Pit bulls face many hazards when they become lost. Sadly, due to media hysteria, they are often not afforded the humane treatment any other dog would receive. If you have taken the time to help a pit bull in need, first, THANK YOU!

You need to know, right from the start, that there are no "easy answers" or "miracle cures" for helping a lost pit bull find a safe home or be returned to its owner. You will probably do a lot of work, and end up with no "happy ending". Its just a fact with any fad breed undergoing a population explosion.

I'm not one to sugar coat things, nor do I concern myself with being "politically correct" to keep everyone happy. I'm a straight shooter, and I hope you can respect that. I hope this information will be helpful to you - and the dog you are trying to help.

• Check the dog for identification: check for a collar and tag and have the dog scanned at a veterinarian's or shelter for a microchip
  
  
• Take the dog to the local animal shelter - this is where an owner will be looking for their dog! If you don't leave the dog, at least leave a FOUND REPORT
  
  
• Place an ad in the local paper, and watch the paper for an ad
  
  
• Write FOUND PIT BULL and your phone number on styrafoam paperplates and tack them up in the area where you found the dog - make sure you make anyone who calls DESCRIBE THE DOG to keep punks from trying to get the dog for fighting
  
  
• Check with local radio stations to see if they have "lost and found" features - again, don't describe the dog!

IF YOU DECIDE TO TAKE A STRAY DOG HOME

After 20 years in animal control, I prefer to see people take a lost dog to the local shelter. This is where an owner will be looking, and generally the dog is safer and more secure. If you decide to take a stray dog into your home, please consider the following:

• You don't know the medical or behavioral history of this animal. Don't make the mistake so many people make of introducing the stray to your own pets. Keep the stray animal away from your pets: this is best for everyone. Less stress for your pets and the stray, who is already stressed
  
  
• When you take the dog out to "do his business", keep them on a leash. Many strays will jump fences, given the chance
  
  
• Use common sense when introducing the stray to children; you do not know the behavior history of any stray dog

SHOULD YOU KEEP A STRAY DOG?

It is very easy to become emotionally involved with a stray animal. After just a few minutes a person can become concerned about the future welfare of a stray. If you are considering keeping a stray dog, please consider the following:

• Will this animal fit in with your current pets? It is not a good idea to try and keep dogs of the same sex. Many dogs, when they start to feel at home, may fight with dogs of the same sex. If you have cats, be VERY cautious with introductions. Aggression toward cats is very common in all dog breeds

• Do you have the personality to own the dog you have found? Be truthful with yourself - this is best for the dog and you

• Do you have the time and money for another pet? Most American pit bulls are active animals and require a good amount of exercise, plus a spacious place to stay during the day

• Make sure you try to find the owner. At the same time, make anyone who tries to claim the dog can describe the dog accurately. It is not uncommon for punks to try and reclaim lost pit bulls for fighting purposes

• Make sure you do not live in an area with breed specific laws. Call your local animal control or police and ask them if American pit bulls are banned in your community. If you rent, make sure your landlord will allow an additional pet. Please don't try and sneak the animal in. MANY pets are euthanized at shelters because of people trying to sneak them past landlords - it is a stupid reason for a dog to end up dead.

If you have found an American pit bull and have decided to keep it - congratulations! You are now the proud owner of the very best dog breed on the planet. An American pit bull is possessed of loyalty, gentleness and humor and will bring much pleasure to your life.

Please take the time to learn about your new dog. This site has been put together to help owners understand and enjoy their dogs to the fullest. You will find answers to just about any question you could have here.

If you are interested, there is a friendly, informational pit bull owners forum available to answer your questions. You can find it at: The Pit Bull Place