The other night Inside Edition ran a story about one of the pit bulls rescued from Michael Vick’s dog fighting ring. His name is Leo, and he now lives in California with his new owner, Marthina McClay, who’s a member of Our Pack, a pit bull rescue organization.
Leo’s Life with Marthina
As you might imagine, Leo’s life with his new owner is a far cry from what it was with Mr. Vick and company. Gone are his days of dog fighting. But he still works. Though these days it’s as a therapy dog.
That’s right. You read me right. Leo is a therapeutic pit bull.
Pit Bulls Love to Give Love, Too
Aimee once shared a phenomenal poem she came across about just how lovable pit bulls are, and what a bum rap they get. As with any aggressive breed, if raised right, pits are just like any other dog: lovable as can be.
Leo’s no exception. I’m not sure if he became a therapy dog as part of his rehabilitation out of the dog fighting world, or if when Marthina received him she saw right away he’d be best suited to a life bringing joy and comfort to others.
Either way, he’s doing it.
Leo’s Therapy Rounds
In addition to the usual therapy dog places to visit, such as hospitals where he comforts cancer patients, Leo also makes office visits. Apparently he goes into workplaces where people are cooped up inside all day and brings them a dose of happy with his trademark smile and plentiful tail wags. Marthina and the workers call them “doggie breaks.”
I’d never heard of such a thing until I watched the piece on Leo. They showed him trotting from cubicle to cubicle eating up all the pets people were eager to give him.
Learning from Leo’s Destiny
It just goes to show you never know where life’s going to take you. First his former owner ‘fessed up to wrongdoing and ended up serving time (he’s still serving it, actually; he won’t be released until July 2009), then Leo found a loving new home and a purpose: to bring joy to others.
Which he’s doing, but might he also accomplish something greater? Like becoming a poster puppy for pit bulls? One who might help prove the case that even seemingly aggressive dogs are innocent until proven guilty and that no dog should be euthanized before his or her time. Perhaps his most important message will be: if you give Love a chance to work its magic, it prevails, and transforms even the most sinister species into sweet ones.
Related Articles
Ten Ways Pet Therapy Is Helpful