One year anniversary with JimBob!

Well this day 1 year ago we got James Robert. He had been dumped in Alabama, suffered horrendous mange, but had this brilliant personality. Because he's pitbull and mangey he would have been put down by the pound within 24 hours.

So we took him in and with a bit of help from another dog lover we got him onto proper medication for the mange.

A year later he looks brilliant. He still doesn't quite have an undercoat and I'm beginning to suspect the mange damaged the hair folicles, but his top coat is in pretty good condition.

He's also (finally) losing that puppy in him. Despite being 18 months old when we got him, no one had tried to do anything with him so he was practically uncontrollable. Today he sometimes listens and takes commands.

He's also an indoor dog now for various reasons. Over time he was given more and more run of the house. Plus he's developed the "this is my house, get the hell out" attitude that you want from a dog. He's not aggressive because he's a pitbull - he's aggressive because he doesn't like some people.

It's been a learning experience as well, you begin to understand how pitbulls think a bit. They aren't aggressive as much as fearless. What makes them feared by other dogs (and pigs) is that regardless of the odds against them, they will wade into a fight if they have to. It's like meeting Mr Crazy. JB showed me that when we were surrounded by 4 loose dogs one evening, and another day when a 180lb pig charged him, and JB charged right back at him.

He's also been a great companion. Sits in my truck and never once has jumped out. That's his place. I can leave my keys and wallet with him because you'd be a loon to reach in and take them.

Right now he's at my feet pleading for a walk.

To see how good he looks today, have a look at the Blip from November 15th 2012.