A Shih Tsu + A Pit Bull + Just A Few Fosters = Jackson: The Regulator

by Laura Bailey

Growing up my dad always frowned upon rescue dogs, he took the highbrow notion that getting a dog from a breeder was the only way to obtain a respectable dog. Unfortunately, I shared his sentiments until a few years ago. Although, not before I found, fell in love with, and purchased my Andrew, a full-breed Shih Tsu.

So, three years ago, when I started a relationship with a man that owned a pit-bull, and a rescued pit-bull no less, I was….cautious. I didn’t want my dog to get hurt or killed by this beast! Jackson is a muscular 75 pound pit bull that could run straight through sheet rock if he wanted to...but all he really wants to do is lay in your lap.

Jackson doing a trick

To my extreme surprise, when Andrew & Jackson had their first ‘play-date’ it was like they were long lost friends. I was on guard, ready to intervene should it be necessary. But it wasn’t necessary. They jumped on each other and chased each other and made all kinds of snorting noises but there was zero tension. We attribute this partly to Andrew being the social butterfly that he is, but on some level Jackson knew that this dog was part of our pack.

Andrew and Jackson have been best friends ever since. Andrew loves to play rough and obviously Jackson is always willing to oblige, but Jackson has never hurt Andrew or even broken the skin.

When I first started fostering homeless animals Jackson was a bit territorial, and in the first moments of meeting any new dog there was some pretty intense sniffing, and a sometimes dominant approach to other dogs. "Who are these dogs coming in and out of my house?" he must have wondered.

After a year, and dozens of animals, Jackson has retained household title of “the Regulator” and he sets a wonderful example for future pets.  Jackson is calm and confident. No longer threatened, he’s taken a concerned approach. He understands we are trying to help these other animals and we wants to do his part. Some of the animals we bring home are very timid, and have often been mistreated. Chihuahuas have humped him and puppies have nipped at him, but he takes it all in stride. Our time is usually limited with these foster dogs so we have to do our best to give them a safe and comfortable place to stay, but with the added bonus of some great socialization. Jackson’s the big brother, offering guidance and protection to our whole pack. He’s the Regulator.

Andrew, Sadie (foster) and Jackson

Pete (foster), Andrew and Jackson

Sleeping with Bubba (foster)

So would I adopt a rescued pit-bull in the future? Absolutely! I feel safe when he is around, I’m confident that he will obey me, I trust him completely with all the foster animals that I bring home, and most of all Jackson loves me. His affection is gentle but massive. There is nothing that Jackson would rather do than get as close as possible to you and stay there.  He’s become a leader in our pack and a great example for other dogs to follow.

There are many ways to help pit bulls.  For more information on rescuing or fostering pit bulls in North Carolina, one place (of many) to visit and find out more is:http://secondchancepitbullrescue.webs.com/