So after much heartache and tears, this week I emailed with the staff at the shelter (which I need to state is a no-kill shelter) to learn more information. I learned that although Olive was GREAT with Matt and me and all the females at the shelter (which is the majority of the volunteers and staff) she was not ok around some of the other males. She actually went "berserk" with one of the male cleaners which lead to a temperament test being performed.
I'm still not entirely sure what all is involved in a temperament test but she did not "pass". She was aggressive towards a few of the staff who were involved in the test. The staff who shared this with me has had a lot of training and on a personal note she also owns a pittie. We have had many conversations regarding our love of the breed so I truly believe she cared for Olive also...but also believe that when she said it was a horrible decision, it was a necessary decision as Olive was not a good "breed mascot".
We have talked about and did again this week talk about how we both agree it's important for the pit bulls out there to be good mascots of the breed as they already have such a fragile reputation. If Olive had been adopted out (or fostered) and then hurt someone it would have been bad for the breed as a whole.
We also agreed that it sucks because of the "if"s. "If" she attacked someone. "If" she bit someone. She may never have hurt someone...but with having showed aggression towards 3/4 of the males she encountered...it wasn't good odds.
So with a heavy heart I at least have some answers.
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