Published September 26, 2010

The life of an ominous-looking pit bull with a Texas-size head was spared by police on a drug raid, marking the beginning of an adoption program for the much maligned breed.


As narcotics officers approached the house, the pit bull stopped them in their tracks until someone called Galveston police Lt. Joel Caldwell, director of the city’s Animal Services Department.


“We had a pit bull guarding a stash of narcotics outside of a house,” Caldwell said. “I looked at him, and he was intimidating because of his size but not mean by any nature. I just put a leash on him and drove him to the animal shelter.”


‘We’re Very Selective’


The gentle giant surely would have been put down but for Caldwell, who said the dog was one of the first pit bulls adopted under strict rules by the shelter.


“Our policy used to be any pit that came into the shelter was euthanized,” Caldwell said. “But we have been successful, and I’ve adopted 10 in two years.”


Shelters are hesitant to adopt out the breed, because of its reputation of being vicious and unpredictable.


When agreeing to adopt a pit bull, however, owners must interview with Caldwell and allow him to make home visits, to ensure it isn’t being mistreated or used as a fighting dog.


“We don’t take aggressive pits,” Caldwell said. “We’re very selective about who we put in the program and who we foster.”


‘Wouldn’t Hurt Anybody’


Galveston County Assistant District Attorney Xochitl Vandiver-Gaskin adopted the dog and named him Teco.


 

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