The Story Behind My Four-Legged Hot Shop Supervisor.
Anyone who has seen me in the studio has seen my dog, Duncan. This is his story and how he became an important part of my creative process.
My journey with rescuing a Pitbull…
began in 2016 when I told my friend and boss, Karen, that I wanted to get a dog. As a college graduation present, my parents had given me a $300 check with “dog money” written in the memo. I had just taken a job from Karen as a resident mural artist to paint all 28 patient rooms for the Pediatric office she managed for her husband, Dr. Johnson. I told Karen I wanted a large short-haired dog. After researching I decided on a pit bull because they are commonly known to form strong bonds and are very protective. I had narrowly escaped an abusive relationship before graduating college, followed by stalking and threatening messages sent to friends and family. I wanted to feel safe with my dog, so a pit bull seemed like a wise choice. Karen knew me well and was actively involved with a Pitbull rescue in the region, so I knew she could help me find the dog for me.
The first picture Karen sent me of Duncan along with a text message that read, “this is Duncan! He is ready to be adopted.”
Karen started keeping an eye out for the perfect dog. A few weeks went by and I left town for a summer glassblowing class. While blowing glass I took a water break and checked my phone. A picture of an overweight pitbull with a huge smile filled my screen. A text from Karen followed saying, “This is Duncan! He is ready to be adopted. What do you think?” Sweat dripping down my face, I replied immediately and said ‘He looks perfect! When can I meet him?’
Karen replied an hour later saying, “He is going to be staying with a foster home for a few weeks so once you finish your class, we can schedule a meet and greet as soon as you get back.”
After my class ended, I returned home and went with Karen to meet Duncan that day. We arrived and a nice couple opened the door, welcoming us in. We exchanged pleasantries and then the woman called out down the hall, '‘Duncan! Come here, boy!”
Across the house, I heard the rumbling of paws on the hardwood floor growing closer. A large mass rounded the corner as gracefully as a walrus, bumping into the wall as he turned in our direction. He bound down the hallway waddling under his overweight belly with a ginormous smile, a fat tongue, and shining amber eyes that held a lifetime of stories. As he ran toward me, I knelt to meet him. Immediately he jumped right into my lap and started licking me like I was a long-lost friend! Tail wagging furiously, he wiggled around like jello as I petted him for the first time. Duncan had the biggest head I had ever seen and I was beyond happy to take it in both hands while he wiggled uncontrollably, licking at any part of my skin he could reach.
Duncans first day at his forever home with his new mom
As Duncan slobbered and kissed all over my face, Karen told me more details about him. He was rescued in Duncan, Oklahoma, so she named him Duncan. “The name seemed fitting for his personality,” she said. I learned that this sweet ball of love had been abandoned to die slowly of a severe heartworm infection after being used as a bait dog, left to fend for himself until fate led him to Karen. He gave her such unconditional love when she found him that she begged for clinics and funding to save his life.
The rescue shelter she was involved with, Texas Pit Crew, agreed to take care of him. When Karen found him, he was starving and malnourished but quickly became overweight due to the intensive treatment implemented for the heartworms. Unfortunately after going through all that treatment, the shelter could not find him a home because Duncan had severe anxiety around other dogs. His way of survival had been to fight because bait dogs were used as punching bags to train fighting dogs. He was used to other dogs attacking him on sight. The shelter told potential adopters that he was most well suited for a home with no other dogs due to his anxious aggression. If he were to be in a home with other dogs, the adjustment period would be full of very intense supervision and slow introductions to the other dogs. Since he was a pit bull, potential adopters dismissed him when they learned about his behaviors, but I loved him instantly. There was an undeniable connection between us. After the experience I’d had in college of falling victim to an abusive relationship, I understood the feeling of being abused and abandoned.
Duncans first Bath at his new home!
“I have to be real with you Shannon,” Karen said.
I looked up at her from my kneeling position, Duncan sitting in my lap. She said, “It’s really now or never. He is scheduled to be taken to the vet to be euthanized in about half an hour if you don’t adopt him. It’s painful for me to say, but we are running out of housing options and the rescue shelter won’t take him back because he doesn’t do well with most other dogs. The foster family was barely able to keep him this long but we waited because we knew you wanted to meet him.”
Without hesitation, I told Karen that he was mine. I knew that Duncan was meant to be more than just a pet—he was destined to be my companion, my confidant, and my partner in adventure.
And so, I left the foster family’s home with Duncan by my side, his tail wagging eagerly as if to say, "Let's go home." I said goodbye to the fostering family with thanks. Duncan lept into the car with surprising athleticism for his overweight belly, and we were off.
