Apollo is a beautiful Pit Bull who was abandoned at a shelter, where he stayed for six long months. Because he had “too much energy” he wasn’t considered for adoption and was about to be euthanized, which isn’t uncommon. Out of six to eight million cats and dogs enter U.S. shelters every year, one in four animals brought into shelters are Pit Bulls.

Before making the lethal decision, the shelter called a Washington State narcotics K-9 trainer to see if she would take a look at Apollo as a possible candidate for detection work. The trainer did some drills with Apollo and agreed he would be a great narcotics K-9. Apollo was taken out of the shelter and put into the kennels at the Department of Corrections (DOC).

Sadly, even though he was out of the shelter, Apollo had to wait another 12 months because other dogs kept being selected over him by other officers going through the narcotics school. Why would they overlook a dog who passed all of the drills? None of the officers would give Apollo a chance simply because he was guilty by association – he was a Pit Bull.

But then finally, someone gave Apollo the chance he deserved. The Tukwila Police Department in Washington State was looking for a K-9 and called Apollo’s trainer. She said he was a “high drive dog and he would finish first in narcotics school is someone would give him a chance. All he needed was a chance.” And the Tukwila Police Department gave him just that!

Apollo finished narcotics school in November 2016 and was first in his class. The police department says he is very friendly and often tries to get the officers to play with him. Apollo is now part of his handler’s personal family. Look at that big smile! Way to go, Apollo!

The Tukwila Police Department also sweetly noted that Apollo has, “…brought great joy to all of us at the department in addition to being a very productive and hard worker.”

We wish that everyone would give Pit Bulls a chance. Pit Bulls carry the burden of years of false stigma and myths that they are naturally vicious animals when actually, this stereotype comes from the fact that they are frequently abused and misused in illegal dogfighting rings. Stigmas against this breed have gotten so out of control, in fact, that entire cities have banned them or are hoping to. This is sad because time and time again, we’ve been shown that the behavior these dogs exhibit is largely influenced by their guardian. In reality, Pit Bulls are incredibly loyal animals. In fact, at one point, Pit Bulls were referred to as “nanny dogs” due to their protective nature towards children.

Thank you, Tukwila Police Department for taking a chance on this sweet boy! Instead of being left at the shelter and potentially euthanized, now Apollo gets to carry out a meaningful and honorable role in society.

If you think that more people should give Pit Bulls a chance, share this article to spread awareness!

Image source: Tukwila Police Department/Facebook