“I can’t believe they’d bring that dog here,” is what I overheard an acquaintance mutter during a popular community event in Rockland. What dog is that, I wondered as I looked around and spotted a large, white muscular dog on a leash. The dog seemed relaxed and happy and was trotting beside his owner, who was chatting with a friend.

It was a reaction that probably shouldn’t have surprised me when I realized the dog was a Pit Bull, but I was dismayed all the same since the person who said it is, herself, a dog owner and dog lover. But Pit Bulls have a reputation after all—and it’s for just that reason that responsible Pit Bull owners are working hard to change the perception of the breed, one day at a time.

This month, Jessica Dolce, co-founder of SOME Pit! (Southern Maine Pit Bulls), an education and advocacy group, writes about the positive changes she has seen in the past year, and encourages people who have Pit Bulls to understand they have an additional—even weighty—responsibility to help shape public opinion about the breed in a positive manner.

And in a heart-warming story, turn to page 5 to read “Saving Skippy,” the story of a Maine woman who is working to improve the life of street dogs in Turkey. Christine Noke, formerly of Brownville, returns home to Maine in October and brings with her Skippy and Bonzo—two former street dogs looking for homes to call their own. A fund-raiser will be held in their honor on October 10 in Milo.

And there is more good news to report for all animals in Maine. The new “adopt” animal welfare specialty license plate becomes available October 1. It can be purchased wherever you register your vehicle, even if it’s not time for renewal. A portion of proceeds collected through the sale of the plate will help to fight animal abuse and to promote adoption in Maine.

Downeast Dog News...because dog news is good news.

Don't miss the October issue, available online now!