Living Ind

Misunderstood There’s no such thing as a “bad breed.”

by Amanda Jean Harris

Cajun Paws Rescue has a simple goal: place neglected, abused and unwanted dogs into positive family environments. And the organization’s greatest point of concentration is pit bulls and pit bull mixes.

Lindsey Belfour with her pit bull, Vegas.
Photo by Robin May

Cajun Paws Rescue has a simple goal: place neglected, abused and unwanted dogs into positive family environments. And the organization’s greatest point of concentration is pit bulls and pit bull mixes.

They are, quite simply, more likely than pretty much any other breed to be found in a neglectful, abusive environment.

“We focus on pit bull and pit bull-mix breeds purely because they are the most misunderstood and discriminated-against of all the dogs out there,” says Cajun Paws organizer Caitlyn LeCompte.

Herself a pit bull owner, LeCompte and the organization say pit bulls are the top breed that passes through local shelters.

“These dogs are often euthanized because of nothing more than their misunderstood label,” she says.

Often seen as aggressive or dangerous and used by some for fighting, the breed in general is over-bred, and Cajun Paws is the only rescue in the area focusing on the lives of pits.

“Our goal is to change the stereotype of this amazing and beautiful breed,” LeCompte says.

Plans for a facility to house the dogs that cannot be fostered because of overcrowding is on the horizon, and fundraising efforts will take supporters to Parish Brewing Company June 11 for the Second Annual Barks and Brews shindig from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with live music, brew tours, food trucks and adoptable animals. Dogs — especially pit bulls — are welcome.