I had heard on the news today about a man being arrested and his pit bulls confiscated for fighting. It reminded me of the 2 pits brought into the humane society I worked at in Colorado Springs back in 2002. I had many responsibilites in the shelter and one of them was to spend time and feed the " court held" dogs. These are dogs being held until their owners go to court and a sentence was placed.

I have never been a big fan of Pits and my boss was aware of this. I came in one morning and she caught up with me and asked me to go see the 2 Pits that were brought in. They had been confiscated when their owner was arrested the night before for fighting the dogs. I snarled my nose at her and she persisted. I grinned and shook my head as I finished putting my hand-held radio on my belt clip and walked the long hall to the court area. I checked on the sister first in her kennel. She was cut up pretty badly.. barely wagging her tail. I gave her a biscuit and walked to the next kennel where her brother was. He laid at the other end of the kennel.. gaping holes in his head and legs from recent fights.. many old scars from fights in the past. He didn't look up but I noticed movement of a slight wagging of his tail. For some reason, I very cautiously opened the door and stepped inside. I slid down the wall and sat on the concrete across from him.

He raised his head and our eyes locked for what seemed like a lifetime. I can see it as if it was yesterday. His eyes were blank... nothing... empty... lifeless. In a whisper, I told him that I have seen that look before. The same look I had seen in my own eyes as a child.. the eyes of an abused, neglected, unloved and lost little child. I slowly reached out my hand to this dog.. and I said... " Come here.. I know you just want to be held". This beaten dog winced as he found the strength to crawl over to me. I choked back a tear as I went to touch his head and he crouched in fear. He laid his head on my lap and we sat there for the longest time... and I gave to him all the love I had. It was as if he knew I understood.. and I did. It broke my heart that this gentle hand upon his head was probably the only gentleness he had ever known. I realized he didn't want to fight. He simply did what his owner wanted him to do.. He wanted to please his owner.. that SOB.

I went to work 30 minutes every day just to share some kindness with him. A week later, as I checked the list of the many dogs we put down on a daily basis, he and his sister's name was there. I looked up at my boss and she just looked back. I knew it had to happen.. he was so riddled with infection and could never be adopted out. I grabbed my lead leash and retrieved him from his cage and we slowly walked to The room. I always hated the mornings.. as we put down MANY animals at this time on a daily basis.. but this one was particularly hard on me. I was given the needle and I gave it back to the boss.. and said I wanted to be holding this 0ne instead. Up on the table, I placed one hand over his back and the other under his chest. I could feel his tired soul beat as I knew he could feel my heart break. I had to let him know that he would not die alone.. that he would know love and gentleness and kindness til his last breath. When it was over, I threw down the leash, walked outside and cried.

I had never had alot of faith in mankind.. and after working there.. I have even less. For all you animal lovers out there, give your pet an extra kiss tonight for me. And for all you low-life , pathetic animal abusers.... I will find you.. one at a time.. and if I don't, I have to believe that every person out there with a heart will not be afraid to step up and say " You wanna fight.. pick on someone your own size!". Let's NEVER be afraid to stand up to a bully.. for the sake of someone who cannot defend themselves. If they don't have the fight left in them to protect themselves, we will fight for them.

I wanna get a doberman. I don't think anyone would want to bully a doberman looool.

I had one as a teenager.. they are awesome dogs

that is so freaking sad I wish they would put down the ba##ard they caused all that...but he prolly lived to fight another day...

I know the feeling. He prob got a slap on the wrist