What do you think of when you hear "pit bulls"? Probably what society has only focused on lately: deadly, vicious animals who shouldn't be near you or your family. I have to admit, I stereotyped pit bulls as cruel animals, and definitely didn't think I would ever own one. But, in 2011, one changed my whole perspective on these misunderstood animals.
I was introduced to Kara El (though her name was CoCo at that time) through a picture a local shelter posted on Facebook. She was less than six weeks old, and was visibly malnourished. Kara had been used as a bait dog in the cruel game of "dog fighting." She had scars all over her body and a huge sore on her nose. I didn't know what to expect when my mother and I went to the shelter to see her one day, but what I saw was definitely mind-blowing. Instead of being shy, skiddish or even ill-tempered, Kara nearly jumped out of the arms of the shelter volunteers' arms and into mine and nearly killed me-with kisses of course! After that day, we knew we were going to adopt her, and a couple days later, Kara became a part of my family.
With two pit bulls in my house (we gained another one, Padme Amidala in 2014), I anxiously waited to see what society said about these dogs were true. But, that was never going to happen. Instead of two cruel and vicious attack dogs, I've been living with two cuddly, intelligent, photogenic pit bulls who I definitely would not trust to be my guard dogs (they love anyone who walks through the front door...) So, to help break the stereotype of pit bulls, here are five reasons why you should definitely love a pit bull!
1. They all have different personalities.
Society tells us that pit bulls are mean, dangerous and can easily turn on their owners and families. But what society doesn't tell you, is that pit bulls are actually highly affectionate towards people, obedient and love physical attention and affection. Each comes with their own personality, which is completely unique and really show how fun pit bulls really are. For instance, Kara loves cuddling, sleeping with her head on a pillow and taking long rides in the car, and Padme loves running outside, playing with toys and giving hugs! Each dog has a special personality and coloring, so each pit bull is unique and one of a kind!
2. Before they were banned in apartment buildings, dog parks and even some cities, pit bulls were once American heroes!
Before states like Florida, Ohio, Utah and Kentucky enacted breed-specific laws, or "BSLs," pit bulls were popular mascots in the early 20th century, appearing on many Army recruitment posters or advertisements. Even earlier than that, in the 19th century, a pit bull named Sallie stood guard over the dead and wounded Union soldiers at the Battle of Gettysburg. Sallie is honored in a Civil War monument in Pennsylvania. In fact, the most decorated dog of World War I was a Pit Bull named Sergeant Stubby. He served through 17 battles on the western front and even helped comfort wounded soldiers. Isn't it crazy how these animals were once trusted and a part of American history, and now they're being banned from being in a loving home?
3. Pit bulls are actually very loyal, loving, and friendly animals.
Though they're associated with crime and cruelty, pit bulls are actually loving and caring dogs. In fact, pit bulls used to be considered so trustworthy and loyal with children that they were known as nursemaids or nanny dogs! Even today, pit bulls have made excellent therapy and service dogs. Though some pit bulls have a hard time adjusting to new and unfamiliar dogs, they are always affectionate and open to meeting new people (which is why they probably wouldn't make good watch dogs!) Pit bulls are also very easy to train, and are more likely to obey owners and require fewer repetitions of command!
4. Not only are pit bulls famous, but they do have some famous friends/owners!
Did you know that celebrities like Jessica Biel, Alicia Silverstone, Linda Blair, Jessica Alba, Jamie Foxx and Rachael Ray own pit bulls? Pit bulls are actually pretty famous. One of the most famous pit bulls of all time was Petey, the dog from "The Little Rascals"! President Theodore Roosevelt owned one named Pete, and Helen Keller owned one named Stubby. Pit bulls are also featured in not one, but two reality TV shows -- “Pit Bulls and Parolees” and “Pit Boss.”
5. Okay, they're so adorable!
Whether you accept the stereotype or not, you can't deny their sweet faces!
