Jarvis Says Hello from Minnesota

[Jarvis]

Hi Folks --

I live in Eden Prairie, MN and am the proud and loving owner of a Staffie named Lily. At least I think she is a Staffie. She came to us from Homeward Bound, a local rescue organization of generally loveable mutts. While most pitbull-type dogs don't have a great record for adoption, there was something about this dog that caused the Homeward Bound folks to take a chance with her to invest the money and time.

I've had several dogs in my lifetime but never a Staffie. In actuality, I was very reluctant to complete the adoption and bring her home. My children however really twisted my arm and I bowed to the pressure. I was very much concerned about the bad reputation. However this dog proved my biases very wrong. She is very affectionate to the point of being a big lap-dog.

That said, I do have to take a strong hand with her. We also have a couple of other shelter dogs; a chow-retriever mix and a chow-shepherd mix. Lily insists upon being the top-dog. I have to continually remind her that I won't tolerate her bullying the other dogs. Ummm... generally she is responsive. In the beginning, there were lots of dominance scuffles. Now they generally have things worked out to a mutually agreeable give-and-take arrangement.

I first started looking for advice on-line via newsgroups as I started to learn how to handle about this complex and intelligent breed. My ISP recently discontinued newsgroups and I discovered this board while searching for a replacement source of info. Thought I would join-up and introduce myself.

[madremissy]

Hello and Welcome You have any pictures. They are a must

[Marinepits]

[iluvk9]

Welcome to PBT.

I love the name of the rescue, "Homeward Bound".

[TheRedQueen]

Hello and welcome! And yes, we must see pics...(of all of them!)

[pitbullmamaliz]

Welcome!

[airwalk]

Welcome Jarvis and you have found a wonderful place to get help. These folks even are willing to help those of us with *gasp* "other breeds"

[KJS]

Hello and welcome in!

[Jenn]

[AllAmericanPUP]

Howdy would love to see pics of your crew

[LMM]

Welcome!