I'll Take That Bet, You're Gonna Regret

PC,so deserving of a home for Christmas

A friend of mine sent me a link to a discussion group in which an individual identified as Dex Fan from Cleveland Ohio bet one hundred dollars no one could come up with a Pit Bull capable of performing basic obedience. Apparently Dex Fan has not followed the news from Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Chaffee Missouri. We have Pit Bulls that have gained their Canine Good Citizen certification. Not only can they perform basic obedience, but they have the certificate to prove it.

The first thought that went through my mind was the line from that old Charlie Daniels tune the Devil Went Down to Georgia. Thus the title of this week's entry. My next thought was that Dex Fan would likely not consider me to be the average Pit Bull owner and might want to "weasle" out of the bet. His dialogue indicates he is either running in some very shaky company or needs to actually get out to meet Pit Bull people. We are not all irresponsible abusive criminals. Some of us even have our own teeth.

Either way, I am now considering the best way to accept this challenge. I think Dex Fan needs a lesson in respect.

Dex Fan lists his home as the state of Ohio. Ohio has some of the most discriminatory dog laws in the United States. In 2008 Representative Tyrone Yates introduced HB568 which called for the outlawing of Pit Bulls statewide. This bill would have allowed law enforcement to seize and destroy (within 10 days of seizure) all Pit Bulls and Pit Bull type dogs. That brings to mind doors being kicked down and dogs being drug from the arms of terrified owners. Fortunately, not all the citizens of Ohio are like Representative Yates and Dex Fan. Sanity ruled and that bill was killed.

That attitude is being fed by the fact that only the dregs of society and the worst examples of the breed are making the news. This bet Dex Fan has issued offers a unique opportunity to change that trend. This is a challenge that deserves some thought.

There is also a bit of news from Pemiscot County. The Caruthersville Humane Society has taken in a young male Pit mix, named PC, that lost his home and family in a fire a few weeks ago. PC was allowed to suffer from burns received in the fire, without medical treatment, before he was finally turned over to the shelter. Now this amazing dog is trying to find a home for Christmas.

The shelter staff reports PC is a loving, happy dog that always has a big doggy smile and a tail wag for everyone. He has not gotten ugly once through his treatments. He is receiving the best care possible in the shelter, but they desperately want to find him a safe home that will give him the kind of love any good companion needs.

The Caruthersville Humane Society does not adopt Pit Bulls or Pit mixes out in their area. Pemiscot county is one of the most dangerous locations in Missouri for these dogs. As much as I hate to admit, Dex Fan is correct in his description of the type of people that seek out the Pit Bulls in the bootheel. There are many responsible owners, but they are under a constant threat to keep their pets safe. PC must have a home outside of this area.

The ideal home would be willing to take on the responsibility of allowing PC to continue to heal from his wounds and then pursue his training and socialization. After all, we do not want Dex Fan to return to Ohio defaming Missouri dog owners any further. This dog has already lived through the worst. He deserves to live the rest of his life as a cherished companion.

For information on PC please contact the Caruthersville Humane Society at 573-333-0100.