October 28 is Pit Bull Awareness Day*
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Pit Bull Love is Every Day! 😉
This is not the first year I post about pitties [read an older post about the breed here]. It is however the first year I’m doing a post about them being a proud owner of one. Most of you already know her:
Hera! [more on my sweet dog: Hera, my model and here: Late July ]
Yes, that terrifying dog is a pittie!
10 years ago, Bless the Bullys by Jodi Preis a pit bull rescue and education group in Middle Tennessee, introduced the idea of a pit bull awareness day and since then it’s celebrated on the last Saturday of October every year. A day of appreciation and education of this very much misunderstood breed.
When we adopted Hera from a shelter [Pitbull Rescue, bless them for the amazing work they do!] we weren’t prepared for for many things:
1. we didn’t expect that she’d be so loving
We really did not expect such a loving dog. She’s so expressive, it’s …heartbreaking!
2. we were hesitant because of her age. We wanted a puppy and she was 3+ yrs old already. We were afraid that we wouldn’t be able to train her because of that.
Well, I can’t say I missed the puppy training [loitering, learning to go out etc]. It was very easy to train her – unbelievably so! So the age thing was to our advantage!
3. we didn’t know how she would react to visitors – kids – strangers on our walks or other dogs
She’s a great judge of characters. I suppose it comes from having spent years in the streets. She will only approach people who’ll smile at her or are generally fond of dogs. She has an uncanny instinct for people who dislike or are afraid of dogs. She’ll simple ignore them and move passed. On other dogs, well I suppose it’s like us. She likes some, she’s indifferent with others and well, there are a couple she really doesn’t enjoy their company, but won’t charge or argue.
4. we didn’t know how she would behave if left home alone
First few months she would just go in her bed and sleep then she’d start sniffing around and 2-3 times she tried to study some musical scores, a photo album and a beautiful handmade box …in depth! Parts of those items were salvaged! Now she’ll just go round, check things and go sleep but in all cases she’ll take a slipper to her bed for company!
5. we didn’t know whether she’d enjoy car rides
She loves them!
On ALL accounts she is an excellent character and we are overjoyed with her [and then some!]
What we really weren’t prepared for however was people’s reaction. Just saying the word ‘Pit Bull’ sends waves of shock to so many people, it’s unbelievable! The wildest example of this was a neighbor who was always very happy to see Hera, pet her and praise her for her impeccable and loving character. And one day she asked in the middle of another praise: “She’s so beautiful and amazing, I’d love to have a dog like her, what breed is she?” and then came the answer: “Pit Bull”. What happened next was beyond my wildest expectations, “no, no, keep her away from me …oh awayyy!!!!!” as if she was hit by electric shock, she run!!!! She avoids us ever since [no matter how I tried explaining to her] Likewise we’ve had many people say “oh, be careful, she’ll bite you one day, you’ll see, Pit Bulls are dangerous!” No wonder they say give a dog a bad name and hang him!
I guess this is how B.S.L. was enacted in some countries. A cruel, discriminative set of laws banning specific breeds. Read ASPCA article about this: Breed-Specific Legislation
It has always been by belief that the behavior of a dog is very much a reflection of the environment and the owner. As with us humans, the character of a dog may vary and yes, aggressive characters do exist but in ALL breeds. Of course with proper training and socialization this can change.
Pitbulls* are loving and devoted pets however they are strong [‘Bull’ is a great description! ;-)] and very fast too, so when they charge for a hug, be prepared for an overwhelming experience! This breed is not shy with love!
A few years ago I remember seeing those creatures and thinking to myself, how can anyone not love those faces – how is it possible that these beings are so misunderstood?! Now that I’m so fortunate to have one, my only regret is that our house is not big enough to accommodate more! But then, Hera’s love is more than I gambled for so…
I encourage you to read this excellent article about Pit Bulls: Pit Bull Advice All you need to know about them.
* On a note, ”Pit bull” [or Pitbull] is not a breed. It’s a generic term often used to describe all dogs with similar traits and characteristics known to the public as “pit bulls.” The term “pit bull”, is mainly used to describe American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and mixes of those breeds.
More great Reads on Pitbulls: Pit Bulls: The Myths, the Legends, the Reality – Pit Bull Rescue Central and Dog Fighting
Enjoy the day and to those of you who still have reservations about this breed, please rethink and remember:
ADOPT don’t buy!
