The Truth about Pit Bulls

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - 4:00pm
Happy Pit Bull

“Pit Bull.” There is no other breed of dog—or arguably, any other animal at all—whose mere mention can elicit such strong opinions. Try a word-associate game with your friends: Ask them what they think of when you say “Pit Bull.” Chances are that by the numbers, their responses will be more negative than positive. And it’s no wonder: No other type of dog is as widely banned from housing, legislated against, or incorrectly vilified by the media.

How did we get here?
Pit Bulls were once widely considered ideal family pets—affectionate, loyal and gentle with children. But in recent years, these dogs have suffered tremendously from a combination of overbreeding, bad publicity and irresponsible owners. In reality, the overwhelming majority of Pits and Pit mixes are sweet goofballs who have gotten a very bad rap.

Learn the truth.
National Pit Bull Awareness Day, on October 27, is a day of appreciation and education designed to change perceptions and stereotypes about Pit Bulls and their responsible owners. Please take a moment to learn the truth about these wonderful dogs and consider rescuing one of them from a shelter.

Are you a proud Pit Bull parent? Please participate in National Pit Bull Awareness Day, and help us dispel the myths about these dogs by leaving a comment below about your wonderful pooch.

Tags: 
Adoption
Take Action

Comments

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:30 — Kathy (Visitor)
And you are sincerely uninformed and uneducated about Pit Bulls. I too once believed what the media said about them until my son brought one home. The sweetess, most gentle dog I have ever owned. Wouldn't hurt a fly. Any animal is a wild animal. A l ound Yorkie could hurt your children if it isn't properly raised. The breed was once used as Nursery dogs in England because they are so loyal especially to children. Before you comment on anything, whether it be dogs, fish, birds,politics or whatever, educate yourself. It's not a good thing to speak without knowing all the facts.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:36 — M. Grant (Visitor)
I'm sorry you feel that way! You may as well get upset at people who have truly wild animals in their homes/yards -- like raccoons, squirrels, monkeys, tigers, etc. Pit Bulls are no more wild than the neighborhood Chihuahua. No one seems to care to publish negative reports about the tiny dogs that may bite more often than larger dogs. Sure, their bite may be 'small', but it can be just as damaging depending on who got bit or where they got bit. I've had a Staffordshire Terrier for 7 years. She's very submissive, I can put my face in her food bowl while she's eating, she's accepted an American Bulldog that's been with us for 11 months, she adores my Spaniel mix, she had no problem living with my 2.5 year-old grandson and with my granddaughter who was 2 weeks old when she came to visit and 8 months old when she left. You should gear your anger toward irresponsible dog owners, not to an innocent dog that's mainly the product of its environment (which includes their HUMAN owner). Put some of that anger to good use by telling people to pick up their dog's feces or legislation that affect humans who abuse animals and/or children, or teaching your family how to get the facts before spewing off about Pit Bulls; something that I'm sure you don't have very factual information about. Let's educate the likes of people like Michael Vick and those who have illegal dog fights, cock fights, etc.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:42 — Pitty Convert (Visitor)
I know many people that are scared of pit bulls, but to jump to the conclusion that APB owners should have their kids taken away? Really? That is ridiculous. Over the years my kids were raised with 2 Dobermans, 1 Rottweiller, and a German Shepherd. These animals were all popular in the news at one time as "killers" as well and we NEVER had any problems. Thankfully my kids are all successful with families of their own now - and they love and rescue animals - including pits and bully breeds. Right now, Pit Bulls are the bad dog in the news - that's all. It all depends on which dog breed is the most overbred, overused, and victimized at the time and I've seen this change several times over the years. I have two pit bulls now too. They LOVE kids and watch out for them. Not only that, they are less sensitive to kids grabbing and climbing on them - that's why they've been called the "nanny". Yes, some have been purposely bred to be dog aggressive, but you should know that even these dogs were also bred to be friendly to humans as the people that fought them would never keep a dog that was aggressive to them! I'm sure we won't change your mind, and that's ok, just adopt the dogs you like.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 12:22 — cheryl (Visitor)
Some people get their jollies posting absurd, provocative garbage just to get others riled up. Let's just ignore this fool. He or she is rude and ignorant and we shouldn't dignify the posts with a response. Any dog, when abused or sufficiently provoked, can become "mean." The fact is that attacks by springers or poodles don't make the papers. Pits have been demonized because it sells advertising space, and because of their association with idiots like Michael Vick think it's manly and exciting to force animals to fight to the death. Humans, not any particular dog breed, are the problem.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 14:37 — jill bryant (Visitor)
You should always be careful with every dog around children. People don't think and there are terrible stories about accidents with dogs and children - an awful one that made me sick was with a Pomeranian killing a baby, there've been stories about dachshunds, a poor lab was set up to fail in a tragedy with an unmonitored baby, German Shepherds of course and on and on - but, if you ask any reporter, the only ones that will make into the mainstream media for a sensationalist response from the gullible, are ones about Pit Bulls. We certainly don't want you to adopt a sweet pit into your home but remember to be careful with any dog. Pits are fantastic dogs and great with kids but I would ALWAYS be careful. Ah - if we could only take children away from home from situations we personally found unacceptably dangerous (the list would run from eating junk food, inhaling second hand smoke, unmonitored internet usage, etc.), I think no one would have any children.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:06 — Googenheim (Visitor)
Learn how to spell criticize before you start critiquing peoples spelling. Idiot.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:54 — Brandi (Visitor)
Wow, such hatred being posted. Bitter much. It's sad really, that we as a society have come to this. Not being able to have an adult conversation and express opinions in a mature fashion. This is why I like dogs and animals in general. They don't hold grudges like this. How sad.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:25 — Misty (Visitor)
You have obviously had a bad experience. Could you possibly be stereotyping? You do realize Pete on the Little Rascals was a Pit Bull?!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:29 — Lori (Visitor)
You are wrong about these dogs. They are not killers. I have not owned one but have had the pleasure of being friends with several Pittys over the years. They turn into killers because their irresponsible owners train them to be agressive and even more irresponsible breeders over breed and interbreed them. The problem with dogs is not the dog. It is the owner. For your information all dogs have the tendency to snap at a moments notice if pressed to do so. I was bitten by a Golden Retriever who felt threatened and they are the gentlest dog in the world. I was also attacked by of all breeds, a cocker spaniel. Dogs are animals and all animals should be treated with respect, have well established boundaries and be shown their are consequences to their actions. You have to be firm but loving with any animal from a dog to a ferret to a cat. When people treat animals badly why is it the animal's fault. We are supposed to be the more evolved breed but unfortunately humans are the worst animal of all on this planet of ours.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:45 — Leslie Clark (Visitor)
How can you say you 'love' dogs 'all animals in fact' and then condone the killing of dogs for NO reason! That is the SAME as saying someone of different race than you should be put down, because of some sterotype! Pits do NOT bite more than other dogs, they are just so much stronger than other dogs and can do more damage. This is why whackos like vick fight the dogs! Do you feel the same about German Shepards, Dobermans, Rotties? They have been targeted to. What about boxers? They get targeted like Pitbulls! I have been afraid of two dogs in my life and both were Cocker Spaniels! Both of them were snappy dogs. Does that mean I have the right to say that ALL Cocker Spaniels should be 'put down' (MURDERED)? NO and I do NOT feel that way about either of these two dogs. You are NOT a dog lover or an animal lover if you can think ANY one breed should be 'put down' becuase of YOUR prejudices!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:46 — Sheryl A Ferguson (Visitor)
Any dog can bite - chihuahua, rottweiler, lab... If a dog is ill-treated, chained to a tree, not socialized, NOT NEUTERED (<--important) and if people do not understand dog behavior or body language, bites can occur. A big part of the problem is that often the wrong types of people have pit bulls. If they are raised properly, trained and socialized, I don't think they should be banned. They should, however, be kept in their yard (not roaming the streets) and EVERYONE should be required to have a license to breed any dog.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:54 — Andi (Visitor)
Our poor baby (Tank, 2 year APBT) was bit by a Dachsund. We have since learned how to read dog behavior and pull our our pit out of those situations FAST.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 16:42 — Patty (Visitor)
:(

