Oh My Dog!

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Blog the Change: Positively Pit Bull

“Is he a pit bull?”

I get this question (or, worse, “Is that a pit bull?”) often because Emmett and I spend a lot of time out in the community through his work as a Delta Society therapy dog. I try to use those opportunities to educate, but sometimes the responses just break my heart. (Worst one to date: “You’ll put him down when you have kids, right?”)

So many people see Emmett and define him by his brindle fur or his barrel chest, not by the fact that he is a working dog who brings joy to children who desperately need him. Or that he is the snuggliest, sweetest guy who has never met a stranger.

Then this week, at his puppy socialization class, we got the same set of questions with Cooper.

And so, inspired by my wonderful dogs and by Shauna at Fido & Wino, I would like to introduce:

Positively Pit Bull! ::throws confetti::

“But, wait,” you say. “That tab is blank.” (It’s mostly blank. I did put some instructions there, but they’re pretty loose guidelines that are totally flexible if you’re prefer to tell your dog’s story differently or something.)

And that’s where you come in! Send in your positive pit bull stories! Tell me all about your pit bull, your pit bull mix, or the wonderful pit bull down the street. My goal is to compile all the positive stories in one place, to create a compendium we can all read to feel inspired and motivated.

I have to admit, though, that I’m a little fuzzy on the back-end technical bit, so this week I’m going to post Emmett’s story as the first test post. But starting today! Right now! I’m collecting your stories!

Want to share your dog’s tale? Send an email to info {at} ohmydogblog {dot} com with all the deets! (Click on the Positively Pit Bull tab first to skim the guidelines, please!)

I’m a little late to the party, but this post is part of Blog the Change! I believe that we can change the public mis-perception of pit bulls. We can change the way the dogs are viewed, and, subsequently, we can change the way they’re treated!

Comments

    • Awesome, Tami! If you have the time, I’d love for you to submit her story to kick off Positively Pit Bull!! 🙂

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  2. There’s no breed I love more than the pit bull – they can be so stoic, their eyes filled with years of experience and wisdom, and at the same time they can be the biggest goofballs, throwing their strong bodies around just to get a good scratching in! What a great idea for your Positively Pitbull project – LOVE IT!

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  3. I’ve already gotten that question, with a concerned look, about Scout – is she a pit bull? Even my sister said, ‘I wouldn’t have one.’ But I know Scout is going to dispel the stereotypes about her breed – she’s already so sweet and has accepted my other dogs and cats happily. As for Emmett! He’s part of the reason I wanted Scout. I was always interested in the breed but then I fell in love with Mr Emmett – and Lukey & Cooper.

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    • Awww!! Ann, that is so sweet! I’m always VERY happy to hear that Emmett is an ambassador for the breed! Would you consider submitting Scout’s story – and she has quite the story?

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  5. This is great! BSL is a big problem in Denver; we need to keep educating the public about this breed. Happy Tails Books just released a book about Pit Bulls and their tales of rescue and redemption. Thanks for writing this post.

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  6. Love, LoVE, LOVE this idea. Congrats to you.

    My brother has a pitty named Tonka (like the toy trucks). I don’t get to see him much, but he has ALWAYS been a cuddlebug when I do. My brother has a BUNCH of grandkids (from pre-teen on down to soon-to-be newborn), and Tonko loves all of them.

    I’ll have to see if I can get pix of him next time I visit. I believe his original family had to rehome him because of a breed ban. These days Tonka lives with a terrier mix AND a tiny, tiny, tiny poodle-yorkie mix. That make the funniest looking pals.

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  11. Great idea! We’ve got a book full of over 50 stories from people who have fostered/adopted Pit Bulls. It’s called “Lost Souls: FOUND! Inspiring Stories About Pit Bulls.” I’ll send you over a story or two. They’re really great, and the book has been well-received. It’s great your pups are Delta Society dogs – that’s the “pit bull” people need to see more of.

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  12. Oh, I LUV confetti! And I also very much luv your idea! It’s so very exciting! I’d luv to pawticipate but I dunno if I count as a pit bull. It’s kinda confusing. My Dee-En-Ay says one thing but when people look at me they see something else. What do YOU think?

    Anyways, no matter what, this is a super terrific idea and I can hardly wait to read everybuddy’s stories. Thank you, thank you for being the change!

    Wiggles & Wags,
    Mayzie

    Reply

    • Thanks for all the excitement, everyone! The best news: Submissions are already coming in! I’ve received four Positive Pit Bull stories since yesterday. Maybe the goal should be one per week instead of two per month! We shall see! Keep ’em coming!

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  14. What a great idea! We are not pitbulls. We are actually pretty small dogs. So we have no story to tell… our Mama has known some pitbulls in passing, though, and she knows they are so sweet, like big puppies who just want to be loved. SOME pitbulls have hurt people. Lots of PEOPLE have hurt people. Just as you should not discriminate on a person because of the color of their skin, their nationality, their family background, etc , you should not discriminate on a dog because of his breed. 🙁

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  15. This is an awesome idea! There are so many pitties out there doing such great positive work in the world… i only wish a fraction of them would get the attention and praise they deserve!

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  17. What a fabulous idea! I love this thought. I am already thinking of a million positive pit bull stories I have to contribute. Thanks for putting all this together, I have a feeling it will be awesome.

    PS. Seriously, I can’t believe the things people say. What is wrong with some people’s brains? When is it ever okay and not totally rude to suggest someone put their dog down? I mean, really.

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  21. We adopted our phoebie 8 months at the time and Bruno 2 from lake Charles pitt bull rescue about 4 months ago. We fell in love with both of them. They are 2 big ole babies that like to be covered up when they sleep,at night both are in the bed with us, and they think they are lap dogs. If u walk in my yard they will love you and kiss you to death. My 5 year old daughter,now 6, lays all over them and they play so good with her. They do not get rough with any kids that have been here. The best dogs we could have adopted. If you are looking for a dog that will love you and that you can just spoil,then you need a pittie.

    Reply

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