Volunteering in an animal control facility has taught me a few hard truths. While I don't mean to imply that all animal control facilities are the same from state to state or city to city, I can shed some light on the inner workings of animal control facilities.

First of all animal control facilities are funded by city funds - all of which are used for funding the AC officers, basic (and I mean basic) care needs of the animals (food, water, minimal vet care, cleaning cages, etc.), and administrative costs. When city budgets get tight, it is one of the first areas that feel the crunch. Any thing such as leashes, toys, collars, walking the dogs, websites and animal training are done with donations and through volunteer participation. The workers at animal control try to do everything they can to help the dogs and cats in their care, but many times their hands are tied with governmental policy and red tape. These facilities are much different from the SPCA or the Humane Society.

Secondly - any dog that is part of a legal proceeding has to be held until the outcome is determined. Volunteers are not allowed access to these dogs - so a dog could remain in a kennel for months with no social interaction. At one time we had dogs that were part of a drug bust and were kept in isolation for over six months.

Once any legal procedures are over, it is up to the director whether or not the dog is deemed adoptable. We are fortunate to have an animal behaviorist that donates her time and skill to evaluate the temperment of the dogs. Animal control does not always call rescue organizations, and when they do it can only be certain ones that they have a working relationship with.

It is a sad but true fact that pit bulls and pit bull mixes are extremely hard to adopt out. You have to have a higher adoption screening process, because the risk of having them end up in inappropriate homes is great. Most homeowners insurance either does not allow pit bulls or pit mixes or charges a much larger premium, so homeowners given a choice between a pit mix or a collie mix will almost always choose the later. Because they are so difficult to place, only ones that have the best temperment are put up for adoption.

I know this will probably anger a great many people - but calling animal control does not guarantee that a dog will be available to adopt from them, especially when they are pit and pit mixes.

Tonya - I am not sure if I agree with your decision to purchase the dog from this obviously shady character, but only you can make that decision based on you and your family's needs. A totally unsocialized dog no matter what the breed has the potential of being a time bomb.