I have had a successful adoption of a dog I have named Clue, a two year old male American Staffordshire Terrier, from a shelter in North Carolina, which has claimed not to have adopted out a Pit Bulls or ASTs in almost eight years.

I was successful because I hired a DVM, PhD, board certified behaviorist to do a temperament test, and I also had my lawyer contact the county attorney and suggest that my application be given serious consideration.

The last few weeks have resulted in my stomach being upset every day because of the red tape and worry that I went through. I have spent about 400.00 in payment to professionals, and shelter fees, but he is worth it.

I am grateful that the director of the shelter, who sent me the message that I would be a test case for future adoptions of these breeds, has allowed me to have this dog.

I am very grateful to one of the staff that stuck with me and was my advocate. This is the same shelter where nine years ago I adopted Jinks, who has a memorial at the PBRC site. Since that time, because of public perception, a lot of these breeds have been killed by shelters in NC. The shelters have a general policy on not adopting out these dogs.

I had not been emotionally ready for another dog since the death of Jinks, but felt I should start looking, and walked into the shelter several weeks ago and saw this emaciated frightened dog, who had been full of worms, and had sores on his legs from laying on the concrete. He had been on the run for weeks, or tied without food for a good while, when he came into the shelter as a stray. When I first stood over him, he shook with fear, but he stole my heart, and now I have him here with me.

I want to thank everyone who gave me encouragement.

Rod : castlecain@mindspring.com