With the last fun fact, I hope I laid to rest the idea that a pit bull has some sort of aggressive gene bred into them. We discussed what the American Veterinary Medical Association has to say on the matter of BSL, what the ASPCA has to say about the gene, how dog fighting actually contributed to the pit bull being less of a threat to humans and how the UKC states that pit bulls make poor guard dogs because they are so friendly directly in their breed standard description #pitbullsteletubbiesofthedogworld
That is some heavy science refuting those that say “Pit bulls are genetically aggressive, it is a fact”
Your response…”No it is not”
Rest assured, science backs you up.
Hopefully these posts are helping people move beyond that. Hopefully people are beginning to see that pit bulls are not the boogyman in the canine closet. They are not some loaded gun waiting to go off. #anotheranalogythatshoulddie
However, I keep asking myself why those feelings remain so prevalent. Some speak of pit bulls with such hate #jim.
It is easy to blame “the media” for creating the fear frenzy but the media only reports on subjects that people want to hear. If a story draws response, similar stories will receive more coverage.
It is the nature of the media.
Media agencies are a business, they depend on public interest. If the public is interested in hearing stories about pit bull attacks, they will report it…if not, they won’t.
Why are people so responsive to pit bull attacks? Why do people spew such hate? FEAR.
FEAR is a visceral response. It knows no boundaries and has little to do with rational thought. Look at the fear over Y2K. Look at Westboro Baptist Church and their “facts”. Look at Donald Tump rallies and the “facts” emanating from there.
Fear compels people to act in totally irrational ways.
So today’s Pit Bull Fun Fact will attempt to combat fear by introducing you to a number of pit bulls that are more than just random stats and numbers on a report.
Allow me to introduce you to Sergeant Stubby (July 21, 1916 – March 16, 1926).
He is probably the most decorated war dog in history. He is the only dog to be nominated for rank and then promoted to sergeant in recognized combat. Sgt. Stubby actually has an exhibition at the Smithsonian. He was the official mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment. Stubby not only served as a mascot but spent time on the front lines. He served for 18 months and participated in seventeen battles on the Western Front. He saved his regiment from surprise mustard gas attacks, found and comforted the wounded, and once caught a hiding german soldier and held him until American soldiers found him. In the United States, his exploits were front page news in major newspapers.
He was a visitor to the White House under three sitting US presidents and is widely given credit for the halftime show during modern day football games #wouldratherseestubbythanbeyonce. This dog was gassed, bombed, and travelled all over the world.
Stubby was also a stray and…GASP...a pit bull.
For a colourful account of Sgt. Stubby’s life, HAVE A LOOK HERE
The internet is full of stories of awesome pit bulls. Don’t believe me, take a look at this website called HEROIC PIT BULLS Google "awesome pit bulls" for even more great stories from all over the world
Pit bulls serve some amazing roles in our society. They serve as bomb sniffing dogs, emotional support dogs and therapy dogs to name a few. Sometimes, these stories even get covered by the local media…see THIS PAGE and THIS PAGE as a prime example of some positive coverage locally with some local pitties and owners which you may know.
The problem is, these stories do not get discussed so they disappear..out of sight, out of mind. They also tend to be lost when something horrific, like the incident from last week, happens. Cool things are done by pit bulls everyday on both big and small scales.
It is the reason why pit bulls lovers are so adamant that their dogs are fantastic. They really can be.
Just like any other dog
#changetheconversation
#replacefearwithfact
#dontbullymybreed
