Just a dog

Yesterday I got a message asking if I could help transport a dog from the shelter to Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue. Yes, a Cocker Spaniel -- one of those small dogs with long ears and silky hair that don't scare anyone. Why would a crazy pit bull lady be called about a Cocker Spaniel?

There was actually a good reason. A few months ago, there was another Cocker in the shelter, an older female who was not doing well at all. The amazing Carol from Florida Cocker Rescue offered to take her, but wondered if someone could take the dog to meet her partway. I offered to do it, partly because that would open up a spot in the crowded shelter but mostly because the dog was suffering in the shelter and had a chance to get out sooner rather than later. For dog lovers, even crazy pit bull ladies, a dog in need is just a dog.

That first Cocker turned out to be a complete sweetheart. She perked up the minute she got out of the shelter, thoroughly enjoyed the ride to Ocala, and wagged her tail like crazy the minute she met Carol and her van full of silky, long-eared dogs. I had never really spent time with a Cocker Spaniel before, and if I thought of them at all, it was to remember an old study that showed that they bit more per capita than any other breed. (A more recent study shows that Dachshunds bite most often, followed by Chihuahuas and Jack Russell Terriers.) This dog was friendly, affectionate, and easy going. Hmm, I thought, maybe little silky eared dogs aren't so bad.

Carol told me that she had rescued a pit bull once. She fell so in love with him, she said, she had to ask a friend to foster him, because "If he stays in my house one more day, I won't be able to give him up." He was adopted by a family who loves him very much and still sends holiday cards to the rescuers. Carol doesn't say no to a dog in need, and she loves them for their dogginess, not their long silky ears.

And the most recent Cocker Spaniel at Alachua County Animal Services? I could not do the transport him this time, but asked around, and a generous volunteer named Paul offered to meet Carol south of Ocala this morning. He usually does Boxer rescue, but he didn't hesitate to spend half his Saturday helping a little long-haired dog in need.

What we want for pit bulls is the big-hearted love that Carol and Paul show to all dogs in need, regardless of breed or appearance.