Today it is an honor and a privilege to share this beautiful article written by Scott Smith, Community and Pet Editor for Consumers Advocate. Smith also also runs the "Everybody Loves Sammy" online community with over 150,000 followers. He describes this article as "one of the most heartfelt and important Pit Bull stories published in years."   

 "Pit Bulls - Straight From The Heart" is a compilation of positive, uplifting stories from rescue organizations and pit bull owners around the country. 

Like so many others, Smith had his doubts about owning a pit bull until an emaciated, frail and tick infested stray pit bull decided to join him and his dogs on a walk. Unable to leave the dog, now named Rocky, to fend for himself, Smith brought him to the vet for treatment. When nobody came forward to claim him or adopt him, Smith took him home.

Now, about a year and a half later, Rocky is thriving and Smith says,
"Seeing his progress from that random Thursday in 2015 has mended my heart from how broken it was that day. 
​I love him, and that's forever. And now I love Pit Bulls, and that's forever too."

Please take the time to read about all of the dogs you see pictured here. Their stories will touch your heart and you will come away with a greater appreciation of the loyalty, resilience and unconditional love these dogs display despite the pain inflicted on them.

You can find the full article here: https://www.consumersadvocate.org/features/pit-bulls-straight-from-the-heart 

Thank you Scott for reaching out to www.loyalpitbulllove.com. We know our audience will enjoy this article as much as we did.

                                                                  Pit Bull, Bentley of My Pit Bull Friend.

                    To the left, John Garcia and Pit Bull friend, Georgia. To the right, Pit Bull, Karma and cat, Omar. ​                

​                                                                            Pit Bull, Blossom, in both pictures.

                                      Both pictures are of Pit Bull, Malibu. Photo credit; Laura of lartephotography.com.

                                                                                                      Potter

On the left is Eddie Milo and a blind puppy, Opie, in the white collar. On the right, Eddie Milo and Regina Mendoza,                                                                                                   CAMP SCR director.

​                                                                  Pit Bull, Bentley and little girl, Camille 

                                                                                Pearl, from the Daily Pip 

On the right, Pit Bull Piper and her human mom Alison, credited to Rachel Johnson. The picture on the left is credited                                                                                    to Emily Tronetti from Heal to Howl.

                                            Pit Bull, Saint and Chris on the right -- Photo credit; Dan McPartlan ​

                                                          Apollo from the "Cruelty Survior" campaign by Oki Doggy

                                                      Pit Bull Presley, originally from Animal Care & Control of NYC

Wilbur went from owner surrender to ambassador for dogs like him.
He's now a Canine Good Citizen and travels the country with Shannon breaking stereotypes.

                                                                                    Scott Smith with Rocky.

Heartwarming video of a Pit Bull and his best friend, a cat. Video credit; The Dodo. 


All photos courtesy of Scott Smith  -- Community and Pet Editor for Consumers Advocate and the "Everybody Loves Sammy" online community. 

Getting Mickey to where he is today has not been easy. It has been and continues to be a journey, but I now know that his journey is also mine. Adopting a dog with significant fear issues has certainly been an education and a challenge unlike anything I have ever experienced. What I have learned could fill a book, maybe several. So, I thought I would share some insights. I hope my experiences will help others help their dogs to be the best they can be.

Today I will talk about knowing when to look for help and how to find it.

When I saw how erratic Mickey’s behavior could be I quickly realized that training him to be a suitable family pet was something out of my realm. While he demonstrated a sweetness and a love for the individuals and animals he knew, he was unpredictable around those he did not know - a huge concern. How could I take this dog out in public? Not that he even wanted to go out of the house anyway, but realistically I knew at some point he would have to.

So I did what any good, responsible, overwhelmed dog owner would do – I hired a trainer. Smart move, right? Wrong. What I did not know at the time was that all trainers are not created equal. As it turned out, this trainer (who had some very good references) was not equipped to deal with Mickey – in fact he was afraid of him. After several sessions, he stopped responding to my calls and I was left to my own devices.

I took what I could from the experience, trained Mickey in the basics, did a lot of research and asked a lot of questions. Progress was slow but it was progress.  Eventually though, I hit a wall and resigned myself to having a dog who would always be a bit fearful, neurotic and impulsive.

Then, when I least expected it, I met another trainer who was eager to work with us. I decided to give her a chance and the results were remarkable. Mickey was on his way.

That was the first major lesson I learned and, because I wish I had known sooner, I hope my lack of awareness will help others avoid making the same mistake.