‘They’re just a happy dog’
Pit bull breeds are often the perfect pet
Seeing Michelle Henderson snuggling with her dogs, people might be surprised to hear that at one time she would have been nervous of the animals. She’s now a big fan of pit bull breeds.
“When I was younger, I preferred little dogs,” said the East Mountain woman. “My ex wanted a Staffordshire bull terrier and I didn’t want one at first. I finally gave in, as long as I could pick out the dog.”
She loved it so much she ended up adopting two others through a rescue.
“I realized how sweet and snuggly they were. They’re just a happy dog; loving and soulful. I’ve never had a problem with them being mean to anyone.”
The first of her bull breed dogs died last year, at the age of 14, but Henderson currently enjoys life with seven-year-old Ruby and two-year-old Eugene.
Ruby was a little more than a year old when she was surrendered to a kennel because she chased hens at her former home. She quickly settled in with Henderson. Then Eugene came along.
“We weren’t looking for another dog but his picture popped up and he needed help,” she said.
He weighed 32 pounds and surprised everyone by growing to about 60 pounds.
Henderson has an esthetics business and her dogs enjoy greeting clients.
“It’s nice to see how many people change their opinion when they meet them,” she said. “I have people say all the time that they were so scared of pit bulls but they’re not anymore.”
She and her husband, who was also nervous of the breed when she first met him, often take Ruby and Eugene to Scotia Speed World with them. The dogs also attend doggie day care, where they enjoy socializing with people and canines.
Karen Hannam, a trainer who works with dogs at Good Bones dog rescue, is also a fan of pit bull type dogs, saying they are often misunderstood.
“They’re often the easiest dogs to work with. We’ve seen a lot of stranger reactivity because of COVID. Dogs just weren’t getting enough exposure to people. The (pit bull) breeds seem quick to come around and trust.”
Good Bones takes in more pit bull based breeds than any other category.
“One of the reasons is that they’re easy for people to get,” explains Hannam. “The dogs often have big litters. There are stipulations with rental properties and often these dogs aren’t as welcome as some breeds … We also have dogs come from atrocious situations who end up being lovely pets.”
She stresses the importance of working with a dog to ensure it will be a good citizen and placing it in the right home. Her own dog, Porsche, is a big part of her life. With her supervision, her twoyear-old
daughter tosses treats when they do training exercises.
“The biggest thing breed advocates can do is educate people on giving these dogs a chance,” she said. “There’s not enough awareness of what they’re like. People shouldn’t judge on appearance … that comes to other people or dogs.”
While people can help these dogs, the animals can also assist humans.
“It’s almost like they know what you’re thinking and what you need,” said Henderson. “Four years ago, I lost my dad. I feel the dogs got me through it. I can’t imagine not having them now.”
Good Bones, and other rescues, are always looking for foster homes willing to take in dogs. Good Bones can be found online at http://www. goodbonesdogrescue.com/ and https://www.facebook. com/GoodBonesDogRescue