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Pit Bull Overlooked By Adopters For 4 Years Is Still Hoping To Find A Best Friend And New Home
Donatello just celebrated an unfortunate anniversary.
The sweet, energetic pit bull marked four years at Woodford Humane Society in Versailles, Kentucky, on May 13. Four years ago, Donatello arrived at the no-kill rescue as a stray and has been waiting to find his forever home ever since.
Donatello, 5, arrived at Woodford Humane Society as a "rowdy" young dog but mellowed out as he aged, Beth Oleson, the marketing director for Woodford Humane Society, tells PEOPLE about the pup.
"He is probably 80% couch potato and 20% zoomies now," she adds.
Unsurprisingly, the long-term resident has become a favorite among Woodford's staff and volunteers.
"He's basically our dog at this point. It's going to be hard for us to send him home because it's like saying goodbye to one of our own," Oleson says.
Beth OlesonBut even though it will be difficult to come to work and not see Donatello playing outside or on a walk with a volunteer, Oleson knows the happiness the pit bull would receive from a forever home would be worth it.
"He's well cared for, he's well-adjusted, and he can stay here as long as he needs to. We just know that if he could have that love from somebody 24/7, that would be the best thing for him," she says.
Oleson believes that potential adopters have had trouble seeing Donatello as their pet because of factors totally out of his control.
"There are some things that are really common among animals that have a longer wait for a home. Being a pit bull is one. Large black dogs have a harder time going home. He's getting older now. He's definitely not a puppy, and puppies tend to go faster than adult dogs," the marketing directors shares.
Additionally, Donatello is looking for a home where he can be the only pet. According to Oleson, the pit bull had an altercation with another dog long ago, leaving him hesitant to spend time around canines.
The pit bull has plenty of positives that are easy to see. Donatello loves playing with older kids and cuddling with his favorite people.
Regi Goffinet"He has plenty of energy, but he wears out quickly. He doesn't need someone who's going to run with him three miles a day. He's just not going to do that. I think as long as someone has the love and attention to share with him, he would really be perfectly happy to be their best friend," Oleson says.
Hopefully, Donatello will find that best friend soon. Since posting about the dog's fourth anniversary at the shelter on Facebook, Woodford Humane Society has received numerous calls about adopting the pooch, but none have panned out yet.
The Woodford Humane Society hopes that Donatello ends up in a home nearby, so the rescue can continue to offer the dog support. Still, the organization is open to applications from anywhere in the U.S. And has already received interest from animal lovers in New York, California, and New Mexico.
Maggie Epling PhotographyOleson wants those not in the position to adopt Donatello to remember his story the next time they decide to welcome a pet.
"Next time you're ready to add a dog to your home, ask about what dog at the shelter has been there the longest. Try to look past the things that so many people just get caught up on and sort of skim over with a dog like Donatello," she advises.
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"There is somebody there who's been overlooked, and maybe that's the one you want to take a minute to look at," she adds.
To learn more about Woodford Humane Society and support the rescue's work, visit the organization's website.
Pit Bull Vs. Alligator: Which One Would Win A Fight?
A pit bull vs. Alligator brawl! Who do you think will win?
Pit bulls are known for their strength, determination, and agility. But will their passion and bite be enough to win against a scaly reptile? Alligators can grow over 10 feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds. And let's not forget their snout full of teeth!
This article will closely examine the science behind each animal's anatomy and lifestyle to determine a winner. We'll answer all of the important battle questions. For instance, what are their attack styles, and who has the stronger bite? Follow along as we learn more about each species to determine who has the ultimate advantage.
Pit Bull vs. Alligator: Key Differences
© Provided by AZ Animals Alligators are large reptiles belonging to the Alligatoridae family. They are semi-aquatic creatures. ©David Louis Tiffany/Shutterstock.Com The key differences between a pit bull vs. Alligator are their species classification, physical characteristics, habitat, and temperament. Their diet and feeding habits also vary greatly. All of these factors will come into play during this animal matchup.
Species and Classification
© Provided by AZ Animals Pit bulls have a muscular build with a medium-sized body. ©PPstudio/Shutterstock.Com Pit Bull: The term "pit bull" refers to a type of dog with several breeds, such as the American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, and Staffordshire bull terrier. They belong to the Canidae family.
Alligator: Alligators are large reptiles belonging to the Alligatoridae family. They are semi-aquatic creatures.
Physical CharacteristicsPit Bull: Pit bulls have a muscular build with a medium-sized body. They have a distinct head shape, strong jaws, and a short coat. They come in various colors and patterns, depending on the breed.
Alligator: Alligators have a long and broad snout, a powerful tail, and a large, heavily armored body. They have dark, rough skin with bony plates known as scutes.
Natural HabitatPit Bull: Pit bulls are commonly found in households as pets. They are not native to any particular habitat but are widespread in urban and rural areas.
Alligator: Alligators love living in the swamp with all sorts of woodland creatures. These reptiles can inhabit freshwater environments such as swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes, and occasionally brackish waters. They are primarily found in the southeastern United States and parts of China.
