Dog Names Ending in ta

On February 3, 2003, Kris Crawford and her search and rescue certified Pit Bull, Dakota, were selected and deployed to Texas.  They were part of an elite task force assigned to search for the astronauts, Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawa, Laurel Clark, Rick Husband, Williams McCool and Ilan Ramon.  Kris' Pit Bull, Dakota, had been certified in live find, cadaver and forensic search and was hand picked for her training and documented expertise in these areas for inclusion on this elite team.  Not only were Dakota's search skills well-proven, but also considered in the selection process were some specific traits like professionalism in chaotic situations, her "never quit" attitude and her humor and charm, and this all at a time when Pit Bulls were being banned all across the U.S!  She raised quite the concern of onlookers as she exited the transporting van, along with 5 other canines who, along with their handlers, completed the search and rescue team.  While many people viewed Dakota as an inappropriate team member due to the fighting reputation attached to many of her breed, as the search began and went on for days, her sensitive and loving nature was noted and experienced by virtually all who came into contact with her.  Everyone was treated to daily "kisses" to start their grueling day and many came to appreciate, even requesting to search with the "Pit Bull dog" as they accomplished their gruesome mission.  And accomplish the mission they did...a Pit Bull came to the aid and rescue of Americans despite the stereotypical mold into which the American public had tried to force her.  She was honored along with the other search and rescue dogs and their handlers who were hand picked for the team at the one year anniversary of the tragedy.

Our second pop culture dog with a name ending in "ta" is Rita from the Disney movie, Oliver and Company.  Rita was the only female member of Oliver"s troupe and, while there was never a romantic interest depicted with any of the male members of the troupe, she did contribute her own brand of emotion, sensitivity and persona to the overall atmosphere of the movie.  She added just the right amount of femininity to the story line and interactions with the other characters.