Let me tell you all a thing about this big, loveable, cuddlebug dog named Dino. (Ignore my goofy face there -u-;)
Today my sister had a service learning project at our favorite animal shelter and I accompanied her, of course, to go check out the awesome animals up for adoption there. After a nice visit to the kitties I went to go check out the dog room which was surprisingly empty for once. Most were napping and a few were already having adoptions pending but way off in the corner there was this huge, seemingly-intimidating pitbull looking around almost anxiously as people kept passing his kennel up. With my love of big dogs, I immediately went over and the first thing I noticed was his placard mentioning he had some food aggression and that he was very loud around other dogs or in his kennel. But it also mentioned him being affectionate.
Only mildly apprehensive, I asked to take him out to their courtyard (and got some pretty skeptical looks because I'm kinda tiny). After they went over rules and warned me about his strength, we were let outside and I was completely surprised. He was extremely easy to lead and didn't tug at all despite the warnings, only sniffling around by my side and pausing to look up at me with the hugest grin on his face. He was very gentle with the toys we played with, and the very first thing he did when we reached a bench was hop up beside me and proceed to lay in my lap like a huge housecat. He hardly even looked at the other dog out there, opting instead to give my sister and her friends kisses.
In short, he was possibly the most gentle dog I had met in a while and it's a little disheartening to see people intimidated by his size and appearance (though luckily a lot of chicagoans like pits) and I just wanted to share the love he showed me today. I really want a good home for all of the animals at that shelter, but I especially want Dino to find a family he can be a big snuggly fool with!
So if anyone in the Chicagoland area might be interested in an absolute gem like Dino (or any other of the fabulous pets there) I highly recommend you go check out the AntiCruelty Society soon because they have a lot of love to give and they sure do deserve it. (Will edit in links soon!)
Edit:
You can check him out alongside other dogs right here; just look for Dino!
Wonderful kitties at the shelter can also be found here!
