9.19.2011

I'm a Pit Bull Mom

My dog, Riley
My name is Ashley, and I'm a Pit Bull Mom.

My son's name is Riley, an American Pit Bull Terrier. Obviously, he's a rescue dog, and of course, he's awesome.

I also have a crew of amazing Pit Bull babies at Lucky Dog Rescue. They are each loving, fun, and special. If you're looking to adopt a dog, my Pit Bulls are incredible... and so are the millions of wonderful Pit Bulls waiting in animal shelters across the country. You should adopt one.

I'm ridiculously proud of each of my babies, and I wouldn't trade them for the world. But I won't lie to you... Life is different when you're a Pit Bull Mom. Not because of the dogs... but because of the people who hate them. 

When I take one of my rescue dogs, like a Lab or a Hound mix, out for a walk, everyone in the area wants to meet them: "What a cute dog! What's her name? She's so sweet!" Car rides result in lots of smiles and waves. Trips to the vet are filled with attention and praise from the other clients. For those dogs... outings are special, fun, and exciting.

But when I take one of my Pit Bulls anywhere... it's a much different story. On walks, others will intentionally and rudely cross the street to avoid any contact. Many of them will nervously jog until they get past us. In the car, other drivers glare and point. At the vet, clients cling to their children and quickly head for the door.

When I'm out with my Pit Bulls, I'm forced to endure rude comments, open criticism, and sheer ignorance. I've been questioned many times, I've been debated in public areas, and I've been made to feel like a criminal... simply because I love these amazing dogs. True story... and it sucks.

Here are a couple of basic examples: One day, a woman stopped me on my walk, as my angel Riley was smiling and prancing along, and she said: "You've got some kind of nerve walking that Pit Bull around this neighborhood. There are children here, for Christ's sake."

Smiling Riley at the lake
Oh my goodness! Are you serious?! There are children here?? Wow! They've really kept that secret safe! Thanks for the heads-up, lady! That loud playtime screaming never quite tipped me off about the kids. Whew... thank God for this leash, right?! Or should we thank Christ? You seem to know Him best... using His "sake" so freely and all. Either way.. there's no telling how many children my super-vicious-child-destroyer would lick without this tiny-ass restraint. By the way... do you see how his tail is wagging right now? That means he likes you... despite your unflattering hatred. My opinion of you... a little different.

Another woman at the vet's office once said: "How dare you bring a Pit Bull to the vet's office?" 

Hmmm... well.... let me think. I guess I did that... mostly because... it's a VET'S OFFICE... you know... for pets and junk. It appears that you brought a rat here. Oh wait... sorry. That's a dog. My mistake.


Like I said, life is different as a Pit Bull Mom. Some people will judge you. Others will berate you. A lot of people will hate your child... and they'll hate you for having them. 

It's painful... when people hate your baby... this innocent little soul who has done nothing to deserve the judgment. It's heartbreaking... to watch your dog joyfully approach a stranger for attention... then to see that stranger talk down to them in disgust or walk away in fear. It's sickening... to think of what these dogs have been through in their lives... and to know that the forgiveness and love flowing from their hearts isn't enough to make them amazing to others. 

Hearing all of this... it may sound like it's not worth it to become a Pit Bull Mom. Well, in truth, it's beyond worth it.

Riley is awesome
Honestly... if it wasn't worth it, why would I do it? Would I really put my reputation... my life... on the line for a vicious, killer dog?? Would I really use every breath I have to save them... if it wasn't worth it??

Throughout my life, I've known every breed of dog there is to know, as well as thousands of different mixes. And when I adopt a dog, I've chosen the Pit Bull. That should tell you something. Why would I choose the most "aggressive" breed for my own personal dog?? Seriously... ask yourself... what do I have to gain by fighting for a "vicious" breed?

If the stories about them were actually true, and they were simply going to prove me wrong... then not only would I lose every ounce of credibility I have... but I'd also be putting myself in immense danger on a daily basis. WHY would I ever do that???

I subject myself to the scrutiny and judgment... because their love is worth it. Healing the pain in their hearts is worth it. Presenting the truth is worth it. The amazingness they bring into my life far outweighs any criticism I could ever receive. These dogs are loyal. They're intelligent. They're fun. And they're awesome. 

Being a Pit Bull Mom is different. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. Anyone can be a dog mom. But it takes a really special mom... to be a Pit Bull Mom.