Behavior and TemperamentPit Bull: Pit bulls can exhibit various temperaments depending on their breeding, training, and socialization. They are generally friendly, loyal, and affectionate towards humans. However, some individuals may display more aggressive tendencies due to various factors.
Alligators: Alligators are typically solitary creatures and tend to be more aggressive and territorial than pit bulls. They are less inclined to interact with humans and may exhibit defensive behaviors when approached.
Diet and Feeding HabitsPit Bull: Pit bulls are carnivorous animals and require a diet primarily consisting of high-quality dog food and occasional supplements and treats.
Alligators: Alligators are carnivorous predators and primarily feed on fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Their diet also includes crustaceans and other smaller prey in their natural habitat.
Fascinating Facts About Alligators
© Provided by AZ Animals Alligators have a powerful bite, exerting over 2,000 pounds of force with their jaws. ©Sorbis/Shutterstock.Com Alligators are large reptiles native to the southeastern United States and China and are members of the crocodilian family. The American alligator is the largest reptile in North America, growing up to 14 feet long and weighing over 1,000 pounds.
Alligators have a powerful bite, exerting over 2,000 pounds of force with their jaws. That's more than enough power to take down a pit bull. And these reptiles aren't just strong; they're super stealthy too.
Living in their freshwater environments, alligators can remain underwater for up to two hours without breathing. This skill is thanks to a special valve in their throat that prevents water from entering their lungs. These expert survivalists can live for over 50 years in the wild with proper care and protection.
Finally, as cold-blooded creatures, these reptiles have a unique way of cooling off. Alligators can regulate their body temperature by basking in the sun or moving to cooler areas.
Fascinating Facts About Pit BullsPit bulls are incredibly smart, sometimes a little too smart for their own good. These dogs have a knack for learning quickly, whether it's good or bad behavior. But, with the right training and socialization, they can thrive in various activities. Pit bulls are a versatile breed, from mastering obedience commands to showing off their agility skills or even providing therapy to those in need. Unfortunately, pit bulls have faced unfair stereotypes due to their dark history in dog fighting.
In a fight against an alligator, a pit bull would definitely be able to bring a ferocity to the table that other breeds could only dream of. But this isn't because they're naturally aggressive or mean. These dogs are just powerful and willing to defend their post!
Pit Bulls' Behavior: A Study at an Animal ShelterWhat do you get when you mix 40 pit bulls, 42 other dogs, and an animal shelter? This study on canine behavior will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about pit bulls!
The study looked at 40 pit bulldogs and 42 other dogs of similar size in an animal shelter. The researchers found that some dogs were aggressive towards people and had to be put down, but this was true for pit bulls and other breeds.
For the dogs that were adopted and lived with new families for at least two months, the study found that pit bulls were just as likely to be well-behaved and well-cared for as dogs of other breeds. The only difference was that pit bulls were likelier to sleep in the bed with their owners and cuddle with them.
Round 1: Comparing SkullsBoth of our competitors have distinct-looking heads. Pit bulls have a distinct head shape, wide jaw, and short, smooth fur. Whereas the alligator's snout is usually rounded and wider near the base. It's like a long, triangular shape.
The long snout allows the alligator to have a wide opening for its powerful jaws, which helps it catch and hold onto its prey firmly. The snout also has rough skin and rows of sharp teeth on both the upper and lower jaws.
Pit Bull Puzzle: Misidentified MuttsIt's easy to identify an alligator at a glance, but not always easy to identify a pit bull. Sometimes the stories we hear about as pit bull rescues gone wrong are really a story about a different breed. The accuracy of shelter staff and veterinarians in identifying pit bull-type breeds was tested.
A study was conducted at four different shelters with a total of 16 breed assessors and 120 dogs. The results showed that the visual identification of pit bull-type breeds isn't very accurate. DNA breed signatures only identified 25 dogs (21%) as pit bull-type, while shelter staff collectively identified 62 (52%) dogs as pit bull-type.
Simply put, the study found that visual identification of pit bull-type dogs was unreliable. Despite their efforts, shelter staff lacked consistency in identifying the breed.
Round 2: Teeth and AttacksAlligators and pit bulls are formidable predators, with some of the strongest jaws in the animal kingdom. But they have very different bites and tooth types. Comparing gator vs. Dog teeth is like comparing a hammer to a jackhammer. They both pack a punch, but one is better suited for precise jobs, while the other is all about brute force.
Why talk teeth? Comparing the physical characteristics of different animals, such as their teeth and bite force, can help us understand the biology behind their unique hunting strategies. This can also provide insights into how different animals have evolved to optimize their abilities.
Holding vs. TearingAlligator teeth work well for biting and holding onto prey, while pit bull teeth are for biting and tearing. Alligator teeth are typically larger and thicker, with interlocking ridges that make it difficult for prey to escape. Pit bull teeth are typically smaller and more pointed, which allows them to penetrate deeper into their prey.
