Serving A Purpose
December 2004

Since pre-historic times, when that first canine joined man at the campfire, dogs have truly been "man's best friend." They have pulled wagons, guarded flocks, joined soldiers in battle, and rescued the lost. Every day we find new areas where these loyal animals work with man to change lives for the better.

Today, dogs brighten the lives of residents in retirement homes and convalescent hospitals, warn diabetics and epilepsy sufferers of impending attacks, aid law enforcement officers, and perform miracles in search and rescue efforts, among other services. The following profile spotlights three of these wonderful dogs who are serving a purpose right here in our community.

Cheyenne, Dakota, and Tahoe, American Pit Bull Terriers, and their owner Kristine Crawford have a busy schedule. They serve the community as certified therapy dogs as well as aiding in search and rescue missions.

All three dogs are specially trained therapy animals, and work as part of medical, psychiatric, rehabilitation, and special education programs. These dogs are known to calm disturbed children, lower patient heart rates, and, since speech is unnecessary, and touch such a powerful sense, stroke victims and others lacking verbal skills are benefited.

Crawford, a member of several local, state, and federal agencies, and her dogs have been involved in several high profile operations, including the search for Laci Peterson, and the search in Texas for the remains of the crew members after the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.

The use of pit bulls in therapy and search and rescue has grown greatly over the last two decades. Crawford says that pit bulls have all the characteristics - courage, strength, determination and agility - that are invaluable in search and rescue work.

Crawford had this to say about her dogs: "When my search pager goes off, my dogs are waiting at the door...they know, deep in their hearts that they have work to do and they are ready to do it, regardless of weather, time or obstacle."

Pit bulls have been working with man for centuries, their service dating back to the Roman occupation of the United Kingdom. Many of today's breeds are of pit bull ancestry. During World War I, the American Pit Bull Terrier was chosen as the United States of America's poster dog. This strong, faithful breed symbolized loyalty, courage and American steadfastness. Crawford and her dogs, Cheyenne, Dakota, and Tahoe show that is still true today.