No Bullying Please!

         

                                                            

                I am a dog mom to a Red Nosed Pit Bull and I often want to scream it from the roof tops. Today, I decided to write this post to continue our theme with education but also to share something that is very near and dear to me...my Ollie bear....

 Yes, I am aware that this is one of the cutest pictures on the planet. But I want to make something very clear before I even really get started...I love DOGS. ALL dogs. Small dogs, big dogs, furry dogs, hairless dogs (yes they exist), ALL of them. Before I ever became a Pit Bull  mom I still spoke for them, fought for them, defended them, petted them, and rescued them. Now that I am the proud momma of one, I have even more reason to be an advocate for them. 
       Today, I shared a photo of one of my Chihuahuas with my dear students at school. They are young, their minds are fresh, their hearts are pure, and I want to instill in them a love for learning, a love for reading, and compassion for those that can't protect themselves.
      It was during this 'teachable moment' that an adult spoke up and said, "I'm sorry but I am afraid of Pit Bulls". **Crushed**

 

      I never ever want my students to hear that they should be afraid of dogs..of Pit Bulls. We have talked extensively about dog behavior, how to approach a dog, signs to look for that may show aggression, caring for their pets at home....the last thing I needed was for someone to come in and jade their thoughts.

    While many people are quick to voice their opinion and thoughts I am even quicker to defend. I want people to know that all of my dogs are amazing..but in all honesty you are more likely to get bitten by one of my Chihuahua rescues that my Pit Bull rescue dog. With that being said, two of Chihuahuas had been abused by previous owners and it is totally acceptable to me that they would be scared of strangers. We work diligently on socialization but some trauma can never be erased. IF you know of or suspect animal abuse/neglect/abandonment please speak up and do something! 

I do realize that everyone has their own experiences and opinions but here is the things, until you do your research, until you meet one of these gentle creatures, until you hear testimonials of pittie parents everywhere...please don't judge. These are ANIMALS! They can't speak for themselves, they can't tell you that the problem isn't with them but on the other end of the lead!

So, here are a few websites for your reading pleasure..statistics about pitties, myths, and the fact that many breeds have been accused and blamed for being "viscous" that have now been forgotten because the spotlight is on this particular breed for the time being.

 

Defend Pit Bulls 
Myths 
Pit Bull Facts 

Do some research...use that Google search engine. Educate yourself! 


      Love & Paws,
         WPEL