Sal, I don't have a dog, because I feel that thy are awesome responsibility, worthy of loyal ownership. I know that they are faithful, and need a pal that would never let them down. To take one on is like having a "special" child that in many ways will never grow up, or that is sort of like someone who has Alzheimers, where every day is a new day and he/she is so glad to see you come home, even if you've only have been gone to the store for an hour or so.
I feel very strongly that if you're not willing to take the time to carefully train one to have good manners and instantly obey your commands (and be well rewarded for doing so) for his own benefit as well as yours, then you ought not to be allowed to have one.
The pack in this article either owe no one their allegiance, or have (an) owner(s) that has just let them grow up like Topsy, without any guidance or loyalty, unsuperintended, unruly.
What I know about pit bulls or mixed breeds of them where pit is dominant, when even loose with another one, are very likely to turn into a vicious, easily excited pair to beware of, who seek out trouble, who have no respect of humans or other animals, dogs or otherwise. My picture of them is that the more of them in a pack, trouble is not just additive, it is exponential.
From what I've seen, other dogs are not like that. There can be several of them in a family setting, and all will behave, even if not professionally trained. But pit bulls won't, and in a moment they can change from a well-behaved companion into a deadly enemy. They generally have that propensity. I have seen that in cross-bred boxers, too, but not in pure-bred ones.
So not only do I not want to be the unreliable, inconsistent owner of any dog (very particularly not "pit"), but I resent the other people who are not willing to be responsible for the happiness of one of these who deserves so much more. They are a menace to neighbors, esprcially your kids.
I'm eighty one, and living alone. I know it would be nice to have a Lab or spaniel or mini-poodle as a pal, living together, but I do not feel that I could be a good companion to one these days. Even so, I would never, ever harbor a pit bull. A little pug, maybe, like my sister's Sylvia. But not a pit. Ever.
Thanks for the article, Sal.
God, that it is the saddest thing, ever.
It breaks my heart that you love dogs so, yet have none.
Have you considered adopting an elderly dog?
They have a very hard time finding homes because everyone wants young, active cute dogs, not old couch potatoes who just like a meal and soft blanket.
:(