Sorry for my lack of blogging...I needed to find a topic that I felt inspired to write about. Then, October came along and my inspiration was sparked! My love for the Bully Breeds, specifically Pit Bulls, gives me a chance to again try and help people understand this amazing breed through Pit Bull Awareness Month of October!!
Now, I'm not recommending you wander your neighborhood and go find a random Pit Bull to give a treat to and befriend. In fact, I don't encourage approaching any dog you don't know, no matter what breed. What I do hope is you will go to a Bully specific Rescue and meet some of the dogs that are available for adoption. The reason I say "Bully specific" is because they are more likely to help educate you on the breed and not just show you some dogs and send you on your way. Also, many Animal Control Centers do not adopt out Pit Bulls and will not allow individuals to interact with them. They will usually only allow Rescues/Shelters to pull (this is a common reference used for a Shelter to remove a dog from ACC and take them into their control for adoption) any of these breeds from them, if they don't euthanize them first. Sorry, it is the horrible truth of what happens daily to these babies.
Volunteering is also a great way to see first hand the personality of such a forgiving breed. Many of the Pit Bulls who end up in Shelters have had rough beginnings. My Maci, for instance, was found in a hoarder house with 80-100 dogs living outside under a house in Georgia. She didn't have much human interaction so she was terrified of me and our house when I first adopted her. Even with her anxiety and fear, she has never shown any sort of aggression. Other dogs that I've seen have been used as bait dogs, starved, abused, set on fire and have had acid poured on them. Yet, after being rescued and realizing they won't be hurt anymore, many become very affectionate and loving. Maci has never given kisses but she shows her affection by getting very wiggly (other Pittie owners know what I mean) when I come home from work.
If you think volunteering is too time consuming or more than you want to sign up for, seek out articles on Pit Bulls that have been considered "Heroes" in the news. Although you will find many more negative stories on Pit Bulls, try to pass those and move on to the positive uplifting ones. Share the articles on Facebook with your friends and help change some of their perceptions. A few I can think of off the top of my head are; Lilly, who saved her owner after she collapsed on some railroad tracks. The dog lost a leg pulling her owner to safety as a train approached. Or, the Stray Pit Bull who saved a Woman and her child from an attack in a parking lot. Kilo, who was shot in the head, and survived, while protecting his owner from a home invasion. These are just a few I remember reading this year but there are plenty of others that will make you wonder how such a "vicious" breed could be so devoted.
Better yet, you could hold a event to raise money or items to donate to a Pit Bull Rescue in your area. Shelters are always in need of food, bowls, leashes, collars and most of all cash for the dogs that they rescue. Many of them will have a "Wish List" on their site of items they are in need of the most. If you are going to hold an event be sure to contact the Shelter you would like to donate to. They can help get the word out about the event through emails, Facebook, Twitter and other free advertising they may use to reach their volunteers and fans. Events are probably the most work out of all of the options given but one that will be most appreciated by those benefiting from your efforts.
These were just a few options to participate in Pit Bull Awareness Month but I'm sure you can think of others. As I write this, I'm sitting next to Maci with one elbow resting on her back end and reminded how lucky I am to have such a wonderful dog as a part of my family. She can be a couch hog and a piggy when it comes to food but if that's the worst of her habits, I can handle it. I'm just thankful that I never listened to the media and other bad mouthing of her breed otherwise I would never know the breed for what they truly are...amazing, loyal, stubborn and loving. Hope all of you spread the word about Pit Bulls and help to change the views of one of the most misunderstood and controversial breeds. 