SEATTLE -- They're a breed with a bad reputation, but many animal lovers say pit bulls just need a little help controlling their number and keeping them with loving families. A new program is helping spay and neuter pit bulls in King County for free.
When Indigo showed up as a stray in Myra Gudge's neighborhood, the mother of two knew she had to help.
"We were afraid if we took her to a shelter at Thanksgiving that her days would just be numbered, especially with being a pit bull breed," said Myra.
Weeks passed and no one came for the pit bull, but soon the dog claimed them.
"She's just a very loving member of the family," said Myra.
She hoped to get Indigo spayed immediately, but she postponed it after getting laid off from work. Then she heard about a new program the Seattle Humane Society is offering thanks to a $50,000 dollar grant from Petsmart charities.
It covers the cost for 750 pit bull, or pit bull mixes, to be spayed, neutered and vaccinated for free.
The breed makes up roughly 30 percent of animals typically found in shelters, and the Humane Society hopes this will help.
"We are already seeing fewer dogs in shelters across the board because of effective spay/neuter programs. So we think if we can just give this breed a little bit of extra help, we can help with that issue," said Rhonda Manville, Humane Society.
Myra says it's the right thing to do for Indigo and other dogs like her.
"This is really an opportunity for good owners to do the right thing by the dog," said Myra.
More than 50 pit bull owners have already signed up to take advantage of the free spay/neuter program. To schedule an appointment for your pit bull, call (425) 649-7560.