78 comments:

  1. Amen to that last remark...it takes a really special mom... to be a Pit Bull Mom.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You hit in on the head once again! You're right, it's beyond worth it. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have grown up with pit bulls my whole life. I absolutely adore them. They are incredibly smart and loving animals. I hate people who criticize me all day long when I take my pit outside. One dude even claimed she bit him when she was no where NEAR him. Ha. I completely support you! I would adopt more pits but my landlord does not allow pits. Mine right now is a hard enough secret as it is. But one day I'll own a bunch just like you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am sorry ppl aren't educated. I know how you feel. I have a rat terrier/rotti mix and of course everyone just see's the rotti in him and are scared of him.. umm he is the biggest sissy at times. Even my mom said she is scared of him.. really why cuz he barks at times.. You seem to deal with it pretty well..even though you shouldn't have to deal with it at all. Don't worry your doing a super kick ass job

    ReplyDelete
  5. Whoever said ignorance is bliss never owned a pit bull! I, too, am a proud Pit Bull mom. :) And I can't imagine my life w/o my super snuggly, goofy pit bulls!

    ReplyDelete
  6. amen amen amen. i love my baby cheifer

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for this article! From one pit-bull mom to another...YES it is BEYOND worth it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I Love the way you love these dogs. I adopt rescued boxers. No dogs should be abused or left to starve. The current economy is putting such a hardship on animals right now. Bless you for the work you do. I would LOVE to be just like you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am an animal lover, no matter what it is. I was bitten by a pit bull once. I was petting her and she was kissing me. I moved to fast and it startled her. She clamped onto my lower lip then immediatly let go. She did not mean to hurt me and when she realized she did something wrong she layed down on the porch and hid her face. I never held any anger towards her, I even continued talking to her when I saw her. It is not right to judge an animal just because some people mis-treat their animals and they end up being vicious. This particular dog lives with a family wiht three children now and she has never harmed them.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love pit bulls. have since i could remember. im a huge advocate for them. everytime i hear the negative comments i have to set ppl straight. they are not the number one dog for bites. i have never met a vicious pit n i dont know anyone who has. but i have a scar on my butt from being attacked by a dauchshund (weiner dog) ca we ban them too? when will it end. you ban one breed then every breed will eventually be next.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ooh and that dog that attacked me. wasnt provoked! and all they said was its ok he has all his shots. i said no your lucky im not calling the cops

    ReplyDelete
  12. Bravo! I was a Pit Bull mom until he crossed the rainbow bridge...they are the best dogs! I now have a rottie who is the biggest baby (he's a rescue)all he asks for is belly rubs, cookies, hugs...and of course love.There will always be ignorant people who will judge our furry babies but screw them they all probably have those lil rat dogs lol..Keep up the great wor and go bless you an ALL your babies!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I think igonorance is the word here...peoples ignorance causes fear..and then of course stupidity sets in as well..I believe people need to educate themselves before making harsh judgements about this breed of dog....I think Pit Bulls are misunderstood dogs because of what people see on tv and movies...I owned a Pit Bull and yes I caught critism...people asked how i could love my baby girl Badger..but she was special and most loving...she use to think she was a lap dog..lol...I miss her...I believe people need to educate themselves before making harsh judgements about this breed of dog....

    ReplyDelete
  14. Once again, very well written Ashley! Your Riley is a handsome son. Keep up the good fight! They are worth it!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great post! I can be honest, and tell you that I was a bit timed at the Humane Society when we began walking dog, as there were mostly Pit Bulls. It took me less than a couple of days visits, and I began walking them first (unless there were other kennel trained) dogs needing out first. They are so easy to fall in love with. These pups are truly special; I know they don't get adopted first, but our HS is great with adoptions. Thank you and all dog rescuers for spreading the word on these special doggies. Also, so glad you are posting on email! I have shared with a couple of Non Facebookers and they love the blog!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I would have told the one lady to wait one minute and let me put my lipstick on! Ha! I would have to smack someone who couldn't keep their snide and uneducated comments to themselves! People are so ignorant!