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:50 — sg (Visitor)
I do not own a pit bull and never have. (I have a Puggle and a Bug--I love smaller dogs.) However, I have to say that in the MANY times of meeting "Pitties" in the dog parks and pet food stores, they have been nothing but WONDERFUL--and far gentler and well-behaved than my two small dogs!!! They are every bit as affectionate, obedient, and gentle as the best of them. They have been exemplary with their owners, the other dogs, and even with strangers (me!). Once, outside a store, I saw a grey/white Pitt wandering. He had a collar but no tags. I called to him, and he came. He let me lead him by the collar to the front of the store and I even ended up going into the store with him to ask someone for help. He was understandably and visibly frightened, but never once did he even hint at aggression; he was wonderful and gentle the WHOLE time, both with me (a stranger who was actively trying to control him!) and with everyone who approached. It was as I suspected--the owner was in the store and Pitt was just looking for him! (He'd pushed his way out of the car because the owner hadn't closed the hatch door tightly enough.) I do not deny that there have been instances where people have been hurt; dogs of ALL breeds can misbehave! Pitts just get more attention because they can potentially cause more damage than an angry chihuahua. However, as with ANY animal that shares space with humans, it is the owner's responsibility to train and properly raise ANY dog, and ANY dog that is aggressive should be dealt with properly. However, to blame an entire BREED for the misactions of one individual and irresponsibility of its owner, shows great ignorance.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:26 — Sheryl A Ferguson (Visitor)
This reminds of me of a time when I was walking my dog in a large field by my house. Two dogs, one was a pit, came running towards us, full blast. I was a bit nervous because they were heading right at us and not slowing down at all. When they got to us, the pit stopped, paused for a head rub, kissed my hand and took off again before I could even call for it to stop. That made me realize that being nervous about a certain breed of dog was not warranted. Oh yes, a few minutes later, a huffing and puffing owner came running up, asking if I had seen 2 dogs. I pointed him in the right direction so he could capture his two runaways.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:58 — Paola (Visitor)
To the guy who had the nerve to interrupt a slew of heart warming stories about pits, to say he thinks they are dangerous and "should be put down", I have a question. HOW WOULD YOU KNOW? You obviously have no experience with a Pit, so what gives you the right to pass such negative judgement specially amongst people who live and love Pits. Is it not clear the whole point if to eradicate ignorant opinions like that! How sad....

