Letter to the Editor: Pet Problems

Pet problems

To the Editor,

Animal Control was called recently to my neighborhood. While there, my dog, Rollo, was noticed in a large dog pen in my backyard bothering no one. He is part Staffordshire Terrier, which many people confuse with pit bulls. Helen Keller owned a Staffordshire, to give you an idea how vicious they can be. All Pit-type dogs used to be accepted until bad people started exploiting them for personal gain. The Our Gang kids had a pit-type dog as well.

I was told I have to get rid of my dog. He used to be the neighbor's dog. They moved away and left him abandoned, hungry, and infested with mange and ringworm tied up all alone. We saved his life, provided him medical care, had him neutered, and gave him a good home. It took months to restore his health. He is not aggressive, but is very loving. Even when his flaming red skin was practically bald and he was in pain and starving, he still licked my hand when I rescued him. The collar he had on left a permanent mark in his neck. He was suffering, but still happy to receive attention.

I should not have to give Rollo away or have him euthanized when he is innocent and has had such a hard life. Surely an exception can be made. I love Rollo.

Iris Byrd

Fort Scott