    A Pit Bull Mom

    ReplyDelete
  17. By the way I forgot to say that Riley is one beautiful dog!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi, I will have to make a different comment because i am not a pit bull mom. Not that I hate pit bulls or anything. But I think it is also hard to not be scared of them because of all the bad publicity they get, attacking other dogs on the street and kids too. I mean I realized now that it's not all breed, but then again i am a big fan of dogs so my heart is open to understanding this issue. Those people you call ignorant might just be misinformed and scared because of the media. It shouldn't be an excuse to be mean to a perfectly behave pit bull though.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks Ashley :)
    we've got an awesome american bulldog/lab mix. He showed up as stray as a puppy and stayed. He's the smartest thing and also the happiest. This dog NEVER has a bad day. He's in agility training and our goal is the passing the CGC test.

    ReplyDelete
  20. One time my dogs went our on the year and there was this Pit Bull that got out of it's apartment and run right for my little dog (she's 13lbs.) I was soo scared..but the pit just wanted to play, it was the sweetest dog ever!! but sadly the owner was forced to let her go because our apartment does not allow pit bulls. I thought that wasn't fair. In short I blame the media for them getting a bad reputation. I am pretty sure that they are what you said they are Ashley and beautiful too,and I am happy that you wrote this for all the ignorant people out there maybe good things like this will change people's mind about them.. God Bless you and your Pit Bull babies! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am also a pit bull mom, we adopted Diesel a year ago and he has turned out to be one of the best dogs we could have asked for. He is a mix of a lab/pit bull and bull dog but he is mainly pit bull after doing a DNA test. I run with him every day after work and I of course get the looks and the snide comments here and there, which makes me sad, but I wouldn't trade Diesel for any dog in the world! He is great with other people, dogs and especially kids.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am a chow mix mom biggest issue there is the hair lol. My daughter (and I) have a pit mix who has an neurotic need to give kisses. My Mom rescued a pit mix who is a black dog and was an adult. I will never doubt their devotion nor could I imagine life with out them.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Ash, you are not alone -- I just posted this yesterday because I am a pitbull mom too! Although, you are much funnier! http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/helping-connecticut-canines/truth-in-advertising/176604992416994

    ReplyDelete
  24. I've had this happen. "Ooo. What a good looking doggie and she's soooo friendly. (Giggle, giggle as she gets doggie licks.) Whatever kind is she? She's so cute. I want one too." Me. "Dutches is a Pit Bull." Startled, uncomprehending look--the light comes on. "A pit?" as she damn near kills herself backing up. We had met in a park and were going to spend the afternoon chatting and getting to know one another. I'd told her I would bring my dog so they could meet. It was our second and LAST date. No loss.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I couldn't agree more. It's not their fault they get such a bad rep, it's the fault of the ignorant and of the assholes who train them to fight and be vicious. It's just not right to ban them, or any other breed, for that matter. What ever happened to innocent utility proven guilty? These poor babies are simply presumed guilty just because of the way they look, when they have done nothing wrong. My first rescue baby, Moo, is half pit half golden retriever and she is the biggest baby! She runs and hides under the bed whenever anyone comes to the door! And she gives the sweetest kisses and cuddles. I love her so much. <3

    ReplyDelete
  26. your dogs are blessed to know you, you save lives every day, people should see that in stead of being mean, they need to look at the pit bulls heart like they do with people not what others say..they are wounderful dogs.

    ReplyDelete
  27. It's good to know that I'm not the only one who endures the glares, the snide remarks, and the stares. My baby is blind and the sweetest dog I've ever had. I've had Collies, Labs, Goldens, and my fur baby is the sweetest thing ever. The sad thing is that he LOVES kids. I never taught him this, but when he hears a child, he lays down immediately, hoping if he's still, maybe they'll pet him. When parents grab their children and run away, it breaks my heart. They don't realize that they just missed out on a teaching lesson for their child - not only that pitties are great dogs, but that you should never judge a book by it's cover, regardless of whether it's people, dogs or something else. There is an upside, however. I do get to meet many pit tie lovers. Like you said, it's totally worth every minute of the drama... being a pit momma is the best job I've ever had.

    ReplyDelete
  28. yes, ashley, you are special and we all know it...keep up all you do...

