Home » Campaigns » Pit Bulls: Saving America's Dog » News » Chain Reaction...

News

Chain Reaction

June 30, 2009, 5:29PM MT

By Cheri Moon

Officer who rescued two pit bulls from abuse and living on chains is trying to find homes for the loving dogs

Officer who rescued two pit bulls from abuse and living on chains is trying to find homes for the loving dogs

by Jillian Blume, Best Friends Network volunteer

For Officer Bruce Petitt, it was just a normal day driving around the town of Wadley, Georgia, as he does every day he’s on patrol. But for two very lucky, and ultimately very sweet natured pit bulls, that June day turned out to be the end of a miserable life tied to a tree by a four-foot logging chain.

Chained
It was two kennel crates in a field that piqued Officer Petitt’s curiosity and made him stop his car to investigate.

The two dogs he found were emaciated and covered with cuts and scars. There was no shelter, no water and no food—but if the dogs had been on ten-foot chains, they would have been able to reach the crates in the field for shelter. Even more disturbing was the sight of a litter of dead puppies just out of reach of the dogs.

“The dog that is now called Ellie had the puppies. They died because they were about three feet and four inches away, and she only had about three feet to maneuver,” says Petitt. “She couldn’t get to her babies.”

Rescued
The town of Wadley has no form of animal control and no shelters, but Officer Pettit knew a man who helps rescue dogs and contacted him. The two dogs were brought to the local veterinarian clinic and Pettit began researching the procedure for prosecuting a suspect of animal abuse.

“Nobody had ever attempted to prosecute an animal abuse case in this county, and nobody knew what to do. Luckily, with a little bit of research on the Internet, I found a guide for law enforcement that explained how to successfully prosecute animal abuse,” says Petitt.

Only one day later, Pettit started receiving calls from the veterinarian clinic where the dogs were boarded saying that they had to be removed or they would be euthanized.

Says Pettit, “I started getting panicked, so I hit the Internet and found a number for a local rescue group. I left a message that said I needed someone to call me because these poor dogs were going to be put down. I emphasized the fact that these dogs were recoverable as pets.

He adds, "It’s a contradiction of my previous 24 years of training dogs. I’ve never had one care in the world about pit bulls. If you would have asked me two months ago, I would have told you every one of them needs to be put down.”

Discrimination
According to attorney Kelly Jenkins, who works for the superior courts and is also a member of the local rescue group Old Fella, pit bulls are viewed in a very negative light in this area of Georgia.

Although her dogs are mostly pit bulls, she already serves as a foster home for a local rescue, and she could not offer the accommodations needed to care for Sallie and Ellie. Because of limited resources and high rescue demands, Old Fella was not able to take Sallie and Ellie either. It did, however, agree to cover the costs to spay both dogs. Luckily, the veterinarian in nearby Waynesboro was more sympathetic and he agreed to board the dogs.

This area of the country is rife with dog fighting, which is often carried out in the open without repercussions. Officer Petitt found himself without support for his campaign to save these two dogs, which was part of his recent decision to transfer to the Waynesboro police department.

Petitt adds that Chief Wesley Lewis of the Wadley Police Department encouraged the case and provided information on how to go about obtaining warrants. Says Petitt, "It was the system after the fact that let us all down."

Trust
Pettit has in-depth experience with dog handling and training. He worked with the Department of Defense in 1994 to train dogs used by the military and spent seven years as a drug- and bomb-dog handler in the army.

Pettit devoted himself to working with Ellie and Sallie. “They had a complete distrust of people, and my opinion was that anytime people were around them, they either got beat or put into a fight situation,” he says. “It took quite a while just sitting four feet away and letting them approach inch by inch until they accepted me. Once one of them accepted me, they both did.”

Today, Ellie and Sallie are loving, safe dogs who are reveling in the discovery of human interaction and love.

“These two dogs are baby dolls,” Pettit says. “I’ve got two boys, a seven-year-old and a five-year-old, and they’re just as hyper as they should be at that age. I had my boys run from one side of the parking lot to the other. I had them come running directly into the dogs. I had completely read the behavior of these dogs, and I knew what they were going to do, but I just needed to see it tested. There was no danger.”

He adds, “My boys and I go out to the vet clinic and handle them and walk them around, and the dogs lick and love and do everything that a good dog should do.”

