We are often drawn to the alarming headlines that bring us bad news about pit bulls. But are they always true?
Things do happen, but, the media often over reports bad news of overblown incidents about dogs that look like pit bulls. At our rescue, Our Pack, Inc. we get many e-mails from people thinking that the pit bull pup they found on the street has been abandoned, abused, neglected or escaped a dog fighting ring without evidence of this being so. Most of the time the pup is being looked for by his owner and there is no recklessness or abuse involved at all.
The good news is that things are so much better these days for pit bulls in spite of all the bad news out there. Many people do see pit bulls differently now. Much of this had to do with the Michael Vick case in 2007 and the good work of many rescue groups. Fortunately Our Pack, Inc. was able to help in this capacity with our former Vick dog, Leo, to dispel many myths about pit bulls worldwide.
Leo worked as a therapy dog comforting cancer patients and visited schools for at risk kids. His kind soul and sweet, loving nature soothed the ill and warmed the hearts of so many. When the world saw the Vick dogs go on and do great things, the collective mind began to change.
As a trainer and rescuer I can attest to the fact that most pit bull owners love and care for their dogs and would never abandon them. And abused dogs are not the majority, by any means. Any dog of any breed can be a victim of abuse or neglect, but this isn't as broad as some people may think. Also, abuse and neglect are a human issue, not a dog breed issue.
Much of the time what I've observed is that when owners have difficulty in caring for their dogs, the problem lies in a lack of resources. Some dog owners are not able to care for their dogs due to the housing crisis, no pet polices, insurance companies that exclude various breeds, including pit bulls, and financial hardship.
Giving assistance and helping people and dogs where we can and sharing good news about pit bulls as wonderful family companions can change how the world sees them.
So, show us your pit bulls! Share some good news, happy stories and beautiful photos of your dogs doing fun, cute, happy things.
Spread the good news and make headlines about pit bulls!
Below are some photos of dogs showing what most dogs' lives are like:
Frank and his person
Pippa
Harry and his family
Bernie formerly from a dog fighting case in Ohio
Former Vick dog Leo with one of his favorite patients
Marthina McClay is a professional dog trainer, behavior specialist for all breeds of dogs and the director of Our Pack, Inc. a non-profit education, training and rescue organization for pit bulls and Chihuahuas. Some of their work includes the Michael Vick case and other high profile dog fighting cases.