in dog fights. Her neck festered with deep bites, and she cowered in her corner when anyone approached her pen. Mind you, this was a Rottweiler, a breed associated in everyone's mind with "vicious."

It took a long time for her wounds to heal; even longer for her to trust anyone...except a volunteer board member/handler. Every day, the two of them would walk through the adjacent woods and get to know each other. Pretty soon, "Paine," as she was called then, became accustomed to a gentler life. It was also noted that she adored kittens. Cautiously, we let her pass from cage to cage and give the curious little felines a good lick. But no one wanted to adopt her, most believing the stories connected with her breed.

At long last, Julie (feebly renamed for Pasha's story), took her home. The rest, indeed, is doggy-history. Today, Tootsie greets visitors, chases squirrels, and lords over her basket-full of adopted cats. She proudly rides the four-wheeler with her 'daddy,' suitably garbed in a camouflage coat.

Happy days, indeed, for dog and rescuer alike...



Now, here is another "vicious" breed...The Pitbull. True, his jaws are bone-crushing, and his impresisve size and weight are fear-inspiring--to those who have a reason to fear.

But it is not the dog that is naturally mean--it's the mean people who get a dog like his, and then train him to be like them.

Take Rudoph here--smiling, happy and content. But (yes, very true) don't mess with the ones he loves and protects...