There is a felony warrant out for the owner of the dogs, who has left the area. “We have a great animal cruelty/animal protection statute, but the problem is in the enforcement,” says attorney Jenkins. “The officer has to go outside of his comfort zone just to save the animal because vets only have to hold the animal for a stated period of time and after that, they’ll euthanize them. I work closely with law enforcement, and I’m very excited about trying to bring some humane education to law enforcement in the area.”

Love
“What an amazing difference a few weeks of TLC has made in the lives of these two dogs,” says Pettit. “They are completely different animals than what I found that day in Wadley. These dogs have learned what it is to feel loved and to be social with someone.”

Pettit believes the dogs never fought because they wanted to. “If they ever did fight, it would have been because they wanted to eat and not be beaten. There is little to no prey drive in these dogs.”

The dogs are available for adoption, which will be facilitated by Jenkins. “I really want to see at least these two get their happy ending. I think it could be the beginning for some great momentum for this area,” she says.

Officer Pettit believes the dogs were born to be family pets and encourages people looking for a loyal, loving dog to consider these two ladies. “These dogs would be great in a home for anybody,” he says.

How You Can Help
The dogs have been boarded at the vet office since their rescue. If you are interested in adopting Sallie and/or Ellie or can be a foster home, contact Kelly Jenkins at jenkins.kelly@gmail.com

For More Information
Read Officer Petitt's assessment of the dogs and more at the
Pet Justice Project.

Photos by Vickie Richeson and courtesy of the Pet Justice Project
Posted by Cheri Moon, Best Friends staff

Comments

Posted July 01, 2009, 5:33PM by tigifred

sad and happy tears all at once- thank you so much officer petit for taking the time to help these beautiful girls. I hope they find a wonderful home. I wish it was yours :) But, you got them well along on their journey- you a true hero.

Posted July 03, 2009, 8:22AM by cambridgeratmom

We need thousands more officers like this amazing Officer Petitt, especially in the South where animal protection laws are horribly lax and the cultural attitude tends to be one of disposal.

Not only did he rescue these dogs, he pursued, on his own, a case against the "owner" WITH the support and approval of his superior officer. AWESOME!!!

Those kids got themselves one awesome dad and two wonderful pitties.

Thanks so much for posting this story.

Posted July 01, 2009, 7:56PM by scratchtopaz

This is one of the most inspirational stories I've ever read. What a hero!

Posted July 01, 2009, 8:2PM by carrie_fosters

He believed the stereotypes about pitties and I believed the ones about southern law enforcement . . . love that both of these useless stereotypes have been blown to bits with one story!

Posted July 03, 2009, 8:53PM by squeakie42

You're the Man, P.O. Pettit! That phrase "everyday heroes" gets overused, but in this case, it completely applies. May you be blessed for your kindness & openness. I wish I could take these girls -- but I can't handle even one dog at this time. I hope someone will bring them home.

Posted July 01, 2009, 4:19PM by dogdadie

It was my pleasure Y'all. I hope someone will take these dogs and make a happy home for them. My kids fell in love, but I have so many that I train, I cant possibly do it and stay at home myself. Thank Wadley police Chief Wesley Lewis for allowing me to take the case on, along with Officer Frankie Chalker.

Posted July 01, 2009, 4:32PM by vric

Jillian,

Thank you for a very well written story.......interest capturing,informative and educational. It not only features these two fine dogs- I know, I work with them-but features the problems facing law enforcement in fighting animal cruelty and dog fighting as well. In Ga., 101 of 198 counties have no animal shelter. It is no wonder that dog fighting is still alive and thriving. Everyone is right- we need more Officer Petits! And to get them, law enforcement needs our help and encouragement in training and funding. These two dogs and or story can put the face on that need. It starts with homes for the ladies, and I am willing to drive them to anyone or meet you halfway. But let that not be the end.....rather let it be the beginning.....of this noble cause.

