Only 8 months old, China has had a tough life.
China, a Staffordshire bull terrier mix, was abandoned along with two other dogs in a townhouse in West Palm Beach. She had been locked in a storage area, with no food or water. Heavy chains were still attached to the trees in the yard, where the dogs had presumably been tied up before their family moved, leaving them behind.
Despite her past treatment, as so often is the case, China holds no grudges. She is loving and gives kisses freely. Full of energy, she tries to get into everything- she is after all just a big puppy.
China is a beautiful dog, gray with white markings. Her floppy ears, sometimes standing up, sometimes not, made me laugh. She must have been rescued soon after her family left, thanks to a neighbor, because she's in good health and shows no signs of abuse.
China was probably not given much training when she was small. Her new family will pretty much have to start from scratch. But pit bull terriers are smart, and so eager to please their people that they tend to be very attentive and responsive to praise. Adoption Staffer JP Haley gave China a couple of basic commands, and she tried her best. That was, of course, in between trying to crawl in his lap, fetch her toys, and explore the big bag of towels and blankets that a kind neighbor had just donated.
China gets along with other dogs and would be a great companion for another young dog with plenty of energy to work off in the yard. She'd also be a great jogging buddy, or just an all around family dog. Her new family should know that she'll need attention--training and plenty of exercise. That's no different from any puppy, especially the larger breeds. China may be starting her training later than most, but I think she'll quickly make up for lost time, especially if her new family has experience raising dogs.
Stop by Safe Harbor and ask to meet China. If you are up for the challenge of raising a puppy, she could be just the dog for you.
Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary and Hospital is in located in Seagrape Square, at 185 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter. Call 561-747-1598, ext. 4, for more information.