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:06 — TJ (Visitor)
ANY person who says that Pit Bulls are dangerous and should be destroyed aren't living in the real world. I am a retired police officer and over my career I have come in contact with a large number of dogs. Some aggresive, but mostly not. The most aggressive dogs I have come inot contact with are the little ankle biters. That is the only pattern I have seen over the years. I am an animal lover and have had canine friends my whole life. I have live with Dobermans, German Shephards, Rottwiellers, but until about 7 years ago I've never lived with a Pit Bull. All of my dogs have been friendly and loved by everyone that met them. My first experience with the bully bread was an American Staffordshire. We rescued him from a backwoods small town shelter. He was a puppy and so cute. He hadn't been well cared for, but we brought him home. He developed hip dysplasia at about 1 1/2 years old and passed away at 3 years old from liver problems associated with the treatment of the hip problem. God how we loved that dog. We also have two other rescue dogs. A female lab mix and a female St. Bernard. While we love them to, they just don't have the personality of a bully breed. After several months we decided to rescue anothe pit mix. We went to one of the local shelters and walked around all of the pens. When we got to the last row of pens a brindle Pit mix ran up to the gate squeeking his plastic cheesburger and wagging his whole back end. I knew he was the on instantly. We found out that he and his sister had been found staked out in a front yard in Akron, Ohio in January without food, water or shelter. They were near death when found. The humane society nursed them back to health. His sister was adopted very quickly, but "Sonar" spent 7 months in jail before we found him. He made friends right away with our other two dogs and within an hour it would have appeared that he had grown up with us. Sonar is such a great dog. The best I've had the honor of knowing. He is kind, loving and ever so friendly. Everyone that has met him falls in love with him. Are there agressive Pit Bulls? Yes. Are there aggressive Poodles. Yes. The problem is with the media. What makes a better story a Pit Bull bite or a Poodle Bite. Which one looks more intimidating? The low life scum that want an aggresive dog are going to key in on breeds that have the perception of being aggresive. I don't for a second believe that any particular breed is bad. I believe it's in how the dog was raised. For the low information people among you that damn a breed with out knowing the facts, you should be ashamed. Instead of going after a specific breed why don't you go after the evil demented people who would turn a loving, playful friend into a something they aren't. Maybe we should reconsider which animal to put down. The loving creatures that are twisted and warped into something they don't want to be or the vile humans that cause it. Treat the cause not the symptom. I will stand by my friend Sonar who has more heart, kindess and loyalty than any of you biggoted low information jerks.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:19 — Sharon (Visitor)
More people are bitten by so called "family" dogs than pitbulls. Pts are no more dangerous than other guard dogs and something as beautiful as a Malamute or Husky is capable of doing a lot of damage. It is about the owners. If you take any dog, stick it in the yard like a piece of furniture, it will not learn how to behave. Pits are capable of being very loving loyal dogs. I absolutely love my baby girl, also a rescue from abuse. She is not mean and vicious. I am proud to say she has helped change minds of several close minded people that first saw her as a killing machine. Blame the owners, not the breed. And do your research. Want a mean dog, get a freaking chiuaua. They have a high bite rate.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:23 — Amy Miller (Visitor)
I grew up with all types of dogs labs and retrievers where the most prominent, before i found my first put i was also scared of them. I have always bought dogs home and because of my misconceptions I had always left pits were they were, that is until on day i saw a very thin and hurt put on the side of the road and i just couldn't leave her there. When i parked and walked over she cowered and I could see that she had had puppies recently. I have her some of the treats that i always carry and soon she lead me to a culvert where her puppies were. I hooked the leash on her and told her i would come back for them. She went with me to my truck i dumped my tools put of my toolbox and put my cost in it she watched the whole time as i went and got her pups. I took the whole family to the very and then home. We lost mamma dog to mastitis and general neglect. No matter what we tried we couldn't save her, and it broke my heart because no matter how much pain she was in she never once tried to bit or ever growled at my partner, vets, vet staff or myself. She was a beautiful blue pit who should have had a full life. All right of her puppies lived. We decided to keep a boy and a girl, the boy looks alloy like his name sake Petey, the pit off of theLittle Rascals, and Sierra is a blue who looks just like her Momma should have. We were unable to find a good home for one of the other girls and she stayed with us as well. All of the adopted pits were given up after their new owners signed a contact with us that required many things. All but one