http://www.care2.com/greenliving/a-dogs-best-friend.html
A Dog’s Best Friend
By Laine Bergeson, Experience Life
Despite graduating high school early and having his pick of several enticing college scholarships, John Garcia went to work at a nearby animal sanctuary right out of school because he had a debt to pay — though not the financial kind.
“I grew up in a very small town, and my best friend as a kid was my dog,” says the 28-year-old dog trainer and star of the National Geographic Channel’s series DogTown, a show that chronicles the lives of the dogs in DogTown, the designated dog area at the Kanab, Utah–based Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
A self-described chubby Latino kid growing up in a conservative Anglo town, Garcia wound up as a loner much of the time. He says only the animals in his life refused to judge him and never tired of his company. “Pretty much my entire life I knew I wanted to work with animals. I always felt I had a debt to repay to them for what they’d done for me growing up.”
He got that chance when he landed a job at the 3,700-acre Best Friends sanctuary. Tucked into the majestic red-rock country of southern Utah, the center came to national prominence in 2007 when it took in the 22 most-abused dogs the government rescued from former NFL star quarterback Michael Vick’s illegal dog-fighting ring.
Unlike many humane societies and other rescue organizations, Best Friends was committed to working with the dogs — all American Pit Bull Terriers or pit bull mixes — rather than euthanizing them. While the government mandated that two dogs remain at the sanctuary for life for their own safety and happiness, the other 20 dogs (once they pass the rigorous stipulations set out by the government) will eventually find new homes — an outcome many people once considered impossible.
Garcia, however, was not surprised. Despite their reputation, he says, American Pit Bull Terriers are filled with potential. “Pitties, by nature, are very loving and very loyal. If they are brought up properly and socialized properly, they are the best dogs in the world.”
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12 comments
add your comment »This is great article.I have also a dog at my home name jimmy.It is my best friend.I love my jimmy alot.He also do help to me.I have enjoyed alot while browsing this post.
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Awesome article! More people have to speak out about Pit Bulls and get the word out on these fantastic creatures. John Garcia, you are a wonderful human, thank you for what you do.
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It is all how you treat a animal. I couldn't dream of hurting a dog or any animals. I love my dog and couldn't image beening with out her. She is gentle and sweet.
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Blame the deed, not the breed, someone said and was right. I met Pit bulls owned by responsible and loving people and the dogs are as their owners, kind and gentle. The breed is a strong one, that's the issue that makes them "good for fighting". Anyway, to put your dog through such experience (to fight for his/her life) it's low and cruel. No matter the reason - money or glory. I saw a "looser" dog thrown over the fence and left to die!!! He wasn't "the strongest", he was tired from other fights and the stupid and cruel owner put him again to fight. Since he fell down exhausted, the owner lost his precious money!! So, he punished the dog...His continuous victim was punished again for losing the final battle. These are the people who shouldn't even born. Not to mention they shouldn't own an animal at all. So, thank you for helping the so called "lost causes", rehabilitate them and give them back their future and lives. To these gorgeous people who are helping in such a great way I'm sending all my love and consideration. You're doing a marvelous job, keep on doing it.
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It's amazing to watch John and the other trainers at Best Friends rehabilitate even aggressive dogs with kind, gentle leadership instead of the old confrontational style that has had a resurgence lately.
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GREAT ARTICLE!
And kudos for all who work with or contribute to these very worthwhile causes!
Currently, we have seven dogs all of whom are strays or rescues! Our lives would be so much less fulfilled without them!
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THANK YOU for the sane comments about pit bulls! Every breed has unique qualities. For the pit bull, the "quality" isn't viciousness, but intelligence and tremendous loyalty/sense of family. When not trained (corrupted) into viciousness, their qualities are strikingly like the best of human qualities. I have worked with normal, healthy pit bulls, and have always been deeply impressed by their intelligence, distinct personalities, and... well, hard to describe, but its the way one can easily establish a sort of two-way communication, and a real friendship, between the person and the pit bull.
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The pitbull is a good dog =)
And we have help any animal
Good day of Animals! 4 October
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I have fostered many pit bulls over the years and found wonderful forever homes for them. When in foster care at my house they share the space with my own dogs. Recently I decided to keep a dog that I was fostering. When she first came to me she was food and toy aggressive with the other dogs. He owner tried to make her a fighter. So when I showed her that was not acceptable in my house, at first she was a little confused but caught on very quickly. She is the sweetest thing now. She has learned she can take her toy and run, but cannot growl or fight over it. They are the best dogs when you show them the rules.
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My rescued pit bill mix Rosebud shares my home with 5 rescued cats & even a rescued koi (she loves "her" cats but doesn't seem to notice the koi...). Rosebud is so obviously thankful for her home & greets us with her favorite toy & a fullbody wag whenever we come home. Her joyful presence in our life is a priceless gift.
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