Article re: dog adoption in Lucas Co.

You mean pitbulls right?

With the law stating that pitbulls and "pitbull type dogs and vicious dogs" giving Skeldon plenty of room to kill anything in site, it will be very hard for you to adopt any pitbull, american bulldog, etc.
Skeldon should be removed from office simply because of his appearance. Ugh.
He has been running "off leash" for almost 20 years and no one has cared until now. Thank goodness someone is now trying to change things. I only hope he will get chased out of office.

I tend to agree.

The dog warden's office has been so criticized -- deservedly so -- in recent years that I believe it would be for the good of the community if we had new leadership at the top. Putting a new face at the helm would be symbolic of a fresh start and new attitude.

Skeldon has not kept up with the times. The fact that he has done little to promote adoptions since he's been warden is disgraceful and should be grounds for his dismissal. We adopted a puppy from there a few years ago. We wanted a middle aged, or senior, dog at the time because we're not home a lot during the day - something that would enjoy a daily walk, a roof over its head, and comfortable home and yard. I visited the dog pound a couple times per week, and kept seeing this puppy with huge paws that kept barking at everyone. Each week, there would be turnover in the dogs available for adoption, but there was that puppy still barking in its small cage. Finally, I asked to see it, and she was so sweet. I waited a couple days before deciding I wanted it. I went back, and she was gone from her cage. I asked what happened to her, and I was told she had an upper respiratory infection, and had to be quarantined for 10 days while getting antibiotic. I left my name and number for them to call me when she was available again. A couple days later, I got a call from the pound manager, who told me to come and get her. I was told to continue the antibiotic at home. When I asked her why they were going to release her to me before the 10 day quarantine was completed, the woman whispered into the phone, "Anyplace is better than this place." So they broke the rules keeping her quarantined, I believe, because they were worried we would find another dog, and perhaps she was going to be put down because she had been there so long. I was told Skeldon had to approve it. So I know from personal experience he has shown some flexibility and the staff seems to really want to see these dogs adopted. But I was shocked to see the article about the number of dogs euthanized at the pound. Way too many. The dog we adopted is so unique, and incredibly intellegent. The trainer picked up on it right away. And even though the pound had estimated she would be 60 lbs. or over as an adult, she is just 45 lbs. To think how many other great dogs never get a break to get adopted because of the rush to put them down at the pound is really heartbreaking. Please adopt from the pound, or other kill shelter, if you are thinking of adopting. They are so worth it!

I've adopted from the pound. It took numerous trips to convince them to let me have the dog. He was an adult 6 lb. chihuahua mix and truly, scragly ugly. First they wouldn't let me have him because they said he was mean. True, he was not a happy camper, but it was fear not agression. I persisted. Then they said I couldn't have him because he had a fever. I said I'd be back every day until either they relented or the dog's fever subsided. I kept going back. Finally they said OK, you can adopt him. As I was filling out the papers I mentioned that we had two dogs at home. They said I couldn't have him until I went home and brought back their dog licenses! So I went home and and got their licenses and went back and finally got the dog. They said he was a neutered male. Nope! Turns out he had undescended testicles. He had a broken tail that had to be amputated, testicles that had to be removed and several puppy teeth removed that were crowding his full adult dentition. Other than that he was perfect!

He went from the pound to the vets with no stops in between. After a thorough check up, a full battery of tests, vaccinations, testicle removal, teeth extractions, tail amputation and a three day vet kennel observation period we brought him home - to the final indignity - a bath. It was an amazing thing to watch him get healthy, learn to trust and have fun. We had him for eleven years. He was worth every trip and every penny times 10.

That's a great story Holland!

Anyone know if the warden's office has a licensed vet (or even a licensed vet tech) on "retainer" or even on staff? I was wondering about that earlier today. Seems like there are people who need to make medical-type decisions on behalf of the warden, just curious what their credentials are.

(Holland's story reminded me that I had that question earlier.)

I'm pretty sure I'll try an adoption, but the problem is I like Bull Terriers, I've had super good luck with them, and they're on the dog catchers' s-list.

Check the humane society, as well.

I know others have mentioned it here before, but petfinder.org is pretty cool. You can adopt a "shelter dog" and still look for a specific breed.

I've often wondered why there were so few dogs from the Lucas County Pound on there; after the stories in The Blade this week, I can see why.

Pitbulls are only the latest "hate em" dog. I can remember in the 90's it was rottweillers, the 80's it was dobermans, I believe the 60/70 era it was german shepards. As far as im concerned the most evil dogs are poodles. but thats just me.

LC you've got it down. Worse in the 60/70's were the dreaded "German Police" dog - I have no idea what that is...

One thing they all have in common - Come on folks, lets say it together: "They'll turn on their owners!!"

I delivered lots of papers as a kid in a small town. Got my fair share of dog bites. Never from one of the 'deadly' ones... It's those little fuggers that'll bite ya!

The worst dog attack I experienced as a runner was a female Boston Terrier that had just had a litter of pups. I crossed the street to try to avoid her but she came right for me. I hated using pepper spray on that dog but it was her or me. I waited two months before going that way again. Didn't want a repeat.