By Cindy Wolff

Image is everything.

They wag their tails, play with children and are happy in laps, with toys and give lots of kisses.

But it's still difficult for rescue groups and shelters to find homes for pit bull terriers.

It's tough for shelters to overcome the image of pit bulls as snarling, lethal weapons popularized in rap videos. The millions of pit bulls that live quiet lives as family pets don't make the news.

That means rescue groups can spend a year or more sheltering pit bulls waiting for the right home.

They dress them in cute collars and scarves. But it takes time to convince people that well cared for pit bulls make good family pets.

"People have this image about pit bulls being aggressive, but our pit bulls are great dogs. Now, we've gotten some cocker spaniels and Chihuahuas that were extremely aggressive and unadoptable," said Ginger Morgan, executive director of Memphis Shelby County Humane Society. "The pits have to overcome this stereotype."

The humane society has 25 pit bulls including a litter of 12 puppies, Morgan said.

While Memphis Animal Services doesn't adopt out pit bulls to individuals, the shelters in Bartlett, Germantown and Collierville do.

"If we feel great about the application, if they have a great vet reference then we proceed with the application," said Nina Wingfield, supervisor at Collierville Animal Services. "If we don't know the person or they aren't referred to us, then we do a home visit. It's an extra step to protect the dog. Sometimes, people just say nevermind."

Bartlett Animal Shelter requires a vet reference before they adopt out pit bulls, said Kim Scheu, division director. They have four pit bulls now, including Coco, a brown and white pit bull that can't stop moving.

"Those pictures of her look blurry on our Web site because that tail makes her whole body wiggle," said Angela Klein, a Bartlett animal control officer. "She likes other dogs, cats, children, birds. She is the sweetest dog. But we have to find the right home for her, someone who will protect her."

Most rescue groups require a home visit before they adopt out a pit bull or any breed. They also refer applicants to Web sites to become informed about specific breeds such as pit bulls.

"I want an applicant to have a full understanding of the breed they want," said Linda Money, president of Mid-South Animal Rescue League. "People need to know the characteristics and needs of a breed to make sure it's the right dog for them."

-- Cindy Wolff: 529-2378