To My Dear Friend: The Pit Bull

Dear Pit Bulls and Pit Bull Mixes:

Why is your breed hated in this country? Why is the pit bull used in dog fighting and other violent and cruel acts? Why do "iconic" figures like football players, rap artists and the like mistreat you and put you on the cover of their albums? Why are mothers and children afraid of you? Why does the media sensationalize your shortcomings or wrongdoings?

The ideology of the "aggressive dog" is perceived by mixed-media messages, uneducated politicians and misinformed citizens. The pit bull is a super sweet, loyal dog, owner-pleasing, love machine who was historically bred for "bull" fighting which was quickly deemed as inhumane and unkind toward dogs. Click on history to learn more about the historical background of the breed.  The Bad Rap organization in California has worked to "decriminalize" the breed and work to alleviate societal misconceptions. In addition to this outstanding organization there are other folks that are trying to pass on the message about pit bulls, such as hosting pit bull education classes at local shelters where they share valuable information to individuals in the community that may or may not know

anything true about the breed.

There are many dilemmas associated with "owning" a pit bull, never mind dirty looks from your neighbors, attitudes from your landlords, and angry parents shielding their children from the "ferocious monster." There are many resources to assist the world in accepting your pit and educating them about this loving breed. Looking to rent or having trouble renting? Check this out: Rent.

I started volunteering at my local animal shelter about 2 years ago. To be quite frank, I never had the opportunity to interact with pit bulls or pit mixes. Due to the overpopulation problem and the typical irresponsibility of many pit bull parents, I quickly met many pits. And boy was I surprised. Just like you, I had heard so much "mumble jumble" about pits and their "aggressiveness" and their "lock jaw" and this and that, but never had the opportunity to get to know one. To my satisfaction they were amazing, so sweet and playful and incredibly athletic.

My childhood dog was a lazy greyhound mix, who spent 99% of his time sleeping, especially at the ripe ol' age of 15, so being around these athletic dogs was shocking to say the least. My first pit bull friend was Bandit, who was locked in the shelter for over 6 months! He was amazing. I had never see a dog so athletic, muscular and sweet. The tricks that he could do were outstanding: sit, lay down, fetch, catch, crawl...I mean his abilities were endless. Well, little Bandit was stuck at the shelter for a very long time, until a loving volunteer adopted him. He was lucky in the end, although not many are. But, needless to say before you judge a pit bull do some research, just like you would any other breed.

If I can't stress this enough, be an "informed consumer", do not believe everything that you read and hear, where is your information coming from, is it reliable? Is the source educated and experienced in working with a particular breed? Or ask someone that knows what they are talking about, there are many people that work with dogs that know a lot about them, or just ask your vet.

Pit bulls are no different than other dogs, they are just dogs, albeit they are strong, athletic and loyal, but really they are just dogs. I have provided some helpful resources for the curious mind or for the pit bull parent. See below.

This posting is dedicated to a dear animal friend who was only 1 years old, when she was euthanized at the shelter. Suzie came into the shelter last year because her previous owners did not take the time to train this vivacious pup. When they finally realized this was a problem it was too late. Suzie was approximately 75 lbs., super hyper, untrained and committed to having a good time. To make matters worse, her owners did not know how to deal with her strength and playful nature and kept her locked in their hot garage (in Florida no less!) You can only imagine how much energy this young girl had! Suzie was surrendered at the shelter and lived their for a few months before her life was cut short at only 1 years old.

This is for you Suzie and for all the other pits out there that just need responsible pet parents.

R.I.P Suzie 2008

These are only a handful of useful links. Please contact me at HarleysMission@gmail.com if you have any further questions or comments.

Click Here For More Information: Training, Rescues, Myths, Training,  Pit Bull Crisis