Dog Chases Vick

Trainer working to give pit bulls a better image at Bloomingdale shelter

Sadly, his story is far from unique. One only has to go as far as the neighborhood animal shelter to see pit bulls in dire need of a home.

The Bloomingdale Regional Animal Shelter (BASS) is now predominately the temporary refuge of pit bulls, and it is an investment the shelter can hardly afford to make, said Ellen Ribitzki, corresponding secretary for BASS. Based on the history of this breed, these hard-to-place dogs could spend a year at the municipal shelter.

"The problem is they stay too long and we cannot afford to keep the space tied up for a year," said Ribitzki.

And if that is the case, Ribitzki said, BASS could be faced with the heart-wrenching decision of whether or not to euthanize its resident pit bulls. This last-resort action has been reserved for sick or aggressive dogs in the past, but Ribitzki said the shelter must face reality: These pits are taking up space that could go to more adoptable canines.

The seven pit bulls now at the Brandt Lane shelter were either dumped off at the shelter or surrendered there because their owners came upon hard times, such as foreclosures or incarceration, and had to leave their pets behind, said Ribitzki.

The problem with pit bulls

Just the name "pit bull" can turn off adoptive families.

"Part of it is definitely public perception," Ribitzki said. Incidents of attacks on humans drive big headlines in the media when a pit bull is involved, feeding the reputation that this is one aggressive breed. A bad reputation is strike one against this breed.

Often the pit bulls that make it to the shelter have a sweet disposition but it takes careful screening to place them with the right family because they tend to be muscular, which could be a test of strength for some owners. In addition, some have a strong instinct to chase things, and may not be compatible other pets.

With these drawbacks, unless a shelter has other types of dogs to entice families to come in, Ribitzki said, pits are likely to find themselves waiting even longer for their "forever home."

To break up the mix of available canines, BASS will bring in popular breeds from high-kill shelters in southern states. Yet with the challenge of placing seven pits, the shelter realized something more was needed.

For the past three weeks, Jaimee Wenzel, a certified trainer, has been working with BASS to make the shelter's pit bulls more adoptable.

She's stepped up their obedience training to the point where most can walk on a leash, and even learning not to bark in excitement when folks visit the shelter. They're also coming to understand how to get along with their cage neighbors, and sometimes these dogs with sad pasts are learning how to play for the first time.

Circle 250: Chapter 6: Charlotte: Loved the chase. | Martin C. Winer

That summer was very quiet for me. I continued my self conscious efforts, usually inside, due to the heat of the August days. At around five p.m. everyday I made my way out onto the front stoop. The sun declined sufficiently by that time for the awning to provide sufficient shade. The deep blue summer sky was starkly contrasted by the green foliage which coloured my front lot. A cool breeze blew sufficiently often to keep one refreshed against the air which was still hot and dry from the day. I would always have a pitcher of lemonade outside with me, just to keep cool. At about five thirty everyday, Jesse and Sherlock would come walking by. I would wave politely as would he, and that was it. We passed each other in time and space. I liked seeing Sherlock though. Everytime I saw him, I remembered, with humour, our first encounter. Looking back on events it was rude of me not to offer him some lemonade on those hot days. Then again, I was not one to offer anything to boys. One of the worse things one could be at my high school was a ‘tease’. Even a innocent glass of lemonade could be construed by a boy as a display of affection and I certainly didn’t want Jesse to think I liked him. It would be cruel to lead him on and then have him disappointed.

Ever since that first encounter with Jesse, I had taken to going on nature walks. I went walking for hours on end into the woods, and by the streams and rivers which networked throughout the landscape. I looked into the rivers and noticed all manner of fish, salamanders and frogs that I had never noticed before. I turned over every rock just hoping to catch a glimpse of some other species I had yet to discover. One could find an infinite amount of beauty, under just a single rock, provided you chanced upon a lucky one. There exists a very special type of beauty in nature. It is the type which can only be found if you are looking for it. It doesn’t lay out in the open for everyone to see but must be sought after. Often this search has to continue for many hours but when you find it, rest assured that it is an experience unique to you and you alone. For, once you place that rock back down, and cover up that speckled newt or shew away that butterfly, that scene will never be exactly repeated. It’s precise details and feelings are yours to remember, and yours alone.

After hours and hours of such adventures, I would come home riddled with cuts, scrapes and mosquito bites. My parents noticed that I was stewing about my self and in their habitual fussing over me, tried to arrange for me to go to camp. When that failed my father offered me a job at his office, even though I was really too young to do anything useful. It was kind of them to offer, but I didn’t take it as such at the time. I was horribly offended. I was just fine. What business was it of there’s if I chose to spend my days walking and exploring? I declined their offers, sometimes rudely, but always emphatically. After much effort, they recanted and allowed me to spend the rest of the summer in peace.

Forest and stream

The Lost Dogs, Michael Vick's Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption

Every dog's legal guide, a must-have book for your owner

Vick's monthly magazine

Vick's illustrated monthly magazine