Vickie Richeson
vric@comcast.net

Posted July 01, 2009, 11:31AM by KellyJenkins

if anyone has any leads for foster or permanent placement, please contact me. the girls have been boarded for 1 month at the vet and the time is ripe to get them moved into a more comfortable situation.

thank you!
kelly jenkins
jenkins.kelly@gmail.com

Posted July 03, 2009, 1:17AM by nicol

Dear Officer Bruce Petitt. Thank you so much for rescuing these 2 fantastic dogs, who had only experienced misery, pain and suffering before you walked into their lives. To think the puppies died because they were 4 inches too far away... what a horror!! I hope the person responsible is caught and locked up for good. Anyone who treats another breathing, sentient being in that fashion has no right to walk our streets. You are a true hero!! Please continue to save and help our pitties. They are the greatest, most affectionate, loyal, loving dog, yet suffer great unjustified discrimination. Could you please travel around the country and educate your fellow law enforcement colleagues about the plight of the pit bull and how they need all of our help. Police in Denver have seized at gun point, and animal control has killed, over 2,000 family pits since 2005, not because of anything they have done, but simply because of they way they look. It is a massacre of the innocents (please see www.denverkillsdogs.com). Maybe you could offer advise to your colleages in Denver... they desperately need it. I am sorry you and your kids cannot keep these dogs, as you are their savior and the first to show them kindness and love. Thanks for saving these dogs and please keep up the fight for pitties everywhere.

Posted July 04, 2009, 9:33AM by dogdadie

Thank you to everyone for the kind words of encouragement. So you know, if you missed it before, this is Officer Petitt, dogdadie. It is wonderful to see that these dogs are happier and healthy, and i look forward to seeing them earn their way into a what I hope is a family home. I am off for the next six days, and plan to go by and get em out for some play time with me and the boys.

I read the statements and want to clean up and clarify some things to help you all understand. Wadley Police Chief Wesley Lewis, never once tried to discourage the case, in fact his reaction was immediate when I presented to him what we had found. Another unlikely co-conspirator in this case, is Officer Frankie Chalker who was with me from jump on this one. Wadley is small, does not have a lot of resources, but what they do, they do well. Frankie is going to be the go to guy in Wadley now, and my understanding is that he is to be visiting the ladies on his time off as well. Chief Lewis and Wadley Police Department will be great allies in kicking the butts of dog fighters and animal abusers, it is simply a small department that with a little help, that can do a lot. They do have a new dog handler there, who just recently went to hell and back to certify his dog. One thing I can tell you all, the time Patrick spent getting his dog ready, he is not going to stand by and allow anyone anywhere hurt or abuse a dog on his watch either.

If I could travel and educate, I would. Please keep spreading this story, and lets find a home for these two so that they dont become institutionalized kennel dogs as a result of rescue.

Posted July 05, 2009, 7:31PM by kayry

Is it possible to get this amazing story on the local news, especially there in Georgia? I am quite sure there is someone who can take them in and foster the girls. THANK YOU officer for bringing salvation to these ladies and for showing the rest of the world our Lord Jesus "In the flesh"..

Posted July 05, 2009, 11:34AM by marys

Like others, my opinions of folks in the police in these areas have not been so good. Officer Petitt, you are wonderful, and what an excellent example you are setting not only to your children, but to the whole force and community! Now, being on this network, to the entire nation! Thank you so much for doing the right thing!!!!!

Posted June 30, 2009, 7:35PM by carrie_fosters

Thank goodness for the Office Pettits of this world!!! Thank you for treating these dogs as abused individuals with the potential any dog has to show love and loyalty once they have been shown what that is like; thanks for taking it upon yourself to make sure they get the lives they deserve from here on out; and thanks also for trying to uphold animal abuse laws. Laws alone won't change things . . . people have to change.

Posted July 05, 2009, 12:55PM by dogmarescue

I have read and reread this story, simply for inspiration. I am involved with the City of Hartford, CT where pitbulls are the dog of choice. We recently had a situation that divided the City and the dogs were returned to their "abuser". The law allowed it but we are working on changing it and our story is not yet finished. However, I have passed this link along to all of those in blue at the Hartford PD who did go out on a limb and still are to help us save "the Hartford shed dogs". I applaud Office Petitt for his courage and willingness to do the right thing. Sometimes doing the right thing, isn't always the easiest thing. He is an outstanding role model for young children and he is teaching them a valuable life lesson. I wish I could do more to help Officer Petitt however right now my words of praise and encouragement are all I have. Thank you for caring Office Petitt...thank you from the bottom of my heart.
"Burnt out in CT"
PS - Pitbulls in the right hands make wonderful, loyal pets. I hope you find great homes for these girls soon. Best Friends Network has a way of making things happen. Will do what I can to spread the word.