Duncan with his favorite play buddy and my childhood dog, Moni (R.I.P.)
Once we arrived at my parent’s home, I unloaded all of our things and took him inside the house. My parents supported the local shelters by fostering dogs but had kept their most recent foster dog. They named her Moni (Short for Ramona). Moni was a pit bull mix with a bit of boxer in her as well, a true mutt. She was part of the reason I wanted to get a pit bull of my own. Moni never barked, was good on a leash, good with people, babies, puppies, and cats. She loved everyone and everything. I was nervous to introduce Moni and Duncan after being told of Duncan’s history, but they behaved like long-lost friends. Duncan immediately wanted to play when he laid eyes on Moni! No careful introduction was needed for them.
Duncan went from being homeless to having a family in one day. I loved him so much already and couldn’t wait to see what kind of adventures we would go on together. I had no idea that he would become such an integral part of my creative process in the glass-blowing studio years later.
The first few weeks of having Duncan at home were an adjustment, my dad did NOT approve. He was not a fan of the pit bull. I spent all my free time training, walking, and watching Duncan to make sure he was adjusting well while my dad tried to avoid him. Duncan would spend his afternoons playing with Moni in my parents’ backyard and sunbathing once they wore themselves out. He quickly won my dad over with his loving nature, although I did have to replace a few sprinkler heads in the backyard. If the sprinkler heads popped up and started spewing water, he would bite them and rip them out of the ground!
Duncan bonding with my dad
Duncan could tell that my dad was unsure about him, so he started laying on the ground next to my dads chair in the evenings when he would watch the news. One evening, my dad casually let his hand down to pat Duncan on the head, and the rest is history. Now when my dad calls me the first thing he asks is always, “how’s Duncan doing?”
When I moved to Seattle, I packed up all my belongings into a trailer and put Duncan in the backseat of my car. We made the 4-day journey of driving from Texas to Seattle together while my dad pulled the trailer with his truck behind us. Duncan was a great road trip buddy, he even sang along with me to some of the songs I blared on the stereo. I felt safe.
Fastforward to 2021…
Supervising Dad in the hot shop
I was living in a house with several roommates, one of them had recently moved in and refused to accept Duncan’s behavior as reality. She had never seen him act aggressively toward another dog so she didn’t believe me when I told her the potential risks. She invited her boyfriend over without telling me that he would start bringing his rottweiler into our home regularly along with him. It got to the point where I was too nervous to let Duncan roam freely in the house. I did not want the dogs to get into a fight. I told her repeatedly but she refused to respect my boundaries. Eventually, due to her carelessness, the dogs got into a fight that left her with an injury from trying to separate them. Even then, she continued to have the dog over. After that, I told her that she could either respect my boundaries or start making plans to move out.
I didn’t want to leave Duncan at home when I wasn’t there so I started taking him to work with me. He quickly learned to behave in a hot shop and has accompanied me ever since. He took a week or so to adjust to the new sounds and smells, but once he was adjusted, Duncan was a perfect hot shop dog! I had to remain alert to make sure no other dogs came in when we were there, but everyone learned of his behavior and respected it rather quickly, unlike that roommate I had. She moved out within the month, but by then Duncan was fully integrated into the life of a hot shop dog.
Today, Duncan is present for the classes Nick and I teach, acting as the class mascot. Many of the students are beginners and tend to get overwhelmed at times. Duncan has become a buffer between their overwhelm and the intensity of blowing glass. He is loving and gentle toward every student, empathizing with them and providing emotional comfort. He also hangs out in the hot shop with Nick and me when we work on personal projects. Such a good boy. :)
Safety First!
Supervising the intermediate glassblowing class at Schack Art Center
Having a dog in a glassblowing studio requires strict adherence to safety rules to protect both the dogs and the glass artists’. If you are thinking of taking your dog to a glassblowing studio, here are my guidelines for best practices:
Keep the dog away from areas with hot glass, furnaces, and other equipment that could cause burns or injuries.
Ensure the dog is on a secure leash to prevent it from wandering into dangerous areas.
Ensure the studio is well-ventilated to prevent the dog from inhaling harmful fumes or dust.
Keep tools / materials out of the dog’s reach to prevent accidents and ingestion of hazardous items.
Make sure the dog has a cool place to stay, as glassblowing studios can get extremely hot.
Be mindful of the noise levels, as loud noises can stress or scare the dog.
Take regular breaks to check on the dog, ensuring access to water, food, and bathroom breaks.
Establish well-trained commands and supervise your dog at all times to prevent any unsafe behavior - KNOW YOUR DOG.
Have a plan in place for emergencies, including knowing the location of the nearest vet.
