As part of National Pit Bull Awareness Month, the Wake County Animal Center is running a special adoption campaign during October to find homes for pit bull type dogs currently living at the shelter. There are 43 dogs waiting to go to their forever homes. All October you can adopt them for just $25, a great discount from the usual adoption fee of $95.
“Pit bulls might be the most misunderstood dogs, surrounded with negative stereotypes and false perceptions,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “The reality is that pit bulls are just about the nicest dogs out there. They’re among the most tolerant dogs tested by the American Temperament Test Society. They’re sweet as pie when they're loved and cared for.”
Due to a history in the United Kingdom during the 1800s of being bred to fight bulls and bears for entertainment, pit bulls are often thought of being born inherently aggressive. Not only is this false, it causes a great deal of hardship for pit bulls and pit bull owners. They have the same potential for kindness as a Golden Retriever or Labrador and make marvelous working and companion dogs. They can be loving pets for children, adults and everyone in between.
Today, the "pit bull" label has become a generic term used to loosely describe a type of dog based only on its physical appearance. While the American Pit Bull Terrier is the only formal breed with the term "pit bull" in its name, there are four breeds that are commonly included in the modern pit bull-type category – the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bully.
Dr. Jennifer Federico, director of the Wake County Animal Center, has four pit bulls of her own, all adopted from the shelter.
“I spend a lot of time every day with my dogs, it is always a joy,” said Dr. Federico, “They have feelings, emotions of their own, and they make us better people in the end because they will love you no matter what. They are excited when you come home, and they do not care if it is every thirty minutes – it is going to be the same excitement! I am lucky to have them.”
All animals adopted from the center are spayed or neutered and microchipped prior to going home with their new families.
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.
The Wake County Animal Center is the only open admission shelter in Wake County that never turns away animals, including stray, abandoned and surrendered pets. The shelter treats and re-homes thousands of homeless animals every year.
