As I write this, I have a pitbull on either side of me. One is curled in a ball snoring softly. The other is sleeping with his head under the blanket because he gets cold easily. This is a typical night for me and my two pitbulls, cuddling on the couch, but for most reality is much different.

Most pitbulls spend their days inside the walls of a shelter, because the world makes it hard to be a pitbull owner and even harder to be a pitbull. Many big cities have pitbull restrictions. This ranges from either a required muzzle and registration, or an all out ban on this wonderful breed. If the city allows them, many apartment buildings or landlords won't. So if you receive the honor of being able to own one of these loving dogs, you may not have a place to live. Unless we spread the word of how amazing they are, these dogs will never have the same opportunities as other dogs.

As someone who owns two pitbulls, I can tell you that all they really want is to be loved. They want nothing more than to be around their human. But it is also easy to see how someone can abuse that. They are incredibly strong. One of mine only has three legs, but he also has the ability to drag a couch across the room (speaking from experience). But they also want to make everyone happy, and they will do anything to achieve that. Combine those two traits with an evil person, and you can create the perfect fighting dog. This abuse is not the fault of the dog but the people who raise them, and is the reason for their reputation.

"Those dogs are child killers." "If you ever have your face mauled I'll know why." Those are just a few of the comments I've received when people learn that I own pitbulls. People see use coming and they cross the street. The lack of knowledge about how caring pitbulls are is never ending. They are seen as vicious, when they really are loving. And the media does nothing but promote their negative reputation. For every story of a pitbull hurting someone you know another dog has done the same, but pitbulls are hated already, so it is easier to show them as the bad guy.

Pitbulls are kind and loving. They want only to please those they love. A happy pitbull is one that is sleeping with their family. Even pitbulls that have been taught to fight, and they must be taught, can show undying affection for those they know. Aggressive pitbulls are the result of terrible people, not terrible dogs.

Since meeting my first pitbull Mae three years ago, I have realized how misunderstood this breed of dog is. I realized how much people need to learn about how wonderful they are. I realized that they each deserve a home of their own. In the wake of Christmas I hope you consider adding a pitbull to your family. They will show you unconditional love and loyalty, all they ask is for you to provide the same. If you are unable to do so, please do not discriminate against them, but instead spread the word of how wonderful they are. These are not bad dogs, they are dogs who are seen as bad because of much worse people.