The “Pit Bull” Ambassador

The “Pit Bull” Ambassador

By Cheyenne Stamp

Photos by: RoppOp Photography

“Maci, no…” sighs Beau, as I enter Charley the Pet Boutique in downtown Boise.  I see a muscular “Pit Bull” come racing towards me. With the recent press, most people would be concerned at this sight, but I know that I am about to get a greeting full of kisses and tail-wagging. Even though Beau keeps Maci on her best behavior, I also usually get an “up close and personal greeting”, since Maci and I are old friends.

Here at Northwest Animal Companions, we have a myriad of adoption success stories, and we continue to add to them on a daily basis. What we do is full of rewards that are immeasurable. Maci, though, is not only one of those great stories; she has gone one step further.

Maci was surrendered to us by her original owners. She was only a few months old and had tested positive for the Canine Parvovirus. Parvo is a very serious virus that only affects dogs and is deadly if not treated aggressively. One look into Maci’s pleading golden eyes and we knew she wanted to live. She had things she needed to accomplish and Parvo was not going to get in her way! After a few days of hospitalization, she was in the clear and ready to go into foster care.

Maci’s first opportunity to make a difference came when she inspired a young volunteer named Kayla to do her Senior Project on the Canine Parvovirus. As Kayla worked on the statistics and explored Maci’s experience, she realized that there is not enough education available to the community about the Parvovirus. It is easily prevented by vaccination, yet rampant in our area. Certain breeds, including the Staffordshire Terrier, are prone to it. It is contracted through microscopic parts of fecal matter that can be found literally anywhere. Kayla recognized that most new pet owners do not understand how dangerous something as simple as taking their puppy to park can be! She used Maci’s example in her Senior Project, in which she proposed to Northwest Animal Companions a New Pet Adoption Class that not only outlines the typical puppy training, but medical risks and disease prevention. We are currently developing the program and planning to implement it in 2009.

As if this weren’t enough, Maci’s true Ambassadorship is demonstrated by her work at Charley the Pet Boutique. Besides Bakery Treat Tester and Floor Sweeper, she is also in charge of Customer Relations. When you visit her store on 8^th Street in downtown Boise, you are guaranteed an experience much like mine. Even on those long days, when the mailman only gives up one treat and she’s been busy ALL day pampering poodles and modeling swimsuits, she trots out to greet everyone that comes through her door. Her tail wags at supersonic speed, usually wiggling her hind end along with it. She is a loyal employee, always willing to demonstrate the toys or show you just how much your dog really will like the treats. Most importantly, she attests to the public that “Pit Bulls” are not dangerous dogs. In fact, they are incredibly intelligent and eager to please. They are companions, caretakers and friends. Maci teaches us that, just like any other dog, with proper training and care they can be a lifelong member of any family – even one where you are expected to welcome strangers, new dogs and children on a daily basis.

Maci, we thank you for helping us at NAC to educate our community, even if the education comes with a slobbery kiss from time to time.