This past Saturday was National Pit Bull Awareness Day, and here at the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, we celebrated with some very special guests.

Cherry Garcia once lived on the estate of Michael Vick, forced to participate in the cruel, gruesome, abusive, and illegal activity of dog fighting. In January of 2008, after Vick and others were indicted for numerous crimes, Cherry and twenty-one other dogs made their way to the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah.

Cherry is one lucky fellow. In September 2009, after being rescued from a life of terror, Cherry moved in with his new forever family here in the Northeast. Suddenly, Cherry had loving parents who devoted themselves to his well-being. What a change that must’ve been! His new parents make him homemade meals (due to his allergies), take him hiking, and provide all the love and affection he deserves.

Check out this video of Cherry when he was still struggling to adapt to his new life as a “normal” dog.

Best Friends DogTown Manager John Garcia talks about Vicktory Dogs in January, 2011.

We were honored to welcome Cherry to Dakin this Saturday along with his mom and dad, Melissa and Paul, and his dog sister, Madison (who is also a Pit mix). Cherry spent three hours greeting visitors and posing for photos. It was amazing to see how friendly, social, and happy he has become. I don’t know about you, but after three hours, I’d be ready for a nap! Cherry didn’t complain, though. He was just happy to represent his breed and show everyone why Pit Bulls are one of man’s best friends.

Paul shared some of Cherry’s story with us.

“When we went out to Best Friends to meet [Cherry], he took to [Madison] first before us. She kind of brought him to us,” Paul said. “She’s taught him so much. You’ll notice sometimes if he gets stressed out, she’ll go over and step in between him. He checks in with her a lot to make sure everything is all right,” he added.

Cherry comes to public events to help combat the stereotypes that surround his breed, but he also learns a lot from his travels. “[Going to events] builds his confidence and he does new things at our house. It really helps him take a step forward,” Paul said.

Sweet Pea was rescued by the ASPCA in New York City. Paralyzed in the rear, she found her forever home in 2006 with Eddie and Leslie Grinnell, owners of Eddie’s Wheels based in Shelburne Falls, MA. Eddie’s Wheels makes custom wheelchairs for animals, like Sweet Pea, who need some extra help to become mobile. You should see her move around on her wheels!

“When they get their wheels, they get happy,” said Leslie, who told us that the company makes about two-thousand chairs per year. That’s two-thousand animals who are able to maintain their mobility thanks to their custom-made wheelchairs.

We also had several visitors from Pittie Love Rescue, a rescue organization with foster homes all over Massachusetts. Lady, an adoptee from the organization, was visiting with her parents and their latest foster dog, Carter. Carter was a wonderful young ambassador for his breed, playfully prancing around and dutifully sitting on command. (I love dogs who can follow directions!) He will be moving in with his forever family tomorrow thanks to the nice folks at Pittie Love Rescue.

 

 

Did you know that Dakin offers special pricing for Pit Bull neuters at our Community Spay/Neuter Clinic? We love our Love-a-Bulls, and spaying or neutering your dog is one important way you can combat canine homelessness here in our community. Check out our website for details, or call 413-781-4019.

 

Last, but certainly not least, our good friend Seven stopped by to check in. Seven is a seven-year-old “Love-a-Bull” mix who is up for adoption here at Dakin. She is very smart and loves learning. When her family lost their home, she found herself here. She is currently in a foster home, as she has been with us since August 30. Seven doesn’t get along with cats (I know, right?), but she would be happy to share her home with another dog and kids over the age of ten. Thanks to a donation from one of our wonderful volunteers, Seven’s adoption fee has been reduced to $75. If you’re interested in meeting Seven, call our Springfield Adoption Center at 413-781-4000 (leave a message if you get the machine!) or email springfield@dpvhs.org.

 

Whew, what I day. My friend Ashley dressed me up for the occasion, and I think I sported the dog-bones motif quite well.

It’s definitely time for me to make like Carter and take a nap. (He was all tuckered out by 3 p.m.!) If you have room in your home and heart for a love-a-bull dog, or any other breed, please visit our website to see the dogs available for adoption both in Springfield and Leverett.

Thanks for reading, animal-lovers.

~Chip ^..^