As we near the end of October – Pit Bull Awareness Month – I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on Pit Bull Awareness Month; why it is important, what it means to me and what we can do to help change perceptions and promote adoptions of these most amazing dogs.

When you think about it, the goal should be to make Pit Bull Awareness Month a thing of the past. In a perfect world, all dogs would be treated the same, regardless of breed or appearance. Why is there not a “Poodle Awareness Month” or a “Beagle Awareness Month” or any other breed Awareness Month?” The reason is that unfortunately this is not a perfect world and, just like with humans, discrimination against entire groups of dogs is still very real.
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There has been some good news recently as, one by one, states are beginning to legislate against discriminatory practices. This shows that progress is being made and our efforts to raise awareness are not for naught. So, for now, it is important that we continue the campaign until all dogs can be judged as individuals and not lumped into categories based on the way they look.

As a pit bull mom, sadly my own dog is the epitome of what an abusive upbringing can do to the psyche of an adult dog. It breaks my heart to see my dog frightened of things he does not know and lacking the confidence to just be a dog. These are things he and I continue to work on and while great strides have been made, I know the possibility exists that he may never fully recover from whatever awful experiences contributed to the challenges he faces today.
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In this respect Pit Bull Awareness Month is important to me because, while abuse and neglect are not breed specific, I do think pit bulls as a group face a unique set of obstacles that most dogs will never experience. It is my hope that people will recognize this and understand that certain attributes are taught not inherent and, with love and patience can be untaught.
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I have found that in the overwhelming majority of cases, despite what has been inflicted on them by humans, pit bulls are loyal, forgiving and resilient dogs. It has also been my experience that if you are fortunate enough to know the love of a pit bull, your life will be changed forever – just like mine has.

I will continue to fully support, promote and celebrate Pit Bull Awareness Month. I will also dream of the day when it no longer exists.  When that day comes, it will mean that the world is aware of what every pit bull owner already knows; that pit bulls are just dogs and like any other dogs they are worthy and deserving of homes and families that will give them the same unconditional love and devotion that they give us.
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So, let us all continue to raise awareness in every way we can, to send a positive message and advocate for pit bulls and shelter pets everywhere – and, at the same time, keep hoping that one day we will no longer have to.

A public speaker? Me? No way! Truthfully, there was a time, and not long ago, when the thought of getting up and talking in front of a group made me want to run for the hills. Now it seems like I do it all the time and without a second thought. I guess it is less intimidating when you are passionate about a topic and want to get the word out.

​Since “Loyalty Unleashed” went from an idea to reality I have been out there, trying to send a message to anyone who will listen. And the crazy part is, despite being a painfully shy person, I am no longer afraid.

Before I was just another pit bull owner and animal rescue volunteer, trying to help other dogs like mine find forever homes. There were things I could do from the comforts of my own home to help dogs without having to actually talk to anyone. I could sit at my computer and help save lives without ever interacting with a live person face to face.
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When I became a published author however, I became an advocate by extension. Besides the obvious public presence at numerous book signings, this has also entailed speaking before business groups and presentations at public libraries. It has been an education to say the least. 

​I must admit it surprises me that the response and feedback I have received has been overwhelmingly positive. It is not just that the people who attend these events are dog people because a lot of them, particularly when I speak before business groups, are not.

​No matter where I have been though, when I tell people my book is about pit bulls, I would say about 90% of the responses sound something like, “it is all about how they are treated” or, “it’s not the dog – it’s the person at the other end of the leash.” There is still the other 10% that I have not reached and some I may never reach, but this gives me hope that maybe things are starting to change for the better. While there is still a lot of work to do, I am definitely willing to do my part to help make it happen.

​My new mantra is that we can all make a difference. No matter what your passion, find it and use it. Do something to change the world for the better. When you are passionate, your fears just go by the wayside. Trust me when I say, if I can do it you can too!