These pit bulls are not famous, but they still need homes

PORTSMOUTH

They may not come with the infamy of Michael Vick's dogfighting downfall, but about two dozen pit bulls and pit bull mixes are waiting here for homes.

About half of the dogs that are brought to the Portsmouth shelter are at least part pit bull, said Tereza Marks, executive director of the Portsmouth Humane Society. Some are strays. Many are dropped off by people who wanted dogs and then found they couldn't take care of them.

When Marks saw a story recently on the new homes that had been found for many of Vick's dogs, she decided it was a good time to remind people that the Portsmouth facility has homeless animals, including pit bulls.

"I personally think they make good pets," she said.

The dogs are observed in the shelter to see how they interact with other animals and to make sure there are no signs of aggressiveness, Marks said. Potential adopters are screened, too. They have to agree to a criminal check, and staff members conduct a home visit.

The shelter staff is working with an animal rescue group in Richmond to try to find homes for the pit bulls, she said.

Pit bulls and pit bull mixes are also available for adoption in other Hampton Roads animal shelters.

For more information, call the Portsmouth Humane Society at (757) 397-6004.

Janie Bryant, (757) 446-2453, janie.bryant@pilotonline.com