Pitbulls

A pitbull (not the one shown) was killed by a law-enforcement officer this week in North Platte. Newspaper stories report two pitbulls killed one of the neighbor's sheep and were eating it.

When the officer tried to get the dogs away from the sheep, the one dog allegedly charged at the officer, who then fired a weapon and the dog was killed.

The other dog's fate is still up in the air. Will it have to be euthanized for being a "vicious dog"?

Unfortunately, many people will rush to judgment that all pitbulls are dangerous and must be banned as a breed.

Pitbulls can be sweet, loving dogs that are loyal, funny and smart. They require a lot of socializing and training because they can also be strong-willed.

They are working dogs and as such, they need a lot of exercise daily. On the other hand, they may enjoy being couch potatoes.

It is only responsible ownership that any dog, not just pitbulls, be on a leash whenever they are out of their kennels or fenced yards. Pitbulls - as with all dogs - should be watched closely around other dogs and animals. They do have a strong prey instinct and little kittens probably look no differently to them than a squirrel or mouse.

Probably one of the more famous pitbulls that would be familiar to those of us in the senior-citizen range would be Petey, the white pitbull from the Our Gang movies.

It all comes down to responsible ownership and good training. If you aren't willing to tackle those two tasks, then don't get a pitbull - or a German shepherd, Dalmatian or any other breed of dog.

And, please don't condemn the breed because of irresponsible owners.