family lived up to that contract. We did a visit to one of the boys homes, Charlie, and found he was outside on a chain. This is a huge no no with us, I cut the chain and took him home with us. So in case you lost count that's for pits in one home all the same age and from the same litter, they are now 18 months old, and very active. They are sweet dogs who are very well behaved because we work with them. We have 10 lb mutt that was my grandmothers and all for are gental with her and submissive to Prissy, we have had to'get on to her' about being to rough with the 70 lb pits. The problem with pit bulls is that although they are huge lap dogs they also need attention, and activity. For its wonderful we take then hiking to the park and around the neighborhood we go backpackingthey hike and Prissy either rides in my backpack or in their trail pack. Yes they have saddle bag trail packs where they carry their food water and sleeping pads and prissy will pick where she wants to ride. They are aware of where she is and avoid anything that could hurt her. I'm sorry that you haven't had a relationship with a pit, but as a convert i will never own another type of dog on purpose, rescues will always be in my life. I have been bitten for times in my life and never once by a bully bread. two bites came at the mouth of labs and it took my dad shooting one to get it off of me, this digg had never shown any signs that he would turn on the youngest member of his family. Before you say anything i was 13 and simply walked past him, he was playing with a crew toy and i made no move to go any where near his bone. He was committed to killing me, i can take anything from my pits and they sit and whine because they want it back. Please get to know the breed before you condemn them to die.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:23 — Amy Miller (Visitor)
I grew up with all types of dogs labs and retrievers where the most prominent, before i found my first put i was also scared of them. I have always bought dogs home and because of my misconceptions I had always left pits were they were, that is until on day i saw a very thin and hurt put on the side of the road and i just couldn't leave her there. When i parked and walked over she cowered and I could see that she had had puppies recently. I have her some of the treats that i always carry and soon she lead me to a culvert where her puppies were. I hooked the leash on her and told her i would come back for them. She went with me to my truck i dumped my tools put of my toolbox and put my cost in it she watched the whole time as i went and got her pups. I took the whole family to the very and then home. We lost mamma dog to mastitis and general neglect. No matter what we tried we couldn't save her, and it broke my heart because no matter how much pain she was in she never once tried to bit or ever growled at my partner, vets, vet staff or myself. She was a beautiful blue pit who should have had a full life. All right of her puppies lived. We decided to keep a boy and a girl, the boy looks alloy like his name sake Petey, the pit off of theLittle Rascals, and Sierra is a blue who looks just like her Momma should have. We were unable to find a good home for one of the other girls and she stayed with us as well. All of the adopted pits were given up after their new owners signed a contact with us that required many things. All but one family lived up to that contract. We did a visit to one of the boys homes, Charlie, and found he was outside on a chain. This is a huge no no with us, I cut the chain and took him home with us. So in case you lost count that's for pits in one home all the same age and from the same litter, they are now 18 months old, and very active. They are sweet dogs who are very well behaved because we work with them. We have 10 lb mutt that was my grandmothers and all for are gental with her and submissive to Prissy, we have had to'get on to her' about being to rough with the 70 lb pits. The problem with pit bulls is that although they are huge lap dogs they also need attention, and activity. For its wonderful we take then hiking to the park and around the neighborhood we go backpackingthey hike and Prissy either rides in my backpack or in their trail pack. Yes they have saddle bag trail packs where they carry their food water and sleeping pads and prissy will pick where she wants to ride. They are aware of where she is and avoid anything that could hurt her. I'm sorry that you haven't had a relationship with a pit, but as a convert i will never own another type of dog on purpose, rescues will always be in my life. I have been bitten for times in my life and never once by a bully bread. two bites came at the mouth of labs and it took my dad shooting one to get it off of me, this digg had never shown any signs that he would turn on the youngest member of his family. Before you say anything i was 13 and simply walked past him, he was playing with a crew toy and i made no move to go any where near his bone. He was committed to killing me, i can take anything from my pits and they sit and whine because they want it back. Please get to know the breed before you condemn them to die.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:30 — Amy Miller (Visitor)
I put this post up after reading all the negative ones, and since i work outside i had to use my phone, no computer insight, and my phone auto corrected to many things i hope you all can over look them and see the sorry. Peace be with you all and bless the bullies. Amy

