pitbullmonthOctober is a busy month with fall festivals, breast cancer awareness campaigns turning towns pink and of course Halloween marked by friendly and scary haunted houses to visit. With all this excitement, the fact that October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month may have slipped past you.

There is a nationwide movement to bring positive attention to the American Pit Bull Terrier. If you have ever visited a shelter or checked out the Facebook page of any animal adoption organization, you are going to see a majority of dogs marked as “pit mix”.

Pit bulls can be trained to be an aggressive breed; however this is also true for a number of dog breeds and mixes. It all comes back to how the dog was raised. Pit bulls are described by the ASPCA as “enthusiastic learners” who enjoy training in obedience and tricks. The dogs are normally “moderately active indoors” however they are very active outside and require engaging activities.

The pit bulls and pit mix dogs that come into The Humane Society Serving Clark County are all tested for aggression. The shelter never puts any breed or mix breed dog up for adoption that shows signs of aggression. The fact is that the vast majority of dogs who end up as strays or released pets are adopted out to families who wouldn’t trade them for any other breed.

My favorite example is featured on the Humane Society Facebook page. Krypto is a white pity who was adopted by Superman of course. That dog has been featured in photos covered in drawings with magic marker, he is loyal to his little owner and I could never imagine them not being together. Whether it is sacked out on the couch or saving Metropolis, Krypto is with Superman sharing adventures and snuggle time like any family dog.

I have spent time with shelter director Krissi Hawke and watched her interact with Canine Officer Cami. At Dogtoberfest this mean old pit bull was laying on her side and enjoying a belly rub from one of the young male volunteers who really didn’t know her before that day.

I have participated in other adoption events and had a pit or pit mix sitting on my lap or laying at my feet. They are sweet dogs who will snuggle and exercise with you.

To show their support for Pit Bull Awareness Month, the Humane Society will be holding a special half price event for anyone who adopts a pit bull or pity mix October 26 – 31. The cost of adoption which includes the dog license is just $45. All of the dogs have been spayed or neutered, are microchipped and have been vet checked and have shots. You also get a free visit to any vet in Clark County with your adoption.

A chance to meet and greet Canine Officer Cami will be held on Wednesday, October 28th. You can interact with a “vicious” (insert laughter here) pit bull and receive a Smooch from a Pooch or learn about her story of survival and how she became an official officer with a badge.

The Humane Society is open Monday – Saturday from 12 -5. You can check out some of the adoptable pets on their Facebook page The Humane Society Serving Clark County.

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