Collins tale is basically a follow up on last weeks article, Its the same old story.

There are many different kinds of bulldogs and unfortunately they all often fall under the ominous title of Pit Bull:&bsp; The American Bulldog (Hugo), the Staffordshire Bulldog, the Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire (Am Staff), just to name a few. There are others that fall into this category and combinations of the group are not uncommon, with the Am Staff being the most popular. If you look up bulldog on the Internet even the Boxer will be listed.

I tell you this because these wonderful, playful and loving dogs have such a bad reputation when it is people who are the evil ones (look up Michael Vick). Okay, I think Ive belabored the subject enough let me tell you of my dear boy, Collins.

Collins is a beautiful two-year-old Am Staff who was a stray turn in, found near Collinsville Road, hence his name. He came to us the first week of February and was adopted out a few weeks later.&bsp; This beautiful boy got along with everyone and was boarded and put out to play with many other dogs. The people who adopted him loved him immensely and he reciprocated as was his nature.

So you can imagine my surprise when I walk into F.H.S. last week and see Collins back at the shelter in his cage run with Maria, his little playmate. I immediately went to get his file to see what was the cause of his return. After reading the file, I grabbed a leash to take Collins out for a walk and talk.&bsp; Outside we walked and played a little and I gave him my customary kiss between the eyes before I got serious.

Okay, Collins, what happened? It says in your file that you were chasing chickens. &bsp;

I was just playing, Uncle Lennie, nobody told me I shouldnt do that.

Did you hurt any of them? &bsp;

No, Uncle Lennie, I would never do that, but they told me I scared them.

With this I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him close to me and said, It wasnt your fault, dear boy, you shouldve been taught better.&bsp; Come on, lets go play some more.

I pray someone will find it in their heart to give Collins a second chance, he so deserves a forever home.

I believe with all my heart that Pit Bulls arent born, theyre made, I dont mean their name, I mean their reputation. Theyll do what theyre trained to do, not because theyre mean but because they love and wish to please their owners. I wish we could make the penalties far more severe for those cruel and evil people who have harmed these beautiful animals in so many ways. Each week I see more and more of them at the shelter and it not only make me sad, it makes me angry.

I defy anyone to spend five minutes with Collins and you tell me if you havent been with a beautiful loving Am Staff and not a Pit Bull.

Thanks for listening.