5 'pit bulls' put up for adoption in Lucas Co.

Move is a watershed for dog warden's office

Laura Simmons, pound operations manager at the Lucas County Dog Warden's Office, holds Harriet, a 4-month-old 'pit bull'-type dog that is up for adoption.

Harriet, Peanut, Patty, Susan, and Geisha had no idea, but because of them, history was made Wednesday at the Lucas County Dog Warden's Office when the first "pit bull" dogs in recent history went up for adoption.

The five "pit bulls," with their tails wagging nonstop, were the first group of that type of dog to make their way onto the adoption floor.

"We now have more diversity for potential adopters," Dog Warden Julie Lyle said. "More dogs to choose from will hopefully bring more people in and mean more opportunities for the dogs."

For the last two years, Dog Warden Julie Lyle has transferred adoptable "pit bull"-type dogs to the Toledo Area Humane Society. That recently expanded to include other rescue groups, even those that operate on a foster-based sheltering system -- originally only groups with shelters were eligible to take "pit bull"-type transfers.

Prior to Ms. Lyle's arrival, previous Dog Warden Tom Skeldon, who held the position from 1987 to 2010, automatically killed all "pit bull"-type dogs, even puppies. It is unknown whether any "pit bull" type dogs were put up for adoption before Mr. Skeldon arrived, Ms. Lyle said.

RELATED CONTENT: Other Lucas County dogs up for adoption

Ohio recently dropped "pit bull" from its definition of inherently vicious dogs, which prompted the change in adoption policies.

Harriet, a 4-month-old black and white female, flopped over and showed her speckled belly to anyone who would come close to her kennel. The sweet-natured dog is a stray that was found May 14 in Trilby Park. She's afraid of other dogs, and her adopters must work with her so she doesn't become a food guarder, her cage card reads.

The cage card for Patty, a 4 or 5-year-old brown female, states she is a little nervous and would not be a good choice in a home with children under 10. However on Wednesday, she seemed happy to greet anyone who came near her kennel and gave a little sing-song greeting to her admirers. She was found running at large on May 20 on Wyman Street in Toledo.

The other "pit bull"-type dogs up for adoption included 4-month-old Peanut, a tan, black, and white female; 4-month-old Susan, a black female, and Geisha, a 6 to 8-year-old orange female.

The adoption fee for dogs is $50, which includes spaying and initial vaccines. The adopter must also must buy a county dog license for $25.

Contact Tanya Irwin at: tirwin@theblade.com or 419-724-6066.