Acts of mercy for 'bully' dogs

Valley Press ^ | Sunday, March 1, 2009. | JULIE DRAKE

[BenLurkin]

ACTON - Johnny Depp and his canine entourage rushed to greet a visitor to their property with a flurry of tail wags and hand licks through a chain-link fence. The young American Staffordshire terrier mix was rescued from death row at a shelter. Now, the happy, outgoing and well-behaved dog is awaiting adoption and a new home with a loving family.

Unfortunately, not all dogs like Johnny are as lucky.

Johnny, his canine friends Tyler and Annie and many other dogs are based on 2½ acres at actress and philanthropist Linda Blair's Rescued Animal Wellness Center.

Blair formed the nonprofit Linda Blair World Heart Foundation to rescue abused and abandoned companion animals and to help draw attention to the tragic consequences of pet overpopulation and illegal dog fighting.

"I believe any companion animal is a gift," Blair said. "I believe animals are angels on earth and they rely on us for protection, as do children."

Blair purchased the Acton property a couple of years ago so she would have a place to house the up to 50 dogs she is licensed to keep at any time for her rescue operation.

On a tour of the property, dogs greeted the animal advocate with wagging tails and the occasional bark as she walked past.

The animal advocate knows the personality of each dog on her property, most of which are the so-called "bully breeds": the American Staffordshire terrier, the Staffordshire terrier and the American bulldog, or pit bull.

"They are like none other, extremely emotional, and if you're not prepared for it, you should not get one," she said.

[BenLurkin]

Thank you for the link!