Fri, 11/02/2012 - 18:25 — Shirl (Visitor)
I love your story, Amy! I think that when there is abuse to animals the penalty needs to be much greater than it is. A little pit girl was dumped at my farm, she also had recently given birth. She sat at the street for two days waiting for the unfeeling, heartless people that dumped her to come back for her, hiding in the corn, in fear, whenever a car would go by. At that point she would not come to me when I would call her. We are very far off the road but after two days she came on back and appeared in my yard. I bent down and called her and she came running, putting her little head against my leg. She was so loving. There was a piece of masking tape on her collar with her name written on it. I was packed to leave the state the following morning on business. No way could I leave her so I got a vet to agree to hold onto her. She was found a home with a lady who uses her as a therapy dog at nursing homes. I now have a rescue Shepherd and rescue Old English Mastiff. And wow, I know what you mean about the auto correct!!! What a bear!!! Shirl

Fri, 11/02/2012 - 20:48 — Shirl (Visitor)
I love your story, Amy! I think that when there is abuse to animals the penalty needs to be much greater than it is. A little pit girl was dumped at my farm, she also had recently given birth. She sat at the street for two days waiting for the unfeeling, heartless people that dumped her to come back for her, hiding in the corn, in fear, whenever a car would go by. At that point she would not come to me when I would call her. We are very far off the road but after two days she came on back and appeared in my yard. I bent down and called her and she came running, putting her little head against my leg. She was so loving. There was a piece of masking tape on her collar with her name written on it. I was packed to leave the state the following morning on business. No way could I leave her so I got a vet to agree to hold onto her. She was found a home with a lady who uses her as a therapy dog at nursing homes. I now have a rescue Shepherd and rescue Old English Mastiff. And wow, I know what you mean about the auto correct!!! What a bear!!! Shirl

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:34 — Sheryl A Ferguson (Visitor)
It's a funny image of your little dog riding in the big dog's pack - I'd like to see a photo of that! You made a good point - ANY dog will bite, even a family dog, like a lab. People need to be aware of dog behaviour and body language. And you're also right - dogs should definitely NOT be chained. If you want a dog, at least have a fence so they can move around more than a 6-foot chain allows.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 14:20 — Regina (Visitor)
Truth: sincerity in action, character, and utterance: the body of real things, events, and facts; the body of true statements and propositions If you've never met a pit bull in person please do not perpetuate the myth that the whole breed is bad. Like people, you have good and bad in anyone and it doesn't matter what color their skin is, their religion, hair color, or sports team preferences.. please, let's not let the fear of the unknown keep us from knowing the truth. The truth This applies not only to pit bulls, but life in general.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 20:20 — Kay K (Visitor)
I suppose it was the "dogs' fault" and not Michael Vick's for abusing, starving, killing and torturing those poor dogs. You need to get a grip on reality. I bet you still watch Michael Vick play football