    ReplyDelete
  29. you have to know a pit to be afraid...it is all a matter of well i heard.well chances are what you hear is coming from someone who has never seen a pit let alone own one.please excuse their super stupidity and lack of knowledge they live a sheltered life and do not have an opportunity to see the real world as it is.....GO PITTIES AND HAVE A GREAT LIFE..YOU DESERVE IT

    ReplyDelete
  30. AMEN! I grew up my whole life with pit bulls. And now my two year old has a three year old pit bull boxer mix. She's the kindest sweetest dog I've ever owned. And I got her from the pound in Phoenix az. I think its completely awesome what u do for pit bulls and all other breeds of dogs. U r an amazing woman. God bless u! And thank u for standing up to people for those precious pit bulls.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you Ashley for all you do ! I worked at a veterinary hospital & boarding kennel for 2 years. Never got bit by any of the pit bulls we took care of ! I was biten twice while working there, by a shih zu & a cockapoo. 2 small dogs that had a bad attitude. All the pit bulls I have met or taken care off were like "sweet butter", just wanted love & human touch. Sweet babies !!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I think this may be one of the few posts of yours that I haven't been a crying and snotty mess (pretty picture huh?). But I did smile at this post. I've been blessed to have Pitts in my life and I know what you are describing. My brother and sister-in-law have a Pit/Shepard mix and she has become a second mom to my nephew and niece. In fact, when my niece was just born and would be crying in her crib, Duchess was the one that would jump up first and keep nudging my brother or SIL until they stood up and went for my niece.

    The second beautiful Pittie I know is the "fur kid" of a dear friend. All the dog wants is for you to give you kisses and try to puppy-dog-eye you into giving him belly rubs (which I am a sucker for - Champ knows this and uses it all the time!). He has the look of the "typical" Pitt and I have seen first hand the sad situations that he endures because of the bad rap of his breed. My friend and I were walking the pooch around the neighborhood when, from across the street, an older woman screamed at us that the dog was a menace and that he should be shot right now. The dog wasn't even doing anything - except wagging his tail and wanting to go meet the woman!

    Ashley, please know that there are some educated people out here that are aware of the best the Pitts have to offer. The two Pitts that I have close, very regular contact with are nothing but the best. A pat on the head, a minute or two put aside for a belly rub and they will follow you to the ends of the Earth. THAT is what the Pitt is - loyal, loving and above all, one of the best dogs out there.

    Please keep your head up Ashley. I know some days are hard and that it just doesn't seem like you're doing much but I promise you that what you are doing means so very much to more than just a few lucky dogs. You are a fighter and a champion for the dogs that have no one else to fight for them. Chin up sweetie!

    ReplyDelete
  33. PITBULLS got their name "vicious" because of human error.. they werent born vicious... humans made them aggressive by fighting them. Any dog can attack if not raised in a gentle and loving home. I had a pitbull (katela was her name) and she was the most loyal, bright, obedient dog.She sure was special.The comments.. I got them too, people would look at us and look at me and run away from me while i walk her.. so sad.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I run a pit bull rescue and, while a couple of my volunteers have endured such comments as these you write about, somehow I never have...at least not to my face. I think I might be the one who scares people, actually :) But, Ashley, this post was hilarious; I laughed through the whole piece!

    ReplyDelete
  35. You are so right Ashley!! Im a proud Pit Bull mom too! In for nothing in that world ,i would change that ! Pit Bulls are gods blessing!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Pit Bulls are wonderful dogs, and Ashley I think it is amazing what you are doing. I look up to you and people who run pit bull rescues and who foster animals that have been neglected and abused. No animal deserves what some animals go through. But thank goodness there are people in the world who care.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Debbie D. in Austin TexasSeptember 19, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    I had my beautiful pit bull, Ginger,red nose Carver) for 16 yrs. My children grew up with her. She was apart of our family. My children even insisted Ginger slept with them on their beds. I had to put her down 3 years ago because she couldn't stand up to eat or anything anymore. That was the sadest day my family has ever had. Raised right, these precious animals are a blessing for any families home!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ashley,
    I hear similar stories from my daughter (also Ashley) because she too is a pit bull mom. She is also a vet tech and adopted her dog from the clinic where she works when someone abandoned a whole litter of pups with parvo there. They got them healthy and she took Lily home. I wish I could figure out how to send you a picture of Lily with my 7 month old granddaughter. There is NO WAY she would ever hurt that baby (or anyone else) but people think we're crazy for letting the dog anywhere near her. People can be so ignorant & your Riley is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Great post! Sharing on FB to help the ignorant realize media hype is not the Gospel! I took in a Akita/Pit puppy with a crippled hind leg (birth defect) that had been abandoned in a parking lot... obviously, because he wasn't fight-worthy.
    He's the most loyal dog, but it's like you said, people approach us because he's a beautiful dog... when I tell them he's Akita/Pit? Whole 'nother story!
    Keep up the Pittie Brigade and hugs to Riley!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Ashley, you are an amazing pit bull mom!! Please keep up everything you are doing. If people could just understand about this wonderful breed. Like I've heard before..BLAME THE DEED NOT THE BREED!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I own a boxer and am surprised to see how many "ignorant" people there are out there and think that my little boxer Britney is a pit bull. They are afraid of her for no reason. The very most she would do to anybody is slobber all over them!!! Any dog will be aggressive if trained to be that way. Its all in the owner's hands as to what the dog's temperament will be.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Ashley, you are amazing! I also laughed alot. I have a friend that has a pit bull mix. However, he is more pit bull, but anyway, he is one of the sweetest dogs I know. He gives me kisses and hugs. He is a big teddy bear! I used to be one of those people you talked about, but then I got educated. I've seen some little chuhuahuas that were meaner than the pit bulls I've been in contact with. There again it depends on how they are raised. Keep up the good work, Ashley! God bless you!

