If you’re a friend of mine on facebook, you’d have noticed that on Saturday I posted a link about National Pit Bull Awareness Day, but did you know that the entire month of October is dedicated to the wonderful, if still currently controversial grouping of dogs? It’s a much needed thing too as there are still too many humans in the world who believe dogs called “pit bulls” (there are currently a lot of breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier that are commonly referred to as pit bulls) are innately vicious and should become an extinct breed. My mom was once one of those humans, confused by all the pit bull myths and misconceptions, but now, after having met lots and lots of pit bulls and really researching the breed, she has become quite smitten with them. And if you’ve been a long time reader of my blog, you might even remember a post I once wrote about how I wished humans would give pit bulls more of a chance. So it’s great that there is a day and a whole month dedicated to getting the human population more aware of not only how terrific pit bulls are, but also that, though they are a pawesome breed, they still need the proper care and handling (like any other breed of dog) to ensure that they remain that way.
To help celebrate Pit Bull Awareness Month (or, more belatedly, day) consider doing the following:
- Head to a local shelter to hang out with a member of the pit bull club. Did you know that a majority of dogs in shelters are pit bulls or pit bull crosses? Why not go take one for a walk! It would be especially beneficial if you are one of those humans who is still wary of the breed. What’s better than spending a little one on one cuddle time with something you once thought was scary?
- If you’re on the lookout for a new, four-legged family member, consider adopting a pit bull! Of course there are always things to think about before adopting any breed of dog, but make sure you brush up on articles like Petfinder’s “Things to Consider Before Adopting a Pit Bull” before making any final decisions.
- Even if you aren’t on the lookout for a new pet, someone you know might be. Do a search of pit bulls in your area, like Luna from Edgecomb, ME, and post their Petfinder pages on your facebook, twitter, or blog.
- Help educate the human population starting with those around you who may hold on to the pit bull stereotypes. Use articles like this one and this one that help dispel pit bull myths.
Education is the biggest reason this holiday was formed and celebrated. Hopefully there will be a day where all humans have been educated in the fact that not all pit bulls are bad and what it takes to successfully integrate one of these stand-up pups into a home.
Happy tail wags!
Tags: be the change, humans, other four-leggers
Great post!! Thanks for sharing such awesome resources!
Great advice! The more the public is aware that it is not just criminals and druggies that own pit bulls, but doctors and teachers and stay-at-home-moms and bus drivers, etc. the more these dogs will stay out of shelters.
When I was a kid, a loose pit bull attacked my dog. It made me frightened of them for a long time. I’m so glad I got over that otherwise I’d have missed meeting some wonderful animals.
I’m glad that you didn’t let your fear blind you from the good pit bulls out there. I think every breed of dog has those not so amiable examples, it just seems that pit bulls, or pit bull looking breeds are the ones that get the most notoriety.
Thanks for this post. I am so glad that people are raising pit bull awareness. It’s such a shame that so many people still believe that pit bulls are a vicious breed.