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:49 — Beth (Visitor)
My Mia was born into a litter of puppies that were found in a garbage can in Detroit. 3 years later she came into my life via Craigslist :)She wants to kiss you repeatedly! She is super snuggly, smart, fun and beautiful. She loves EVERYBODY-no matter your size, race, gender, age. She is even friendly to the shady guys at the park that used to ask me if she was going to be having puppies anytime soon (umm..no!). She's not very big but she takes up the whole bed if we let her--stretched out on her back with her leg up in the air, so funny. She has changed my whole family's perception on what a pit bull is like and we love her for that.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:48 — Sheryl A Ferguson (Visitor)
Pretty funny :-) Sounds like a lucky little dog!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:55 — Andi (Visitor)
Ugh I know! Pleaes teach ours how to stop licking our pillows! lol

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:49 — Judy (Visitor)
Have had 2 Pitties and known many, many more. Not a single one of them was the least bit dangerous. They are exactly as this article says; loyal and loving goofballs. Makes me sick to hear people talk about how "dangerous" they are. Any dog, no matter what breed, will behave unsociably if not allowed to live with his/her people. Pits are often left all alone in a yard and have never been socialized. That trains bad behavior,and people who won't bring them inside have no business owning a dog.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:49 — Ginny Alden (Visitor)
I fostered dogs for a while and came across, Gretel, a Pit Bull/German Shepherd mix. She is the most sweet, intelligent pup, I have come across. I do not understand why these dogs get such a bad rap. The only thing I can figure is that too many of them are adopted by the wrong people, mean people that don't know how to treat a dog and probably human beings either. There are so many pits put down in the shelters and some rescues won't even take them because of their reputation. We must do what we can to try and change this misconception. There are no BAD DOGS...only bad people. I am thankful for Gretel everyday and will adopt another at some point.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:50 — Lanita Lee (Visitor)
One early morning, while watching the news before work, they aired a story that had me sobbing. A pittie puppy had been doused with gasoline and set on fire in Memphis, TN (notorious for horrible treatment of animals). She was found wandering around Rhodes College, burned almost to death. He took her to an emergency animal clinic and when she came in,, the staff had zero hope of saving her. But in God's grace, she came in wagging her tail, even though she was in critical condition. They named her Faith and saved her life. The news gave the website to apply for adoption. I was the lucky winner. She is the sweetest, most giving, funny, precious dog, even though one half of her body is burned off. I love her with all my heart and I thank God for her every day. They believe she was being used as a bait dog and not deemed useful, thus burned alive and thrown away like garbage. But God had other plans to bring her into my life and deliver such joy. God Bless Pitt Bulls and all of His creatures.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:50 — Bonnie Carpenter (Visitor)
You my friend are an Angel! God Bless you

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:58 — Sheryl A Ferguson (Visitor)
Your story brought tears to my eyes. I don't understand how anyone could do something so barbaric and cruel, but I'm glad it had a happy ending. You two are lucky to have found each other!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:06 — Brandi (Visitor)
When I hear things like that, it breaks my heart. I don't understand how anyone could do that to another living, breathing, feeling thing. I just don't understand. God bless you for rescuing that poor dog. Rescuing a dog or any animal is the greatest thing you can do. My rescue, a pitt mix, has changed my life and he is the most loving thing ever.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:50 — Dawn (Visitor)
Our baby girl is about 5 months old. She is a blue nose pit and she is absolutely gorgeous. Apart from being beautiful on the outside, she is on the inside also. Her disposition is wonderful and her energy is inspirational to say the least. She is and has been a welcome addition to a childless family. I wish that I could express how it feels when she leans her head sideways and just looks at me when I talk to her.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:50 — CassDell (Visitor)
I was very reluctant to adopt any dogs that had "pit" in them. I'm glad I took a chance on the two goofs I ended up with. Both adopted from a shelter. Leo, Goof #1, is an AmStaff mix. He is literally Mr. Silly. Not a mean bone in his body. Lola, Goof #2 is younger, bigger and, I believe, has more "real Pit" in her. As a female, she is a bit more serious, but one of the sweetest dogs I've owned. She LOVES to cuddle. I will NEVER again hesitate to adopt a dog with "Pit" in them. These are, hands down, the best dogs I've ever had. Easy to train, loving and good family dogs.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:51 — Maria E. Pierson (Visitor)
I grew up with American Pit Bulls and boy they were 100% Loyal. My best memory was Spot our Pit Bull (OBVIOUSLY) HAD A SPOT OVER HIS EYE. When he passed, it was the saddest day OF MY LIFE. I will never forget him and his unconditional love. Swee, Calm and a great guard dog. I now have an American Bull Dog who is big and reminds me of Spot. So therefore, I also named him Spot. Oh, Let's not forget, on the other side of the coin, you have Low lifes/drug dealers who train them to be a fighting dogs. Therefore, today's society think they are all evil. Not true. I love Pit bulls and those shows that rescue them. (Pitbull and Parolee and Shorty)

