Letters: Exercise and socialize your pets

About 1 million pit bulls or pit bull crosses are euthanized each year in the U.S. It doesn't have to be that way. Unscrupulous breeders raise pit bulls for profit and the pups that aren't sold to be used as guard dogs or for dog fighting, end up in dog pounds or humane societies.

Some are rescued, but if the dogs live a life in a crate, or in a basement, or on a chain in the backyard, they become desperate for a life that involves interaction with people or other dogs.

In my neighborhood, four friends enjoying a walk with their own dogs have been attacked by pit bull-type dogs. One lady suffered a broken pelvis, which meant months of pain and disability. Another dog scaled a six-foot fence to attack another friend walking with her dog. She was knocked down and bit on the arm by the attacking dog as she tried to save her dog from death. That family pet spent two weeks in a plastic collar to allow her wounds to heal. Two other ladies, enjoying a spring walk with their friends and dogs, had to run onto porches and beat on doors to plead for help.

If you own a dog like this, be sure the dog gets enough exercise and learn how to socialize and train your dog so that it can be an asset to your family and your neighbors. Dogs are sociable creatures that only want to spend time with their humans.

Carole S. Gauger

Cedar Rapids