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Community Corner

The Pound's Unwanted Pets: Chihuahuas and Pitbulls — Why?

That's the majority of dogs in shelters today.

If I had a dollar for every time some walked through our shelter and commented on the number of pitbulls and chihuahuas that are available I could easily solve our budget problems. Walk through any animal shelter today and you will be amazed at how prevalent those two breeds are — and every combination of mix you can think of.

Personally I hold Paris Hilton responsible. She was one of the first celebrities to make the small dog a popular fashion accessory. Suddenly every young woman wanted a little purse-sized dog to carry with them shopping. At just about the same time came two series of movies, the “Legally Blonde” trilogy and the “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” trio, which heightened this breed’s popularity even more. As the huge boom in clothing for dogs will attest, the pint-size canine is very much in demand — unfortunately though, demand cannot keep up with supply. 

Adding to the media frenzy is the new trend of “designer dogs.” No longer is a chihuahua crossed with a dachshund a mistake. Now it’s a “chiweenie.” Terrier and Chihuahua? A “terrichi.” Poodle and Chihuahua? You have a “choodle.” And so it goes. 

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No need to be remorseful if your dog gets knocked up by the neighbor’s dog.  Just call it a designer breed and charge double for it (good idea? NOT!). Using that logic, we don’t have any mixes or mutts at the shelter either — just mystery specialty breeds!

Not even ten years ago we could pretty much guarantee any dog under 10 pounds a home regardless of his condition or issues. Hairless? There were always sweaters. Nippy? That was expected. Only had three legs or one eye?  All the better for the sympathy factor. Small dogs were in high demand and low supply. That was the good ol’ days. 

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Now the overwhelming surplus of these dogs has raised the bar considerably.  People can pick and choose or wait for a healthy small dog with a nice temperament. There are more than enough to select from, which makes it more challenging, if not impossible, to place the imperfect small dog today.

I’m less able to explain the surplus of pitbulls and pit mixes other than saying that this breed has been much maligned in recent years. Those who still want a dog with a “tough guy” image are drawn to this breed, which does them a huge disservice. 

Of course if you are after the tough image you wouldn’t dream of neutering your dog! And so it goes. With their reputation tarnished — and there are many, many really wonderful, temperamentally sound, loving pitbulls out there — it is impossible to find homes for all that come through the shelter.

We do a pretty thorough temperament assessment and only put up for adoption those pits that pass with flying colors so that people can feel pretty secure in the fact that they are adopting a sound animal. 

Some of our pits have just completed a training course so they even come with some known commands, like Burgermeister, a handsome blue-nose Staffordshire bull terrier who did great in his class. And Pirate, a young American Pitbull Terrier that quickly caught on to the “touch” command.  

If pitbulls interests you at all — and they are known to be silly, loving, loyal dogs — please come in and take a look. We have many to choose from and that’s where this story all began. Most of what we have in the shelter these days are pits and chi’s!

Upcoming Events: Pet First Aid & CPR, Sunday, April 29, 10 a.m.  to 11:30 a.m., $25. Learn the basics of what to do in an emergency to help your dog or cat. Space is limited and payment is needed to reserve a place. Call 707-584-1582 for more information.

Paws 'n' Claws Class: for 2-5th graders. Come to the Shelter Sat. April 28 from 10-noon, $5 per child. Learn the basics about pet care and safety around dogs, tour the shelter and meet the animals, make a toy for a shelter dog or cat and more! Enrollment is limited, on a first come basis. For more information call 707-584-1582 or come in to register during our regular hours: Wed 1-6:30, or Thursday through Sunday from 1-5:30 p.m. and Sundays 1-4:30.

Kidz 'n' Critters Summer Camp: flyer and applications are now available at the shelter or online. The camp features seven one week sessions for different ages from 2nd through 7th grade. Camps run from 8:30-12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Educational and loads of fun — perfect for the little animal lover in the family!

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