Love Me Tender

July 31, 2014

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I am a huge Beatles fan, so when John started going with that theme with his fosters and on his blog, I was thrilled. However, despite that, I have to admit that the biggest impact in my experiences so far has not been because of the Fab Four, but instead the “King of Rock & Roll,” or rather the “King of the Pouty Face” – Elvis.

The first time I went over to John’s house to meet him, Penny and Elvis (as well as his fosters, Wally and Lucy), I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect. I’m not a naturally outgoing person, so this was a big step for me. It didn’t help that when I knocked on his front door, I heard loud scuffling and John very clearly saying, “Elvis! Penny…stay back!” Oh no, I thought, what did I get myself into? Still, I made a promise to myself, and I knew I had to stick with it, hesitant or not.

Then, John opened the door, and Elvis and Penny came bounding toward me (okay…it was mostly Elvis). Any preconceived negative notions about pit bulls that I may have had previously were almost instantaneously forgotten. If you have never met Elvis before, I’m going to let you in on a little secret that John doesn’t really share – that dog is crazy! As soon as he saw me, Elvis immediately lunged at me, almost knocking me over, trying over and over to jump on me. Of course, there wasn’t anything malicious about it (unless you count a kisses attack malicious). And that’s the thing about Elvis – as rambunctious and rowdy as he is, there is absolutely not one evil bone in his body. All he wants is for you to “Love Him Tender” and he’ll love on you right back. (Oh, and Penny Lane was right there, too, to greet me, only much more politely.)

After being around Elvis for less than a minute, it’s hard to believe he was only hours away from being put down before Priceless Pets saved him. He, honestly, is the friendliest dog I have ever met, and you can see the genuine joy on his face
any time anyone pets him or says his name. Now don’t get me wrong. He definitely has a strong personality, and he will ‘test’ your will (especially when you first take him on a walk!), but that dog lives to bring happiness to others, no matter what size, shape or species they are!

Throughout the time that I’ve been working with John, no dog has captured my heart as Elvis has. John has said multiple times that anyone who meets Elvis falls in love with him, and it’s easy to see why. He is, in every sense, a dog with a heart of gold.

But don’t think I forgot about Penny! She is the perfect balance to Elvis – calm, loving, patient, accepting. They are the perfect pack mates, and perfect examples of how pit bulls actually are. I understand how they inspired John to start his blog and how they have changed so many people’s minds already. I can only feel lucky to be one small part in their amazing journey toward pit bull equality. Elvis, Penny, thank you for being you and not reinforcing the false stereotype. And Elvis, you can “Love Me Tender” any time.