Alligators have a much stronger bite force than pit bulls, with an estimated 2,125 PSI compared to an average of 235 PSI for pit bulls. Both bites are powerful, but the reptile definitely takes the win here.
Attack StyleAlligators are primarily ambush predators and tend to attack by surprise, often grabbing
their prey and dragging it into the water to drown. Alligators also have a powerful tail that they can use to knock down or stun their prey.
Pit bulls are typically more aggressive and tend to attack head-on. Pit bulls may lunge and bite repeatedly until their prey can no longer move. Pit bulls are known for their tenacity and determination in holding onto their prey, even if they are being attacked themselves.
Round 3: IntelligenceWhich species is smarter? The pit bull is likely the brainiest competitor in this matchup. Alligators can do some problem-solving and learning, like using sticks to attract birds. But compared to dogs, their problem-solving skills are less advanced.
What about their ability to remember things? Alligators have good memories. They can remember where they like to hunt and where their nests are. However, their memory isn't as strong as a pit bull's.
As for social intelligence, pit bulls are highly social creatures. They were once referred to as "the Nanny" dogs because of their ability to love family members, especially children.
Our reptile competitor isn't nearly as social as the pit bull, and they certainly aren't anybody's nanny. Even though they have good maternal instincts, these reptiles don't go out of their way for social interactions. They do sometimes hang out around each other and communicate using sounds and body movements. But they mostly interact during mating or when defending their territory.
Round 4: MovementMove over, monkeys! Alligators and pit bulls are making a move for the trees. Did you know that alligators can climb trees, especially when basking in the sun or trying to reach a bird's nest? And while pit bulls are not known for climbing trees, they are agile and muscular dogs that can jump high and run fast.
Alligators have a powerful tail that can propel them upward, while pit bulls rely on their legs to jump and climb short distances. In terms of climbing trees, alligators definitely have the upper hand.
Alligator Behavior: A Study on MovementAre you curious about how alligators strut their stuff? Well, a group of scientists wanted to know too. They studied American alligators to see how their hindlimb muscles work when they go from low to high walks. It turns out that alligator muscles work in their own unique way, different from how mammals move their legs.
One study showed how American alligators move their legs from a low walk to a high walk. The study used videos and recordings of the muscles in their legs. The findings show that some muscles in alligators become more active when they walk with their legs held high. This is different from how mammals move their legs.
The study also shows that alligator muscles work differently from each other. Alligator muscles in their hindlimbs can work independently from each other when they change their posture.
Round 5: TonguesMoving on with our animal showdown, let's compare these species' tongues. Tongues help creatures taste, explore, and maneuver objects. Does the alligator or pit bull have the mightier lick for this matchup? Let's find out by taking a look at our canine competitor first.
Dog TongueWho needs thumbs when you have a tongue like a dog's? A dog's tongue is incredibly strong and flexible, allowing them to manipulate objects and open doors or cabinets. Their tongue is also longer than their snout, allowing them to reach into crevices and thoroughly clean themselves. No wonder they always seem so clean!
The tongue does more than keep them clean; it also helps them feel texture and stay cool. A dog's tongue is covered in tiny bumps called papillae. These bumps give a dog's tongue a rough texture, which helps them lap up liquids more efficiently. And dogs are experts at regulating their body temperature with their tongues. A dog can cool down quickly and maintain a healthy body temperature through panting.
Not only is a dog's tongue an excellent tool for cleaning themselves, but it also has antibacterial properties that help to prevent infections and keep their teeth clean. Some dog breeds, like pugs, are prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). This condition can make breathing difficult for them and cause them to pant excessively, which can strain their tongues.
Alligator TongueAlligator tongues may not be as appealing as a dog's tongue, but they serve a vital role in their feeding and survival, just like any other body part. Alligator tongues run along the full length of their snouts, which can be up to two feet long. They have a palatal valve at the back of their tongue that acts as a seal to stop water from getting into their stomach or lungs while submerging. This valve also helps alligators hunt and catch prey found below the surface.
While alligators cannot stick their tongues out like crocodiles, they use their tongues to manipulate food and swallow prey. Fun fact, you can buy alligator tongue online. Turns out alligator tongue meat is rich in calories, fatty acids, zinc, iron, choline, and vitamin B12.
Who Will Win?
© Provided by AZ Animals With a snout full of sharp teeth, and a tail that can crush bones, the alligator is the clear champion. ©Willyam Bradberry/Shutterstock.Com The alligator is the winner of this animal showdown. With a snout full of sharp teeth, and a tail that can crush bones, the alligator is the clear champion. The pit bull never stood a chance against this armored foe.
Even if the pit bull was able to land a bite, they'd have to get so close to the alligator they'd be in harm's way. Then all it would take is one big chomp from Mr. Gator to put an end to this fight. The dog gave a valiant effort, but this win goes to the reptiles. Congratulations, team alligator!
The post Pit Bull Vs. Alligator: Which Animal Would Win a Fight? Appeared first on AZ Animals.
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