Pit Bull History
The term "pit bull" is often used as a blanket term to refer to a group of breeds that share similar physical characteristics and ancestry.
From owning a pit bull for several years, training him, and learning his behaviors, I’d like to say I am a reliable source of knowledge about the breed. I have a passion for these misunderstood dogs, given that trauma survivors of any species have histories of being misunderstood. For those who haven’t learned or don’t know much about them, here is a brief history of pit bulls…
Sgt. Stubby, The most decorate American World War I Dog.
Pitbulls have a complex history that intertwines with human society's changing attitudes towards animals. Originating in the early 19th century in England, these dogs were bred from Old English Bulldogs and Old English Terriers. The goal was to combine the strength and athleticism of the bulldog with the agility and tenacity of the terrier, creating a dog suited for bull-baiting and later, unfortunately, for dog fighting. The term "pit bull" is often used as a blanket term to refer to a group of breeds that share similar physical characteristics and ancestry. Duncan is an American Staffordshire Terrier (bottom left on the ‘Bully Breeds’ chart).
When these dogs were brought to America, they evolved into the American Pit Bull Terrier. In the early 20th century, they were celebrated as "nanny dogs" for their gentle nature with children and were widely kept as family pets. One particular American Pit Bull Terrier, Sergent Stubby, became an American War Hero. However, the association with dog fighting and media portrayal of isolated aggressive incidents have significantly affected their reputation.
Nothing is more wholesome than watching your dog fall in love with the person you fell in love with, too.
Temperament of Pitbulls
Pitbulls are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature. Properly socialized and trained, they can be excellent family pets. Their key traits include:
Loyalty: They are known to form strong bonds with their families and are often very protective.
Intelligence: Pitbulls are smart dogs that respond well to training and mental stimulation.
Affection: Despite their tough exterior, they are typically very affectionate and love human companionship.
Energy: They are energetic and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Confidence: Pitbulls are often confident and may be bold, which can be a positive trait but requires responsible ownership.
There are many common misconceptions about pitbulls. Many people expect pitbulls to be naturally aggressive due to their history and portrayal in the media. Many believe that pitbulls are stubborn and difficult to train. Others believe that because of their strength, some believe pitbulls are not suitable for families with small children. The worst of these misconceptions is the belief that pitbulls are more likely to "snap" without warning compared to other breeds.
“Can I have some of your lunch pleeeeeeease?”
The Truth about Pitbulls
Despite how the media portrays them, when properly socialized and trained, pit bulls are no more aggressive than any other breed. Aggression in pit bulls, as with any dog, is often a result of poor ownership, abuse, neglect, or lack of training. Additionally, Pitbulls are quite trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Positive reinforcement and consistent training yield excellent results. A well-trained and socialized pit bull is no more unpredictable than any other dog. Understanding their body language and ensuring they are well-exercised and mentally stimulated helps maintain predictable behavior. With the right training and socialization, pit bulls can be great with children. They are known for their patience and gentleness with kids.
Pitbulls are often misunderstood due to their history and media portrayal. While they have a background that includes activities like bull-baiting and dog fighting, their true nature is typically affectionate, loyal, and intelligent. With responsible ownership, proper training, and socialization, pit bulls can make loving and dependable family pets. It's crucial to separate myth from reality and understand that, like any breed, their behavior largely reflects the care and environment they receive.
If you want to learn more of the history and facts about the Pitbull, here are a few resources:
Pit Bull: The Battle over an American Icon - Book
The controversial story of one infamous breed of dog. I have read this book cover to cover several times. It is an extremely informative, sourced, and accurate up-to-date book on the history and current events around pit bull discrimination.
Stubby the War Dog - Online Article. Read the Book Here
The true story of World War I's bravest dog, a short tailed bull terrier.
Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems - Book
Cesar Millan Dog Training - Website
One of the most sought-after authorities in the field of dog behavior and rehabilitation with more than 25 years of experience, a New York Times best-selling author and 3x Emmy nominated acclaimed star with hit TV series broadcasted and streamed in over 120 countries. Millan conducts dog training at his 43-acre paradise and Dog Psychology Center in Santa Clarita.
End Dogfighting - FAQ
An organization whose mission is to create public awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and challenges confronting our country’s heroes and rally support for shelter animal adoption by connecting heroes and companions.
Debunking the Myth of Lock Jaw - Online Article
Pit Bulls and Parolees - TV Show
Go inside Villalobos Rescue Center and follow Tia Torres, her family, and her crew of ex-convicts as they come together to rescue and rehabilitate abused and abandoned pit bulls.
Watch the video below of excerpts from this show; top 3 favorite moments from the host.
