MSPCA PIT BULL AWARENESS WEEK
The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) is declaring Pit Bull Awareness Week beginning Saturday, October 25. During the next week the MSPCA will highlight several of the thousands of Pit Bull adoptions from our Animal Care and Adoption Centers. There are many myths, mostly negative, surrounding the “Pit Bull” breeds, however we work tirelessly to educate the public about the true nature of these dogs. Please revisit this page over the next week for educational facts regarding Pit Bulls. In the meantime, we invite you to enjoy the following stories of families that have looked beyond stigmas and welcomed Pit Bulls into their lives. Click here if you wish to make a donation to the MSPCA-Angell’s General Fund to help us continue to provide care to Pit Bulls and the many other breeds and species that we welcome into our adoption centers and medical centers.
DIAMOND
Diamond was surrendered to the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center in Methuen in August. Diamond’s owner had passed away and family members kept her muzzled; living in a shed in the backyard claiming that she was too loud for the home. Diamond sustained trauma to her nose from the constant irritation inflicted by the nylon muzzle she was forced to wear. After a few short weeks in our adoption center, this gentle and quiet angel captured the hearts of our staff, volunteers and visitors alike. It did not take long for the Perron family to welcome her into their home. Diamond is doing great in her new home where she lives with a cute small companion dog. The scar on her nose will be a constant reminder of the horror she lived through before coming to us, however the MSPCA tag around her neck will be an even greater symbol of the future she will now have with her new, loving family.
PRINCESS
Princess was transferred to the MSPCA’s Animal Care and Adoption Center on Nantucket after she became embroiled in a police case. Princess suffered emotional trauma during a domestic violence incident, so it was thought she might do better in our quieter adoption center. The staff steeled themselves for a dog with emotional baggage however she turned out to have the perfect name — she was a Princess from day one. Now known as Pepper, she was adopted in 2006 during our first annual Canine Couture Fashion Show! Dressed as a princess of course. At nine years old, Pepper was adopted into a home with two other geriatric dogs, and blended in quite smoothly.
STARKA
“Starka is a two-year-old, 45-pound Pit Bull/Boxer mix adopted from the MSCPA-Boston this past March. She loves to kiss and hug everybody she meets (she even tries to be gentle with little babies and pups), is full of energy and loves to play. She also thinks she's a lap dog and loves to snuggle whenever she sneaks a chance. Starka has been an absolute joy ever since we adopted her, and a great ambassador of her pit bull ancestry to our neighborhood.” ~Matthew and Molly
ROXY
Roxy was 10 years old when she was adopted earlier this year. The Browers family had been looking for a companion dog to adopt from the MSPCA in Methuen for several months. Although they were not expecting to adopt an older dog, when they met Roxy, they just could not resist her gentle nature and irresistible charm. In June they returned to adopt a new companion for Roxy and their family a kitten named Koa. Koa and Roxy are now great friends and curl up with one another for naps. At the MSPCA we encounter many people who falsely believe that pit bulls are aggressive towards other animals. Koa and Roxy would strongly disagree with that myth!
CLEO
“Prior to having Cleo come into our home, I bought into the negative hype about Pit-Bulls, unfortunately. What a shame... Pit Bulls take such a "bad rap," for a lack of a better term. Cleo is a dream, to say the least. I have yet to meet up with one person who fails to praise her and give positive comments to us both. I have taken her to the "Dog Park" on several occasions here in town, and she has become a favorite. Her temperament and happy, jolly prance brings a smile to all of the dog owners at the park. She kisses the other dogs and encourages a playful manner. I am PROUD to be a Pit Bull dog owner in every sense! She has brought so much joy into our household and I now, cannot imagine our home without her!” ~Jean & Rick
SIMON
Simon, a one-year-old Pit Bull mix, was a law enforcement case from the MSPCA-WNE. Simon came to us from poor living conditions. He was extremely thin with open wounds on his ears - flies were literally eating him alive. He remained incredibly sweet and loved attention from our first introduction. Simon's soon to be new family were apprehensive at first regarding his high energy level in his kennel. However, once he was out, they fell in love immediately. This is a letter from them: “Hope you had a great weekend. I know you are busy but I wanted you to see Simon after his first week with us. We went pumpkin picking this weekend with our friends and their kids; they all had a blast including Simon. He is sooooo good with the kids (ages 3-11)! He also loved going down to the river-but didn’t go in.”
BREWSKI
Brewski (aka Marley) was surrendered to the Nantucket MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center as a tiny puppy. One of the adoption center volunteers adopted him to accompany their Shepherd mix. After being adopted in 2005, Brewski grew in to his large frame and now works with other dogs that require socialization.