    ReplyDelete
  43. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thank you Pit Bull Mom! When I see a pit bull I make sure and make my squeaky high-voice happy dog greeting especially squeaky and happy. The pit bulls always appreciate it and lick me all the harder--and the owners usually seem to appreciate it too.

    I just bought some fairy wings for my two pittie foster dogs and am going to walk those two all over in those things--maybe we'll start to make a dent in pit bull perceptions in our little corner of the world!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Way to go! Amazingly written. I'm proud to be a pit bull mom. I have encountered the same ignorance as you. I always laugh when I walk my obedience trained dog into the vet and watch people crab their kids and their "rats" and look at us with disgust; meanwhile my dog is the best behaved dog or human in there. I'll always rescue a pit and proud of it. Thanks for all that you do, for the pibbles as well as for those other crazy people out there that are pit bull lovers, like myself!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I never realized that there was so much prejudice toward the pit bull. In my mind- they are a dog and the outcome depends on the owner... how sad that people judge these babies based solely by their breed. It's going to take more than a village to turn this around.... thanks for raising the awareness Ashley- that's where it all begins....

    ReplyDelete
  47. Ashly, I have been following your blog for some time now and I learned from a (very stupid) ex-boyfriend how sweet and gentle these dogs could be. When I become more financially stable I would love to adopt one of your babies. I would love to run over to Mississippi and do it RIGHT NOW but I want to be able to provide for him or her. my email address is lalabeth27@gmail.com please keep me updated on adoptable dogs!!!
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  48. Very well said Ashley!! You are an awesome pitt bull mom!!! And sorry to say i have a sister quite like the woman on the street, and the woman at the vet. Her and I argue a lot about these dogs. I am the owner of two large Shepherds, and they too make some people frown, but they are my boys, and i love them!!! So keep doing what you are doing, it doesn't matter what the others think. We need more ppl like you and more education on these great breeds of animals!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Im a pitbull mom. I love my baby. She was a gift from a special friend 3 years ago,she is so loving,she loves to be loved,she loves her cat(son) Ray-Ray, yea I said son,We found 4 abandoned kittens and my pit became their mommy. I called my vet and told them she has gotten milk. They said it was a false pregnancy. they said to let her nurse them. Unfortionatley we didnt get to all of them in time and to passed away.The two she raised were healthy,we kept Ray-Ray and he still sleeps in the dog house with her.People think it weird that my pitty loves this big orange cat.So to anyone that says a pitty is an aggresive dog they need to met my little girl.

    ReplyDelete
  50. i own 4 pits and 2 labs my labs r the mean ones and my pits r the biggiest babies i have ever come a cross and ppl that have a problem with my pits know right where to go

    ReplyDelete
  51. i'm only going to rescue dogs from now on and my next baby will be a pit bull who needs me.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thank you for writing an amazing article about an amazing breed! Pitties are such great dogs and I appreciate you making people aware of that. I volunteer at a rescue shelter and the Pitties are my favorite. And out of all the bites I've gotten at the shelter, not a single one has been from a Pit Bull. Keep up the great work informing people about this "bully breed" that is anything but bullies.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Great perspective-- Thank You for this!! I'm a Pit Bull Mom too, and often feel like it's me & my baby against the world! He is super friendly and loving, and I'm so grateful he doesn't realize just how awful many people are towards us. Your site reminds me that we are not alone, and not everyone hates and/or fears us!

