TWINSBURG, Ohio – Little Romaine may be the most playful puppy in town.
But it’s a huge contrast to his life, along with 11 other little ones, in December.
“Five adults [dogs] were outside and then the mom and then the litter of puppies were chained to the basement in horrible conditions,” said Heather Kinaitis, special even and volunteer coordinator of the Humane Society of Greater Akron. “Living in their own waste, chained indoors, just a really unfortunate situation.”
Six dogs and six 10-week-old pit bulls were found injured and malnourished in an Akron home.
The humane society rescued them and have been rehabilitating the dogs ever since.
“For over three months, they’ve been in our care and I’d say the most rewarding thing is that they came in with such sad eyes,” said Kristin Branagan, director of behavior and adoptions. “And, since they’ve been here, they’re so happy, so full of life, they are such well-rounded sweet dogs.”
Now, Romaine and the other 11 pit bulls are up for adoption, among the hundreds of dogs and cats at humane society’s home, Pawsibilities, in Twinsburg.
Yet, Branagan admits, the pit bull breed has a bad reputation – but it’s not fitting. She said pit bulls are just like any other dogs.
“These six especially are going to be future ambassadors of the breed,” she said, referring to the puppies, now about six months old. “The other six have turned into such well-rounded dogs.”
Because of the neglect, Branagan said the 12 dogs were incredibly shy.
She and other animal experts have worked with the dogs, who are now very sociable with people and pets.
“They’ve all had play sessions with other dogs,” Branagan said. “They’re going to make great family pets, and we’re so excited to know they had such a sad past but how bright their future is going to be, being a part of a family, and we can’t wait for that to happen.”
For more information about adopting, volunteering or donating, go to
http://www.summithumane.org/