Letters to the Editor
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Animals are the victims, not the criminals
When I was a sophomore in college in Washington, DC, I visited the Washington Humane Society on Georgia Ave for a story in a low-level journalism class. Downstairs at the Humane Society was crowded with dogs. Most were good dogs, at full attention when someone walked in the room. But I was appalled to learn that most of them would be put down because of food aggression. And for the few pit bulls in the room, all hope was lost, regardless of temperament. WHS had a policy of universal euthanasia for any pit bull who ended up there. The policy wasn't directed out of hatred or prejudice towards pits, but because people were more willing to rehabilitate an abused black lab than an abused pit bull.
The staff, however, were more than willing. Upstairs on a doggie bed in the middle of the reception area, was the sweetest dog I've ever met. I can't remember her name (I believe it was Lucy), but I do remember the way this giant pit bull jumped on my legs, eager to play. After a short game of fetch, she was content to sit beside me and have her head scratched. The staff said that she was like that with everyone, full of love and ready to shower everyone with it.
Lucy was a breeder female for a dogfighting ring in DC. When she was rescued, she was in horrible shape. But the staff recognized her tenacity and spirit and committed themselves to rehabilitating her. They technically weren't allowed to adopt her out, but they refused to euthanize her. So, Lucy became the Washington Humane Society's mascot, a symbol of how a good home can change an animal's life.
It really isn't the dog. It is the owner.