Love ‘em or hate ‘em, perhaps no breed of dog elicits a stronger response than pit bulls.

Convincing arguments can be made both for and against the breed, stirring strong emotional reactions on both side of the issue.

Whatever side you’re on, there are plenty of people who love them, and a Langley woman is out to save as many of the animals as she can, in hopes of rehabilitating them and placing them in appropriate homes — and she would like veterans to help.

“I have always enjoyed the company of pit bulls,” said Karen Moore, founder of the nonprofit group The Pit Stops Here. “I think there’s a misconception, almost a propaganda campaign, that’s happening against them.”

Moore freely admits pit bulls are not for everyone and should always be matched with an appropriate, responsible owner. The term “pit bulls” she said, has become a blanket term for many different breeds or cross-breeds which are easy to misidentify.

The American Pit Bull Terrier was born when 19th century dog owners combined the speed and agility of a terrier with the strength and athleticism of a bulldog. But the breed can exhibit aggression toward other dogs and there have been numerous reports of the animals attacking people, which Moore feels are exaggerated.

“Some dogs are dog-aggressive,” concedes Moore, “but that’s not limited to pit bulls.”

Moore believes the dogs can be properly trained and socialized, making them adoptable. She has transformed her South Whidbey Island home into a rehabilitation center of sorts and is trying to establish a program for military veterans in which they would help with the dogs’ training, in turn helping those who may suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“Veterans can sit down and talk with a therapist, but sometimes that’s not helpful,” Moore said. “There’s a healing that happens when you sit down and are accepted (by an animal). It’s almost like the love seeps into you.”

Rick Lawless of Freeland is a disabled veteran with PTSD. He’s also the owner of Baby, a 13-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier, a similar breed to the American Pit Bull Terrier. He’s been volunteering his time to help Moore train the dogs at The Pit Stops Here.

“I love it. I look forward to it,” he said. “I go down twice a week for three or four hours at a time. It’s like seeing friends again.”

Lawless, who has had his share of hard times, said he would have been in worse shape if he didn’t have his dog.

“You can talk to them. They feel your pain,” he said. “I couldn’t tell you how many times I’d wake up in the middle of the night and the dog would be there.”

“Veterans (with PTSD) tend to isolate,” Moore said. “Their world gets smaller, and smaller, and smaller. This could be part of healing.”

Lawless said working with the dogs has helped him.

“Now I’m more open,” he said. “I get out to meet people more. Anytime I’m out walking them, it’s a conversation starter. It’s made me feel a lot more relaxed.”

Moore feels veterans who participate in her rehabilitation efforts could find satisfaction in the work.

“They can contribute to society by turning these dogs around,” she said.

Anyone interested in more information can contact The Pit Stops Here at 360-331-2033 or online at
www.welovepits.org.