    ReplyDelete
  54. My sister-in-law goes through the same thing when she takes her pit bull Mona out for walks. If people would only take the time to get to know Mona, they would see what a sweet, wonderful, loving and goofy girl she is! This whole situation reminds me of the racial discrimination that African Americans faced, only now it’s breed discrimination and it really pisses me off.

    ReplyDelete
  55. We recently adopted a pit from our local shelter (Stray Rescue of St. Louis). Our boy Crash is honestly the best dog. I have grown up with dogs my entire life, training them (simple training), walking, ect. My pit has been the absolute easiest dog to train, is fantastic on a leash, LOVES children, and is all around the sweetest baby. I've never seen such loyalty from a dog before him. Plus he is absolutely adorable!!! In 2012 we are going to start putting him in programs to work with others and become a real role model for pits everywhere to help educate people on the breed. They are not aggressive, just powerful. Yes, you need to know what you're doing with a pit because of their strength and energy, but never once has he shown any signs of aggression towards us or another dog or person. This pit mom loves her bully!!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. If someone is an ANIMAL LOVER, they should love ALL of them! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  57. I would gladly walk beside you! I have a pittie grand dog that I love. I get the same reaction from my English Mastiff. He is quite tall and weighs about 195lbs. Most people are horrified by him especially cause he barks when he sees people. They do have a bark that would scare Satan. People are so ignorant. Murph wouldn't hurt a flea, he may drown it in drool but thats about it. Never jude a dog by his size or breed.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I love Pit Bulls! I have had the pleasure of raising two and finding them good homes. They were the biggest babies and the sweetest dogs I could have ever been blessed with. It is said that the pit bull breed are viscous, but these things are untrue and mostly unfounded. I was a proud pit bull mom, and would gladly do it again!

    ReplyDelete
  59. I had the pleasure of being the "mom" to a Rotti & a Pitt Bull until their passings. Both were wonderful companions. They were loving, affectionate, & yes, protective, but never harmed anyone. They played with small children & other neighborhood pets, & they allowed strays to eat from their food bowls...even small kittens. Any dog can be trained to be mean. I am so tired of Pitts getting bad publicity. It's time the public was made aware of their good deeds. These dogs were once used as "Nanny Dogs" for small children. It's time they were put back in the spotlight the wonderful dogs they are!!!

    ReplyDelete
  60. That story made me cry! You are so correct in everything you said! I am also a pitbull mama. Really not by choice. My grown son brought home a pit-bull-terrier and then an American ridge back red-nose pit. At first,I also, was skeptical. The first one was the pit-bull-terrier. I was scared of him! Which was crazy, cause I'd never met a dog I was afraid of! We've always had dogs. All usually rescues or throw-aways. Anyway,I now LOVE these 2 dogs just like all my others,(we have 8 total)and they are no trouble at all!!!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Aww Riley is very handsome.
    I dont own a pit yet but im inlove with the breed.

    ReplyDelete
  62. We have three pit bulls now and I'm constantly amazed at the comments people feel are appropriate to make right to our faces. We even had a neighbor who walked up to me once while I was out with two of them to tell me he thought I seemed nice enough but that my dogs should be killed. Thanks, buddy - I'll see you at the Christmas party. It takes more than an interest in adopting a dog to be a pit bull parent - it takes a willingness to fight for them and an ability to grow a very, very thick skin. Thanks for being up to the task!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Amen sista! I am the proud mom of the most vicious pittybull face! She terrorizes my face with sloppy kisses. She is a menace in bed when she steals my covers! She is generally just an overall terror! LOL! I was a little skeptical when we first adopted my Mya, but I honestly would not have another breed now that I have had her. I have had the dirty looks in training class and people making comments. If they truley knew how loving these dogs are, they would change their mind. You are doing a great thing!

    ReplyDelete
  64. I think this just goes for the bully breeds in general...I am mom to an English Mastiff and get the same treatment. My baby (all 115 lbs of her) is a marshmallow. She will not eat your face off, but she may knock something over with her wiggle butt because she is so happy to see you or drown you with a big drooly kiss! She sleeps with our cats and loves children. Vicious, killer???? Not even close.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Ashley you are a wonderful pet mom and Riley is adorable. I love the way his one ear folds down to give him that happy, goofy look. Unfortunately, too many pit bull owners train their dogs to hurt and attack, especially around here. I have made friends with the neighbor's pit, but he is not real nice with strangers. He will growl to warn you off if you approach, he was trained to do that. :( However, I have friends with pits who are the nicest, most loving animals you'd ever want to meet and play with. I had someone ask if I was insane once because I was down on the ground at face level with a pit, wrestling and playing with him. I had no worries because I know this dog is a loving animal who just wanted to play.

