All my life, I have been surrounded by dogs, big dogs, and small dogs. But it wasn't until I owned a purebred pit bull, until I understood the horrible social stigma they carry. I own a beautiful bully --Rednose pit bull, with crystal blue eyes, white, with brown spots all over. He's an adorable little pup, despite the fact that he is already 7 years old.

As a little pup, Yaqui became extremely sick, unable to walk or even eat. We thought we were going to lose him. I spent multiple nights and days feeding him baby cereal, hoping and praying he would get better, but it only seemed like his health was declining by the days. One morning we woke up to check on Yaqui, he was prancing and playing around along with my other dog Charlie, literally, it was a miracle that he was OK.

I learned of the horrible stereotypes people have against these beautiful dogs, while walking my dog at the park, playing with him in the front lawn of my home. People would stare, frightened, and I would always look at my dog, this huge, loving dog that has never hurt anyone or anything. My question has always been: Why are people so easy to judge these are terrible dogs? Why are people so afraid of them?

There are simple answers to these questions, people are afraid of a stereotype that doesn't exist. A dog is to be treated right throughout his/her lifetime, no matter what breed of dog they are. I don't believe that dogs come out to be naturally mean, just like I don't believe people are naturally mean. Experiences shape a person, and is also in accordance with raising a dog. We must show our pets love, respect and kindness, and not just neglect them after they are "no longer a puppy and cute." Dogs are such beautiful animals, especially pit bulls, I have learned to ignore the stereotype that my dog is a horrible killer, I raised him to be a loving puppy. Although he does flinch at meeting a new person, he becomes more scared than anything.

My dog is my best friend, I talk to him like if he is actually going to talk back to me, but it's okay his eyes tell me he understands me. He's been there when I've been sick, when I've had injuries, and even when I had teeth pulled out. He's been there for my parents too, guarding our house from anything that may cause harm, but he just hates cats, so that's what he barks at.

He has been there for me and what I can do is be there for him, I am a strong advocate for pit bulls, they are gorgeous animals. Like a friend once said describing his own pit bull, "Picture the soul of a little kid being stuck inside a pit bull," they are big babies, really, and all they live for is being our perfect pet, so why not treat them like it?