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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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