October is a special month for dog lovers as it marks National Pit Bull Awareness Month, a time to celebrate and appreciate the unique qualities of pit bull-type dogs. The Wake County Animal Center is launching a special adoption campaign throughout October to find loving homes for 57 pit bull-type dogs and one puppy currently at the shelter. To encourage adoptions, the Center offers a reduced adoption fee of just $25 for pit bull-type dogs during the entire month, a significant discount from the regular fee of $95.

“This month serves as an opportunity to share the joy, love and positive contributions that pit bulls bring to our lives and communities,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “These remarkable dogs were once celebrated as symbols of American pride. They are known for their loyalty, strength and desire and have even served as therapy and service dogs providing support and companionship.”

However, the pit bull breed has faced its share of challenges over the years. Historically, pit bulls were bred for dog fighting, a common practice in the UK in 19th-century. It's important to remember that pit bulls are not inherently aggressive; they are a product of their upbringing and environment.

Dr. Jennifer Federico, the director of the Wake County Animal Center, is a proud advocate for pit bull-type dogs and has four of them in her own family. One of them, Mister Peters, has become an unofficial mascot for the Wake County Animal Center. Dr. Jenn adopted Mister Peters from the Animal Center in August 2011, just two months after starting with Wake County.

Mister Peters, a mix of American Bulldog and Staffordshire Terrier, was about two years old when he arrived at the Animal Center. He is now a thriving 14-year-old.

“I say he’s like Mary Poppins – practically perfect in every way,” said Dr. Jennifer Federico, Wake County Animal Center director. “Mister Peters has his Canine Good Citizen certificate, is a retired Blood Donor for NCSU – College of Veterinary Medicine, still assists with dog tests to see how dogs coming into the Animal Center are with other dogs. He is the mascot for the Kids 4 Critters program, teaching 4th-grade students to reflect upon the condition of animals in their community. Once you realize how special pit bull-type dogs can be, you will never understand how you lived without them!”

Ready to adopt? Check out our adoption gallery or come by and see the sweet faces for yourself! The shelter is open for adoptions daily from noon to 6 p.m., seven days a week. It is located at 820 Beacon Lake Drive, near the intersection of I-440 and New Bern Ave. in Raleigh.