You can pet my pit bulls; they won't hurt you

Indianapolis,IN -- After reading yet another sensationalized article regarding the recent pit bull attacks in Indianapolis, I felt compelled to write in support of those responsible dog owners of all bully breeds -- pit bull terriers, Rottweilers, etc. -- who are discriminated against with the help of the media.

A natural menace? Pit bull owner Jayne Palkowitz says the dogs, like children, are products of their environment, and the breed is discriminated against by the media and most people. - Vic Ryckaert /

The Star



I own two pit bull terrier mixes that were rescued from the Humane Society. One was 1 year old when I adopted her and the other was 3 months old. They are now 3 and 1 year old, respectively. They are extremely friendly, sociable dogs, both to people and other dogs. They have never growled at anyone or shown any signs of aggression. Anyone who meets them falls in love with them -- until I tell them they are pit bulls.


Then the comments start. They can't be pit bulls, they're too nice. Pit bulls are mean. Are you sure they're pit bulls?

The pit bull terrier was once a popular family dog. Petey from the "Little Rascals" was one. Helen Keller owned one. Food Network star Rachael Ray currently owns not one, but two of them. Somewhere along the way they became thought of as only fighting, vicious dogs.


The American Temperament Test Society (atts.org) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes uniform temperament evaluation of dogs by conducting a series of controlled tests. Of 542 American pit bull terriers tested, 84.1 percent received a passing score. Of 687 golden retrievers tested, 83.8 percent received a passing score. Of 4,744 Rottweilers tested, 82.7 percent received a passing score. Do we think of these breeds as having similar temperaments? I don't think so. But they do.


What we have to remember is that dogs, like children, are a product of their environment. If they are raised properly they will behave properly.


The owners of the dogs who attacked, I guarantee, do not raise or treat their dogs properly.


I spend lots of time with my dogs, and they walk with me daily. They even walked to school with my children and me until I was asked by Carmel Clay Schools not to walk my pit bulls with my children because parents called and "were concerned for the safety of their children."

That offends me, because it assumes that I would endanger children with dangerous dogs. They are on a leash and children would visit with them when I walk with them. Even a few teachers looked forward to seeing them every morning.


There's no doubt in my mind that the recent pit bull attacks have contributed to the increased concern. What people need to understand is that those dogs in the news, with the exception of their breed, are nothing like my dogs. There are hundreds of dog bites a year, yet only pit bull attacks are covered by the media.


Please, help educate the public that any dog, if mistreated, can be dangerous; and maybe someday I can tell my daughter that I can walk her to school with her dogs again.


http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070520/OPINION01/705200359/-1/LOCAL17

 

Oh my gosh! I love that woman! I wrote to the mayor, news stations, etc trying to help them understand about the "pit bull" attacks. I'm glad someone finally got through.

It's so sad that people in the community actually made that woman stop walking her dogs. That is wrong and prejustice.

I hope we can win this ongoing war. I know we will.

 

That was a nice read. I wish more people felt compelled to do something so positive, as well.

 

"That offends me, because it assumes that I would endanger children with dangerous dogs."

I can completely relate to that...my boyfriend's brother won't let his son over anymore, because he is afraid of my "dangerous" "pits"...I have talked to his wife trying to educate her on the breed. I have written him a letter trying to educate him on the breed, and I have explained to him that I would never put a child in a situation if I thought it was dangerous, and that if any danger did occur, I would lay down my own life before that child would be hurt...It's a shame that people listen to everything the media tells them, and keeps it as fact...Great Article!

 

good read.. I didn't know Helen Keller owned this breed.....

 

Yes, Helen Keller did own a Pit Bull. That was only because she could not see what kind of dog is was. If she had she might have ran from it. LOL

Ferk out

 

Great read. I love reading good stuff like this