Misunderstood; The Perspective of a Pit Bull Owner

Marty (Got the BAN STICK) · 10-24-2009, 05:23 PM

After spending some time browsing the pets section on Craiglist, I want to lay with my pit bulls and cry. It is incomprehensibly saddening to see the things people do to this misunderstood breed. Area shelters across the US are jam-packed with pit bulls. Backyard breeders with no regard for the welfare of these dogs continue to sell off dogs with their eyes locked on the bottom line. Ignorant breed “lovers” continue to perpetuate the numerous false rumors including their incredible locking jaws, rarity of certain colors, and inherently aggressive nature. So many dogs need homes, and so many dogs will never get that chance.

I am sick to death of hearing people tell me how vicious pit bulls are. I have never once worried about protecting someone from my dogs, but I feel compelled to protect my dogs from other people. I protect them from other pit bull “lovers” who are ignorant enough to think that their coat color, musculature, and intact reproductive organs make a difference. I protect them from uneducated fear mongers that would shoot them if they stumbled onto their property. I protect them from other dogs in public places, knowing that if their dog went after mine, it would automatically be my dog’s fault.

These dogs are not for everyone. The main reason I say this is because you have to learn how to handle prejudice. I can not begin to tell you how many times I have had rude, misinformed people say things to me when I have them out. You have to learn how to have a thick skin when you share your life with dogs that many people regard as trash. Landlords refuse to rent to you, pet stores will not allow your dogs inside, doggy day cares will refuse to let your dog play, kennels will simply not be able to “handle” your dog, and you are constantly scrutinized by other dog owners.

For people willing to deal with the prejudice and marginalization pit bull ownership often includes, you will find yourself surrounded by love, loyalty, and humor unmatched by many other dog breeds. I know I have stood on this pedestal once before to preach the wonders of bully breed ownership, but the devotion of these dogs to their owners really is their outstanding trait. Why do you think they can be trained to fight for their owners? Do you think a poodle would sacrifice its life for the will of its human? In the wrong hands this devotion can be deadly, but ,when properly trained and nurtured, pit bulls make excellent family dogs and companions.

All I really want to get across is this - If you are considering adding a four-legged family member to your clan, please consider adopting a rescued pit bull. Give one of these dogs a second chance at life, and they will be grateful to you for the rest of theirs.

Misunderstood; The Perspective of a Pit Bull Owner

**t1dirty** · 10-24-2009, 05:56 PM

good read ....thanks

itszikki · 10-24-2009, 06:30 PM

Damn, This really hits a soft spot because i see it. I'm currently looking for a house and i'm getting turned down because apparently i have a "Vicious breed" of dog. I try to find a loop hole by saying "American Bully" or just saying "terrier" hoping they don't dig for more info. My roommate also has a pit. She's about 3 months old and the most LOVABLE dog. But people won't allow a second look after they hear the name. It's sad, I'm worried about trying to control myself when the comments do start coming.

Chaos4ever · 10-24-2009, 06:57 PM

Very well said my friend. Great read

Howardsperformancek9 · 10-24-2009, 07:51 PM

Good post Marty. Definately something people need to think about. I also, think anyone wanting a good pet or companion should adopt from a shelter or rescue. I agree with that 100 percent. My parents are on their 2nd rescue dog. the first was a "pure" pit bull(died at 13 years old), the 2nd a staffy/jack mix. Both from shelters, both great dogs.

I would like to chime in about the rentals. I have 15 rental houses, that is what I do for a living. Most people know I am an avid dog lover and trainer. I also find myself having to turn away many dog owners, with pits, rotties, and shepherds, among other breeds. I have been sued for $25,000.00 over a dog bite at a rental by a dalmatian, over 200 stitches to a child's face. Most landlords have to turn away dog owners, because of their insurance carriers. A lot of people want to blame the landlord, but most are not to blame as it is their insurance companies that make these rules. I do allow a few very good responsible tenants to have dogs, that are well behaved, but I am still putting myself at a big risk.

If some of these people came to me with a dog that had a TT or CGC that would be a big plus for them.

Another thing I see in my area, is these supposed breeders that live in apartments or rental houses. I just can not see people producing and selling pups that do not own their own home. What happens if the landlord evicts them, or sells the property, what are they going to do then?

I know people who bring up rental insurance for tenants. However, I have never had anyone willing to spend the money. Plus, if the person is sued, and policy is not a high enough dollar amount, the resonsiblity still goes to the property owner.

**DueceAddicTed** · 10-24-2009, 08:13 PM

Great read ....... sad and truthful

darra1960 · 10-24-2009, 08:15 PM

Good information, Howard. My insurance company was bought out and the new company refused to insure my house bc I own 3 pitbulls. Took over a month to even find an insurance carrier who would take me. I know I am not the only pitbull owner in town, so I asked one insurance company about it and she said most people lie!! But, alot of times it is not the landlord, it is the insurance.

Annabella · 10-25-2009, 12:04 AM

So true! To be honest before now I never cared for pitbulls but now I'm in love with them!!! I own so I don't have to worry too much about the consequences and my neighbors love Annabella. They fear my Jack Russel! If the insurance thing comes up I will just have to deal with it. University of Doglando will take pitbulls thats a little far from me but I'm on the lookout and will let central Florida owners know. I have broken down so many pit hater barriers(mainly snoody ladies with their doggy strollers)since I got her we'll see how things go when shes full grown.

bluefamily · 10-25-2009, 02:35 PM

thanks Marty. During the last Hurricaine, As we were evacuating with our dogs, I saw a number of others who had their bullies and apbts in the car with them
We gravitated towrds each other and agreed that if we had to put our dogs in a shelter as was advertised the option, our dogs would have been put down. I looked at what we had and most of it was a couple of changes of clothes, a few dry goods, personal papers, but LOTS of dog food and dog STUFF. That was the most important to us. We all felt the same way--we don't care what we would be reduced to when we came back, we knew we did not want to face it without our most loyal friends. As log as we had them, we felt the world was right.

**OldFortKennels** · 10-25-2009, 04:07 PM

Marty hits another home run!

**MY MIKADO** · 10-25-2009, 04:14 PM

Dang it Marty.....you made me cry. I wish I could take in all the throw aways and give them a good home.

GnarlyBlue · 10-26-2009, 04:32 PM

I was at a party that a friend threw,talked to this guy I've never met about his 2 Dane's. Said I had apbt's, He said, "they're alright just a little too unpredictable". I was like, " You couldn't be more wrong, These dogs tell me what they're thinking waaaay before they react to anything, I know exactly what they're capable of, and what situations I shouldn't put them in." He just shruged and kept on like I didn't know what I was talking about... The expert who never owned a pit bull. I just excused myself. I also know what situations may result in a fight,haha

megz · 10-29-2009, 03:04 AM

thanks Marty, another good read...

mikey077 · 10-29-2009, 03:38 AM

I get so sick and tired of people leaving the park when i take my dogs for a walk(on leash ofcourse) they always assume that my dogs are vicious when they are the total opposite. There is the odd one that will come up and say hi to my dogs and compliment but thats one in 50 people. I feel your pain marty!

cocopuff79 · 11-09-2009, 03:55 AM

magnificent !!!

i got 2 pits, 4 kids a ton of tattoos in a over liberal/ old world conservitist small country town walking through it can be like a bad day for an unmedicated manic depressive, for the most part people are cool about it and very curious too but.......!!!! others jump off side walks, change direction or say dumb **** like " those hell hounds are gonna kill your kids one day !!!! " i just laugh and keep on walking as do my dogs and kiddos