Golden agers welcome a pit bull with a heart of gold

Minneapolis/St Paul

http://www.startribune.com/785/story/709099.html

Golden agers welcome a pit bull with a heart of gold
Joe Kimball, Star Tribune
September 28, 2006 11:07 PM

Ruby was a big hit at a Bayport nursing home Tuesday morning, nuzzling and licking faces, doing a few tricks and climbing onto laps. The folks all said they'd never seen a calmer, gentler or more patient dog -- which might come as a surprise to some, because Ruby is a pit bull.

Owner Pat Bettendorf of Scandia said Ruby is a certified therapy dog rescued from abuse three years ago. She has a heart of gold, said Bettendorf, who's very supportive of her breed.

"Pit bulls have been maligned because they're misused by bad people," he said. "In the early 20th century they were considered the top family dog, good with kids."

Residents at the Croixdale home in Bayport enjoy Ruby's visits, said activities director Mary Jo Ducklow. "Petting a dog has a real calming effect," she said. "The residents smile and relax with Ruby in the room."