    ReplyDelete
  66. You have to keep spreading the word. At one time people felt the same prejudices to people of certain race and religions. The only way to beat ignorance is with the truth.

    ReplyDelete
  67. BSL is horrific- I live in Ontario - a province which has similar discriminatory disgusting legislation. Some of my BEST friends - the most adorable, friendly, sweet and loving dogs I've every known - who happened to be pits - were SLAUGHTERED when the OSPCA raided the shelter at which I volunteered. They said they were temperment tested and "couldn't be saved". TWO of these dogs were used to TRAIN NEW DOG WALKERS becuase of their sweet, loving dispositions! I can't wait unitl I leave this province (in less than two years) - the FIRST thing I will do will adopt a pittie in danger. Incidentally, though, the behaviour you describe vis-a-vis ignorant people - I have run into that exact behaviour with my two german shephards!

    ReplyDelete
  68. My brother had a beautiful Pit Bull Terrier. Judas was the most beautiful brindle color. She was also the sweetest, calmest, most gentle dog you could ever know. The only danger I had with her and my 2 yr old daughter was watching out for Judas' wagging tail. It was a strong one! She was a beautiful, sweet dog and it's just a terrible, ridiculous shame that so many people fear these dogs. It's of course because of the idiot gangbangers that feel that having a pit bull shows strength and that everyone should fear him. If we could somehow keep these sweet dogs out of the hands of these pathetic people, we wouldn't have the problem. The Pit Bull is not a dangerous animal, the owner is! Kimberly W. ,, MN

    ReplyDelete
  69. I have been a dog person my whole life. I've had 1 or 2 in my life every day except for 2 very dark days, when I lost my male Keeshond and male Lab mix of 14 years , to cancer. I went to an animal shelter with my family to help heal our hearts. I was picked out by Mia, a 5 month pit mix. She chose me. We also were lucky to have caught the eye of an all white 3 month old pit named Candi. They are and continue to be the most loving, affectionate, loyal and sometimes way to smart dogs, I've ever seen. When they follow me around the house watching what I have on my feet or what items I pick up or place in my pockets to see where I may be going so they can go with, I jokingly tell them that I didn't know Pit Bulls were supposed to be so smart. I have seen a fraction of the nonsense that you have seen with the anti pit mentality, but it does exist. We love our girls and will never have any other dog other than an adopted Pitty.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I've had fluffy red Duck Tollers for years, taken care of and walked many other breeds from border terriers to labradoodles to malamutes. I got my first pitbull this summer, and now I understand. I am glared at, criticized, questioned, rude comments are made, and then there are the folks that "act" ok, but flinch if she goes to sneeze in their direction. Sometimes it's easy to think about just keeping her at home to protect her and myself from it, but if it weren't for people like us, normal, average folks walking and loving them, they will be destined to be the 'fighting/drug dealer's' dog forever. United in sisterhood.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Ashley,
    I am a Pit Bull mom and SO SO proud to be one. I was never really a dog person until I met my husbands Am Staff - Ty. He passed a few years ago and we got our Zoe. She is the love of my life and I wouldn't want to live without her. She is our child and people are just ignorant. I love you for all you do and stand behind you 100%. You are an angel to all the babies out there.
    Heather

    ReplyDelete
  72. Great web site you have got here.. It's hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
    Feel free to visit my blog ... youtube.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up!
    I'll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later. All the best
    My page - eliminate acne overnight

    ReplyDelete
  74. This website was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which
    helped me. Thanks!

    Also visit my web page make money online opportunity

    ReplyDelete
  75. Wow, that's what I was exploring for, what a data! existing here at this webpage, thanks admin of this website.

    My web page: buy backlinks make

    ReplyDelete
  76. Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just
    too wonderful. I actually like what you've acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a terrific site.

    Here is my site ... http://www.kkutayfa.com/index.php?do=/blog/37177/a-spotlight-on-real-world-advice-in-link-building/

    ReplyDelete
  77. Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year
    old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She placed
    the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched
    her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know
    this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

    Also visit my site topodom.free.fr

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.