Greetings from Hera to all!
[mom, I told you not to potht thith picthure of me …my thmile ith mithing a tooth!]
Pit Bull Awareness Day
Categories: ANIMAL RIGHTS, Animals, art, Friends, PAINTINGS, Photography, Sketches
Marina Kanavaki 
I have an old man pit bull named Santo and he’s the light of my life!! He says hello to your gorgeous girl!!
You pit bull is adorable 💗💗
🐶❤️💫
❤️🙏😘🐶
I hope one day I’ll get to meet Hera – she sounds lovely and I’m sure she and I would get on very well!
Oh, I know you would! She has excellent taste in people! 😉 Until then, Hera says ‘hi’ [accompanied by tail wags] 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your warm and wonderful story Marina.
Happy trails to you and Hera
Thank you, my dear Eddie, from Hera too! Happy November days.
She is so beautiful, Marina. You are so blessed to have found each other.❤❤
Ah, thank you Elisabeth [from Hera too!]. I believe so too!
Meantime I’ve not been able to see your post notifications. I have to check with WP why this happens with some of my friends. Have a lovely week. 🙂 xx
Hera …. sorry I missed your day, but I know Mom treats you well enough that everyday is your day. 🙂 …. Cheers to your pleasant personality.
Thank you, Frank. Mom’th told me a lot about you and yeth, it’th thrue, everyday ith my day around here! If only they hadn’t taken my tooth out… 😉
I see you are quite the charmer. Keep using those eyes to get to Mom.
Yeth, I will! 😉
FYI: When you get a chance, I think you will like the current post about checking a box.
Just like with humans it’s not right to separate doggies based on their appearance or genetic makeup ~ Thanks for spreading awareness and love for pitbulls, Marina 🙂 ❤
I’m so glad you see it that way too, my dear Christy. It really is unfair judging appearances! Thank you, my dear friend! xxxxxxxxxxoxoxoxxo
Hera is a beautiful dog, like all four-legged friends.
All dogs are good (because of their current nature they need us) they depend on us, that is why it is easy to train them.
Not all dog owners are good, this is a big problem for our furry ones.
Maybe we should ban certain owners …
Kisses Marina … and a big hug for Hera!!
Exactly my idea too, Belén! Not everyone is fit or responsible enough to have a pet. It is unfair punishing those innocent beings just because some owner failed to train or love them enough. Kisses to you too and Hera sends extra kisses and tail wags!!!!!! 🙂 🙂 xxxxxxxxx
In my country, no dog breed is prohibited, but for some breeds a psychological and criminal report from the future owner is requested, proving that you are not a violent person.
It is sad that this is necessary, but I believe that some people should not have a dog … they confuse it with a weapon.
Hugs for both. xoxoxo
Awesome is Hera, and it is such a terrible shame that they have been given such bad press, because, it is not usually the dogs fault.. And Hera is so lucky to have found you and visa-versa.. She came along at just the right time for you..
Brilliant to bring this awareness Marina. and your art and Hera is beautiful ❤ xxx ❤
It really is terrible the bad press these creatures have been given, just like Dobermanns a few years back and of course like us humans they have different personalities and if not trained, a bad tempered dog will most likely end up being aggressive. Even then though, they are rarely aggressive to people but other dogs. This is why they need training and socialization and like every being on this planet, they need our love. I’ve always been round dogs my whole life and I have never encountered such a loving dog like Hera. She did come along at the right time for me. Exactly one year after we lost our beautiful Loretta. We thought we’d never love a pet like we did Loretta… we were so very wrong! She won us over and more with each day that passes. Thank you so much, Sue [from Hera too who asked me to send you many hugs while waging her tail joyfully!] Sending our love and many hugs …and Happy November!!!! xoxoxoxxoxoxoxxo😘
So loved those waggy tail hugs and kisses .. And I am so happy Hera helped to heal.. xxx ❤
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our dear four-legged friends. Hera is beautiful.
