My name is Rachel Grissom and I live in McMinnville, Tenn. Just this past Wednesday, April 9, 2003, I made a trip to your town and adopted a dog from someone who is affiliated with the local shelter there in Leitchfield. She had placed an ad on the pet finder website for a seven-month old female, pure bred bull terrier. She even had "Spuds McKenzie type breed" in her ad.

We talked on the phone that night and I made arrangements to come and get Katie, the dog, the following day. She told me she got this dog out of a ditch at a local vet's office. I was assured that Katie was recovered except for a little swelling in her front leg (an injury from an alleged fight with a pit bull). When I finally did make my way there on Wednesday, I asked her many times if she was sure this was a pure bred bull terrier and if her leg would completely heal. I was told that female bull terriers have a little bit of a different look to them and that her (Katie's) leg would be back to normal in a week or so.

I took this "lady" at her word. She read off a contract to me because the printer had messed it up and she didn't think I would be able to understand it, turned it over and had me sign the back. I was handed a form that read "Kentucky Animal Wellness Institute (Rescue and Rebound) to give a second chance to homeless purebred dogs." It contained the name of the dog, her age, including her exact birth date, and that she was recovered from a dog fight with a pit bull, and some of the things that had supposedly been done for her medically. I also received a health record stating her breed and the dates she had been hospitalized for her injuries.

Now comes the good part. When I got home with Katie, I was told I had just made a long trip for a pit bull. I couldn't take her to the vet on Thursday because he was closed. We went Friday afternoon and Dr. Malone confirmed that Katie is a pit bull. She is about one-and-a-half years old. Worst of all, her leg is infected in the bone and will more than likely have to be removed, or worse, if the infection keeps spreading. We have her on the most potent antibiotics he can give, but he doesn't think the outcome will be good for Katie.

I have contacted the person in Leitchfield and she will do nothing about this. I have contacted numerous organizations and offices and will be calling the Leitchfield County Attorney's office (sic) Monday morning. I have tried to talk to the animal shelter there because the vets' office I have spoken to said she did some volunteer work for them, but they have made no effort to get back with me either.

I assure you, I will not chalk this up to a loss. If nothing else, I will show my children, who are devastated by the way, you have to stand up and fight for what is right sometimes.

Thank you very much,

Rachel Grissom

McMinnville, Tenn.