Is Breed Aggressive or Misunderstood?

Kudos for presenting the other side of the pit bull story (“In the Doghouse,” March 10). As someone who had feared them based on hearsay, I changed my mind after helping a friend place one she found abandoned and cowering under a bush in her backyard. He is one of the sweetest dogs I’ve known, but finding a roommate for Charles Manson might have been an easier task. But we did it, and he is thriving with the love and care of his new owner.

I think the most important lesson to be learned from the tragic death of the toddler in Los Angeles is that people cannot be complacent around dogs and children, regardless of the breed.

We cannot assume a golden retriever will not defend itself if provoked, just because it is a golden retriever.

Consider the dog like the swimming pool--neutral. If a small child falls in and drowns as a result of adult negligence, we don’t blame the pool.

CHRISTINE VERTOSICK

Venice

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I hope the picture of 8-year-old Sarah kissing Rex the pit bull does not encourage other children to kiss a pit bull or any other dog.

I did not read your article. I was too saddened by the picture as it brought back chilling memories of my 15-year-old granddaughter. Just a year ago, she kissed the neighbor’s dog--a dog she had loved, played with and fed over the past several years.

The dog pierced her eyelid and nose, and tore off half of her upper lip. She is waiting for still more plastic surgery.

SHIRLEY BROWNING

La Quinta

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Despite the claim that pit bulls are not “inherently evil,” statistics do show that they top the list of dogs that injure and kill. One may argue that some lions and tigers are very tame and friendly (as seen in circus shows), and therefore should make good pets or guards. The fact is that these animals can become good killers.

With the current lack of sound regulations and control measures, there is no way of knowing which pit bill is well-trained and owned by a responsible keeper, and which pit bull isn’t. Neighbors are therefore justly intimidated. The alarming fact that more than 4 million injuries a year are caused by dogs in America (with most of the emergency room visits involving children) warrants a close look into this matter.

CHUNG TSANG

Arcadia

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Five years ago, I adopted a 7-week-old puppy from the Humane Society. She was supposed to be a Rottweiler mix. When I took her to my vet, he said, “Congratulations, you’ve got yourself a pit bull.’ ” I was mortified. Olga turned out to be a wonderful, loving dog, but she was aggressive with small dogs, cats and birds. I deduced that she saw these smaller animals as prey. One time, a friend brought over her newborn baby, and my pit bull nipped at the infant’s blanket while I was holding her. The baby was crying, and I know my dog was concerned for my safety. Nevertheless, pit bulls are bred to be aggressive and protective, and I never trusted my dog alone with anyone.

Owners of pit bulls who have small children in the house should be extremely cautious. Pit bulls are loyal, but they also can be jealous and competitive. My pit bull died a couple of years ago, and I now have a black Lab who is gentle, loyal and loving, but more importantly she is predictable--a quality that, unfortunately, pit bulls lack.

ROBIN LEIGH MACKENZIE

San Diego

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Last week, when I heard of the toddler who was mauled by a pit bull, I cried myself to sleep praying for those young parents and trying not to imagine what that poor child must have gone through. All week I have been haunted by those thoughts. I am a parent of a 2 1/2-year-old.

Then today I open up my paper to read this. I am so angry that you would be so one-sided and attempt to defend these dogs and dog owners. Granted, anyone who is abused will retaliate. But what’s it going to take for people to figure out that these dogs are so dangerous? How many kids and adults have to be mauled? I have been attacked by one of these “mixed breeds” twice, once when I was 5 months pregnant. I don’t care if “they are owned by bad owners.” I care that I should be able to walk down the street and not feel petrified that I may be attacked by some vicious “home pet.” Give me a break.

NARDA TORREALBA-DEROUIN

Los Angeles