To The Eagle:

In response to the recent dog attack that has folks focusing on a dog breed rather than an uncontrolled dangerous dog and owner accountability, I sincerely hope that people will allow officials to focus on the investigation and legal matters at hand.

I encourage you all to educate yourselves on responsible pet ownership and dog psychology. When I visit my hometown, I take a step back in time, as I witness the laxest pet ownership that I’ve ever seen, since leaving 30+ years ago. It’s a rural community, yes. But I’m shocked at how many do not contain or control their dogs there, while it’s a must for me. Being a parent of a Staffordshire, I must pay attention to the laws, but mostly, to people’s ignorance, to protect my family dog. Dogs, like mine, are unfairly characterized by the stereotypes created toward their breed. My dog would much rather lick your face and play with your dogs than cause any harm.

“Judging a dog’s temperament by its appearance is like judging a person’s personality by the color of their skin, something one would hope humankind had learned from in its history.” – Cesar Millan.

Attacks by Pit Bulls account for a portion of dog attacks in the US, yes, as do Shepherds, Huskies, Dalmatians, and mixed breeds, among many.

Are Pit Bulls bred to kill? Illegally, but yes, sometimes. Pit bulls have also been known to be nanny dogs, due to their loyal and caring nature. Unfortunately, their loyalty and desire to please, is taken advantage of by people using and abusing them in fighting rings, like Michael Vik.

Due to their good temperament, they are also being trained to be successful service dogs and Police K9’s.

I plead with my hometown family to focus on the matter at hand, which is responsible pet ownership and accountability, not a dog breed. I am as saddened as anybody towards the horrific event that happened to our friends’ sweet little dog.

Sincerely,

Angie Bain – Cathlamet native, caring friend of the Wegdahls, responsible dog owner, Dog Adoption Ambassador, and Pit Bull advocate