It’s interesting to me that as I focus more on Giceiving, people who are inspiring Giceivers pop up in the most unexpected places.  On Saturday night, I was channel surfing and came across the reality show Pit Bulls and Parolees on the Animal Planet network.  The name of it interested me since both subjects are seen as outcasts by our society.  The program revolves around Tia Maria Torres, who operates the Villalobos Rescue Center for Pit Bulls in California. She’s a tough cookie with a soft center who gives her employees (parolees from nearby prisons) an opportunity to regain their dignity by having a job that teaches them responsibility, cooperation, trust and unconditional love.  Most of us know the healing power an animal can have over individuals who have lost their way.  It was clear to me that these parolees return the trust and respect that is given them.  This works with the dogs as well since many become adoptable through the care and love given them at this sanctuary.  There is one case, however, where this was not the case.  One female pit bull had been found with her pups about a year ago and she remained aggressive towards everyone.  The concern was that one day she might attack one of the handlers, so they were considering putting her down–something that for them is a last resort.  At around the time of making this decision, Tia Maria received an e-mail from the owner who had “abandoned” the dog.  The owner was a young lady who was a drug user and who had been carted off to jail.  She absolutely adored her dog and, now sober, had been searching, desperately wanting her back.  Since public safety is a primary concern for the rescue center, Tia Maria was not sure whether this vicious dog should go back to its owner.  She did, however, arrange a meeting but warned the owner that the dog was not the same dog she had left behind.  Clearly, the dog was difficult to handle when she was taken out of the vehicle for the meeting.  However, when she saw her owner, a miracle happened! (They should have put this in slow motion!)  She ran to her owner and became the loving, face licking, playful dog she had once been.  Her personality literally changed in an instant!  It was wonderful to see the Giceiving of unconditional love shown on this program!