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:59 — Todd (Visitor)
I hate pit bulls. They are dangerous and you are stupid if you own one.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:19 — traci (Visitor)
your comment just shows how absolutely ignorant you really are...no animal or person(for that matter) is born bad, human beings do horrible things to each other and animals all the time, maybe humans should be banned.....

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:29 — Sarah (Visitor)
Can you tell me why you think they are dangerous? they are strong powerful LOVE BUGS....my sister had her cheek bit off by a beagle when she was 4 does that make them dangerous? NOPE

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:34 — Kaye (Visitor)
You are stupid if you truly believe that!

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:08 — MischelleM (Visitor)
Sadly, it is ignorant people like you who are part of the problem. Education is the cure. Get some.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 11:09 — Brandi (Visitor)
Well, I hate close-minded, judgemental people....so I guess we have somethin in commmon. I feel sad for you that you carry around that much disdain. How exhausting.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:51 — wendy (Visitor)
I got my first pitbull in the late 1970's! I've had them ever since and usually in groups of three. Most of my dogs were rescues and some I bought. They are the greatest dogs in the world and I have never had a problem with any of my dogs. I have always tried to be an ambassador of good will for pitbulls and will do so till I die! I have 3 right now and wouldn't trade them for anything.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:52 — Betsy (Visitor)
I am the proud grandmom of a rescue pit bull. My son recently enlisted in the Air Force Reserves so who else to ask to take care of the dogs (which also included a shephard hound, Sparky) but grandmom?? I will honestly say I was nervous when my son first brought Bailey home. It took me a while to get comfortable, because unfortunately, I was believing all the negatives. All I can say is, I love Bailey for the sweet, gentle girl she is. She loves affection and is my new best friend (of course, along with her sister, Sparky).She would run happily to the door when I came home from a long day at work and stay by my side, just wanting to cuddle. I allow my dogs in bed with me and even though she snores, she is a great companion. When my son came home from training after 7 months, I was quite disappointed and sad that I had to return them back to him. When I am ready for my next dog, chances is it will be a pit bull.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:52 — Dottie (Visitor)
the only thing wrong with bad Pit Bulls is stupid, bad, idiot OWNERS.....when left to their own devices, they are some of the clumbsiest, sweetest dogs when raised with love and not fear, abuse.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:52 — todd (Visitor)
Pit bulls have the potential to be dangerous. They should be banned. Very irresponsible article. Upsets me.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:54 — Googenheim (Visitor)
I agree 100% and am considering cancelling my donations to the ASPCA as a result.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 10:20 — Pibble Mom (Visitor)
You do understand that you are the ignorant people this article is targeting right? I believe that if you have never owned a Pit Bull type dog then you CAN NOT judge it. The same goes for all breeds. Did you know that Pit Bull type dogs beat the Golden retreiver in a temperment test? Does that mean that all Goldens are bad? And the CDC has even stated that there is NO TYPE/BREED of dog that should be deamed as dangerouse all breeds have the capability to attack. There are bad dogs from every breed, you cant just judge a breed when its the only one getting the attention from the media. There have been all types of dogs that have harmed or killed people, but Pit Bulls get the attention because people like you will read it. I have raised a pit bull from a very young age and also have rescued one as an adult and they are the sweetest dogs I have ever come into contact with. I was bitten by a rottweiller when I was young but I never would blame an entire breed because of one dog. Something to think about; blaming one breed is just as bad as racial profiling. You cant blame a group because of the actions of some. And also, have you ever thought about the ''bad pits'' and why they are like that. Its abuse, dogs are abused until they become mean and hostile so they will fight. Its life or death, if they dont fight they are killed or used as bait. I hope that you learn something and strop being ignorant.

Pages

Post new comment