I've always loved animals, especially dogs. Big, little, it doesn't matter––I fall in love with just about every animal I meet. I also have had a soft spot for pit bulls the past few years because of the extensive negative media coverage of the breed. I firmly believe that, much like children, pit bulls and other breeds are a product of their environment. I do not believe that dogs, or pit bulls, are inherently evil. They are what you make them. To understand our story you need background so bear with me.

I had an incredibly hard time last fall. I moved into my first house, my job was stressful, I took on a heavy course load with all upper divisional class for both of my majors, and I lost three relatives, two of them being grandparents, all before my 20th birthday at the end of September. Needless to say, I was drowning. I fell into a depression, and instead of seeing a therapist or wanting to take antidepressants I decided I would adopt a dog. I filled out an application to receive an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Certificate. I was approved, and started my search immediately for my new companion. I came upon a local shelter site, and when I saw Ozzie I knew I needed him in my life. Look at that face!

Despite having my ESA it was an uphill battle with my landlords. The rental company had nonrefundable pet fees (it would've been over $1000 for a large breed) as well as breed restrictions (pit bulls among others) for which they held my adoption at a standstill. It is illegal for any landlords, or property management company, to deny an ESA pet. As part of the Fair Housing Act there can be no lawful discrimination against people who have an ESA or against the ESA animal no matter the size or breed.

After many, many e-mails and visits to my landlords I was finally given permission to bring Ozzie home. He was just 10 months old when I adopted him six months ago, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. He became unpredictably aggressive only days after the adoption. I would physically have to hold him down to get him to stop coming at myself or my roommates, and the worst part was there was no obvious trigger. He would just decide to come at us whenever he chose.

I contacted his former foster owners and found out after some prodding that whenever he got aggressive with them they gave him treats to ward him off. They positively reinforced his aggressive behavior. That night I bought a metal choker with prongs, and we began breaking his bad habits. With little help from the shelter's behavior team, who thought I was the problem, I was on my own. I frequently called my father who had a whole litter of pit bulls under his command many years back, before he moved to Minnesota. I also watched a ton of YouTube videos about training techniques, and of course, I watched Ceasar Milan. Oz wore a leash at all times so we could remove him from situations or people without having to get close enough to get bitten. For some time I looked like I was abused because my arms and hands were so bruised from our battles. My roommates were terrified, and the saddest part was so was Ozzie. He did not choose to become mean. It was the choice of his foster owners who let this action become a behavior. I also believe from his initial interactions with my friends and family that he was not properly socialized early on.

Fast forward a few months, and Ozzie has passed obedience training with flying colors, he is no longer wearing a pronged collar or leash 24/7, and is a fully-functional, if not entitled and spoiled 14 month old. He has been off of his leash in the house for close to two months now, and only needs his choker when we go outside. His disposition has done a complete turnaround, and I couldn't be happier with where he is at. Here are some of the things I've learned from adopting my pit bull

1. I have had to learn to become a leader.

The problem with his fosters was that they let him control them. If you do not act as an alpha, your dog, no matter the breed, will eventually take on that role. It took quite some time to establish myself as his boss, but it's finally paying off.

2. You've got to work for what you want.

Ozzie was a literal nightmare in the beginning, but with me being as stubborn as I am, I refused to be defeated. Some days we would be worse than others, and I'd end up sitting on the floor crying with Oz hiding under my desk snarling and snapping at me. But if you met him now, you would never believe it.

3. Training and socialization are a must!

I have seen firsthand that training and socialization skills are absolutely essential to dogs of all breeds. Especially "Bully" breeds as they already have strikes against them simply because of their breed. Ozzie wasn't an abused pit, but he hadn't been properly trained early on and that could have easily ended up getting him put down. All it takes is one bite, one altercation, and it's all over for him.

4. Owning a pet is ultimately very rewarding.

Taking care of Ozzie is the most rewarding thing I've ever done. Hands down. Caring for something outside of myself has made me more grounded as an individual, and it's helped improve my mood and anxiety. Seeing his accomplishments and how smart he is makes it worth getting out of bed every day.

5. I am "that" dog mom.

I have become one of those pet parents who constantly talks about Ozzie even if I've only been away from him for five minutes. It's pathetic, I know. I constantly post pictures and videos of his shenanigans and cuteness.

6. Pit bulls are amazing.

Pit bulls are some of the most intelligent, energetic, fun-loving, sweet wannabe-lap-dog dogs. To say that they are evil just because of their breed and how many sick individuals have misused and abused them is untrue. They are what you make them, and Oz is a great example.

He is the sassiest dog I've ever had the pleasure of knowing, and by far he is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Here are some photo highlights of his craziness:

What I usually wake up to when Oz sleeps in my bed and not his kennel:

or

Oz loves sitting on the deck and judging passersby.

Ozzie loves looking at himself in the mirror and taking pictures!

I don't have a photo of this, but Ozzie can and will open doors so no one gets any privacy in our house!