Posted July 06, 2009, 6:34PM by dogdadie

Going to see the girls in the am. Hoping to hear some good news that a possible candidate is working out. Folks you would not believe what a month of TLC has done for these dogs. If anyone had of told me that this could have happened 4 months ago, I would have told you that you were crazy. I had absolutely no faith, trust or love for a PIT, and admit, that I am more skeptical of thier assement than that of any other breed I currently work with, but these 2 are mind changers. Somebody please jump up and take them, I know if someone doesnt, i will, and my wife will make me stayin the kennels with them. I have so many dogs coming in and out for training that I truly can not do it, but I wont allow them to stay there. As humane as it is, it still is not where they belong. Anyone who is willing to take them, I am willing to donate my time to help you train them to be what you want them to be, good citizens. Please help them or at a minimum keep passing this site around until someones heart is moved to do what is right by them.

Off. Bruce Petitt

Posted July 02, 2009, 4:0PM by poonabean

Thank you so much for sharing this story. It pains me to think the officer transfered to another station. If he was the only one that cared about animals at the station he was at and he moves that means there is no one that cares for the animals in that area now. I wish he could have stayed and recruited other officers to his side. I understand we all do the best we can, it's just a thought. Thanks for doing a great job. Those two girls look great.

Posted July 03, 2009, 10:29PM by AnimalFosterMom

Officer Pettit, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for what you did. It's a wonderful thing when someone realizes that our bully breeds are great animals and not some sort of monster dog that needs to be killed. You are to be commended and I hope you are able to get the bad guys who abuse the animals. Sounds like you are doing a great job in educating others about our pitties. There will be a special place for you in the hearts of all of us who love these animals. Again, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you!
Sincerely, Rosanna Krenn

Posted July 04, 2009, 12:2PM by starboxer

This is such an awesome story, and it couldn't come at a better time for me. There was recently a fighting ring bust in Floyd County, GA, in which 15 dogs and 6 puppies were confiscated. When the story broke, I contacted the Sherriff's Office, Police Department, Floyd County Animal Control, and even Best Friends trying to get help for those dogs, but it's as if my pleas fell on deaf ears. The puppies and their mama were adopted, and all the rest killed for one simple reason: Floyd County has a pit bull ban. They couldn't be adopted out there, and no rescue groups took them. I asked to help sponsor them so they could live, but they all died.

Since then, I've harbored some very bitter feelings toward lots of people, even Best Friends. I realize of course that no one can save them all. I'm just so disappointed that dogfighting is so prevalent here in Georgia, and it's as if we can't do a thing about it.

I'm sorry I changed the subject, but I really needed to vent. I'm glad someone is making a difference for these 2 dogs. They are gorgeous, and I hope they get the home they deserve.

Posted June 30, 2009, 11:11PM by marla

You really did say it all Carrie.

Thank you so much Officer Pettitis, you are absolutely the Best.
I hope they find wonderful forever homes, they are beautiful!

Posted June 30, 2009, 8:40PM by DeidreH

What a great story! We could use more Officer Pettitis in this world! Also - how cute are those pups?! I wish I could take them!

Posted June 30, 2009, 9:31PM by frankie_paws

Carrie, you said it all! Thank you Officer Pettit. Your sons must be so very proud of their dad.

Posted July 14, 2009, 2:35PM by WPHS_Girl

Amazing story! I am so happy that you could save at least 2 of the pitts. I wish there were more people out there like you.

Posted July 15, 2009, 9:19PM by kajenkins

Hi all--The girls are doing well but are still being boarded at the Burke County Animal Hospital. They are scheduled to soon be spayed and to start treatment for heartworm (as they are both HW+). We have one very promising lead for foster of one of the girls and Officer Petitt will conduct an updated behavioral assessment to see if either girl will make a good fit. We are still on the hunt for happily ever after. Please contact me [jenkins.kelly@gmail.com] if you know of any person or organization that may be receptive to an appeal for adoption or foster placement. Thank you all for the incredible support you have provided to Sallie and Ellie. Please enjoy the update, which includes photos of Vickie's daughter and the girls, taken today (July 15th). http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-07-15.1976490194 Sincerely, Kelly Jenkins

Posted July 19, 2009, 8:15AM by alexcan99

And we have the temerity to label dogs animals!

Posted September 15, 2009, 11:26AM by KAJenkins

http://adifferentkindofchain.blogspot.com/ I have created a blog to chronicle this rescue. Thanks! Kelly Jenkins