It’s not secret that in recent years, pit bulls have received a bad wrap in the media. Horror story after horror story flood the Internet, causing people to look down on the breed and cross the other side of the road when face-to-face with one. But it’s important to keep in mind that for every tragic story posted online; there is a heartwarming story to make you think twice about the nature of the breed and the harsh stereotypes associated with the dogs.
More recently was the story of Zack, a pit bull/Labrador cross. Zack took a special liking to his owner’s infant baby girl from the moment they brought her home from the hospital. He was always her protector and as she became older, Zack would escort her to bed every night and sleep with her. This continued until the day he passed away.
Stories like this tug at the heartstrings of any dog lover and might even make you second guess what you've heard online. Here is a collection of more “awe” worthy pit bull stories that are sure to put a smile on your face and make you admire the breed that many sources tell you not to trust:
Lefty
In 2013, Lefty saved his family member’s lives from four intruders that entered their home late at night. Lefty jumped in the way of the intruder trying to shoot his owner and suffered severe injuries. The bullet hit her shoulder, shattering her humerus bone and tearing up her muscles. She received emergency treatment and ultimately lost her leg. Today, Left trots around her home like a pro on her three legs.
Lilly
One evening in May of 2012, Lilly and her owner, Christine Spain, were out on a walk. Spain tripped on the tracks and was knocked unconscious. With a freight train coming their way, Lilly attempted to pull Spain off of the tracks to safety. Although Spain managed to survive without any injuries, the train hit Lilly’s front leg, which was later amputated in surgery. Today, Lilly's story continues to inspire other pit bull owners that are looking to end the stigma attached to the breed.
Peaches
After the tragedy of the Boston Bombing, Peaches, a therapy dog, was called in to help the city heal. The pit bull, who was once slated to be euthanized as part of an animal abuse case in Georgia, worked to put a smile on the faces of the police officers at the memorial with her therapy expertise.Today, Peaches waits happily in her loving, North Carolina home to be called up for another therapy mission.
