“Loyalty Unleashed: Pit Bulls and the People Who Love Them”
June 3, 2015
How the unplanned adoption of my pit bull Mickey inspired me to write a book of
positive pit bull stories.
By: Sue Torres
In the fall of 2009, and quite by accident, I became involved in animal rescue as a volunteer. Soon after, I also became involved in networking shelter dogs online. I must have seen thousands of heartbreaking photographs of dogs in need of homes. The overwhelming majority were pit bull breeds and as I later learned, only one in 600 would make it out alive.
Fast forward to February, 2011. I had no plans to adopt a dog as I was caring for my senior disabled dog who was approaching the end of his life. Then I saw a picture of the dog who would change my life on a Facebook page. His name was Mickey and somehow I knew he was meant to be mine.
Out of all the dogs I had seen, there was something about him that I could not get out of my mind. I followed him for over a week, shared his picture, emailed rescues and did everything I could think of to help him. Despite my best efforts, on February 9, 2011, he was put on the list to be destroyed the next morning in New York City – more than two hours from where I live.
I had reached out to nearly every rescue in New York City and, just when it seemed hopeless, one – and only one – responded. I adopted Mickey sight unseen, not realizing the task that was ahead. Mickey was terrified and I was inexperienced, but we persevered. It took some time, but what I discovered behind all the bravado and the fear was one of the sweetest dogs in the world.
I have learned so much from my experience with Mickey. I have learned volumes about dog behavior and training. I have learned tolerance and patience. Most of all, I was inspired to write a book with the goal of helping others learn what Mickey has taught me – that it is not the look of a dog that matters, but what is inside. Mickey has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love.
While I thought I was doing a good deed by giving a scared, unwanted death row dog a home, what Mickey gave me in return was his heart. Who got the better end of the deal? It is hard to say, but I think we both won.
Mickey has made many friends – he helped raise my daughter’s puppy and has mentored several foster dogs. He has also changed the perceptions of people who have had a life-long fear of dogs.
I have had some amazing dogs in my life but my first pit bull, Mickey, is the most loving dog of all. I wrote “Loyalty Unleashed: Pit Bulls and the People Who Love Them” to educate, to promote shelter adoptions, and with the hope that individuals and families looking to adopt a dog will look beyond they myths and the stereotypes and give a homeless pit bull a chance.
I continue to promote a positive portrayal of pit bulls on my website http://www.loyalpitbulllove.com/ including stories of hope and a featured monthly hero, and also on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SuesLoveOfPitBulls which features daily posts that include training and care tips, helpful hints for dog owners, legislation updates and uplifting stories.
A portion of all proceeds from my book will be donated to animal welfare organizations, especially those that promote pit bull adoption, education and awareness.
Your heart and mine beat as one. I was saved by the love of a Pibble I rescued from dog fighters. She changed my life in every way and I wouldn’t trade a moment of it.