Oh, indeed we do. Hera’s blushing and she sends her love and many many tail wags! 😘🐶🐾❤️
Wonderful post, Marina, and Hera is beautiful. I just love her markings. Sadly, the only experiences I’ve had with pits (2 different ones) have been terrifying, as Copper was attacked by each dog out of the blue. Luckily, neither dog was seriously injured, but the moment was scary beyond words. Now, I can’t deny feeling a little fear each time I’m walking Copper and we see a pit bull. However, I’m not against the breed. I agree with you; it’s humans who train these dogs or any other dogs to be vicious who are in the wrong, and rightly so. They should be punished, no doubt. It’s heartbreaking. Every dog deserves to be loved. When I think of any animal being abused, it sickens me. Anyway, give Hera a big hug! 💗
Thank you, my dear Lauren! I’m sorry you experienced these unfortunate incidents [glad they were resolved with no injuries]. Pits can be antagonistic or aggressive with other dogs, depending of course on their personality, so they need proper training and socializing. A good thing to do whenever you encounter any dog is to take them to ‘sit’ and ‘stay’. This immediately sends a message of ‘I don’t wish to pick a fight with you’. Of course it would help if the owner of the other dog did the same! But still this is a kind of ‘peace’ sign. Sit position helped us get out of a difficult situation where we were surrounded by a pack of stray dogs with a big one bullying us! They finally left without any ‘dialogue’ – thankfully! Animal abuse in any form is sickening beyond words. In time maybe we’ll find it in our hearts to respect every being on this planet… Hera and I send our hugs and love! 🙂 Hera sends a kiss to Copper – she says: “we’re not all bullies, Copper – I’m a sweet girl!” 😉 xxxxx
Thanks for the tips, Marina, and Copper and I know that Hera is a sweet girl! Hugs and kisses xoxo
She’s a beauty❤️
Ah, thank you, Reena – Hera also says thank you [in form of tail wags!] 🙂
Lovely Marina! A great promotion for these much maligned doggies.Thank goodness for people like you who look beyond the labels. Hera is a goddess! I’m struggling with my rescue boy, a terrier mix. He’s been abused and at 12 it’s hard for him to change his ways. I have to keep him in check when we’re out and about. When he barks and shows aggression people glare at me like I’m a criminal. At home he is so loving and snuggly. I think I am the only person who loves him xx
Amazing isn’t it?! Their name and their look spark crazy reactions – literally crazy! I know exactly how you feel. We get that look many times in our walks and she is trained to even sit on the side whenever someone passes by! Still, those pointy ears send waves of fear! There is hope though. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by people I would never expect to approach and pet her. If it’s any consolation, your sweet terrier has my love too – and Hera’s! 🐾❤️
Hera is very gorgeous & adorable! Kisses and hugs for Hera.
Unfortunately, in Ontario where I live, (Toronto is the capital) pit bulls are banned. They are banned or restricted in almost all of Canada.
Sad,but true.
Much love & many hugs! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I know and it’s very sad indeed.
Hera sends a very big smile, rapid tail wags and oh-no she’s charging for a big hug!!!!!!!
Funny thing though, she does it gently and then she sticks on you like velcro! 😉
Many many hugs from me too and much love! xoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxo
Beautiful post. Thank you. We have rescue boxers and love them with all our heart.
I know you do, my dear John. They steal our hearts, don’t they?! Thank you, my friend.
🙂
There’s no such thing as a bad dog, only people that should never have the care of one.
Yes, my dear Gilly, exactly. But those owners don’t get banned, do they?! 😉
I’ve been lucky to only have met very friendly and loving Pitbulls. Just like people, dogs come in all different personalities and temperaments and should be judged on the individual not a stereotype. Obviously, strong dogs can be trained and bred improperly, but there are fewer aggressive ones than loving ones. My daughter and I used to watch Pitbulls and Parolees on Animal Planet, and it was a wonderful example of how wonderful these dogs are but also how mistreated they often are. Wonderful post and absolutely beautiful dog!! ~Anne💕
Ah, thank you very much for your lovely comment, Anne. We also used to watch it, longing to see those doggies and their stories. What amazed me the most was how trusting and loving they were after having been terribly mistreated. Hera is blushing and she says thank you for your compliment!🐶 Have a great weekend! 🙂 🐾
You too, thank you!
Be careful around that breed of dog.
I am just curious, but why do you say to be careful around pitbulls?
Lee, I’m sure you mean well but I’d be more worried around humans than Pit Bulls.
Hera is beautiful. Unfortunately within the past two weeks a baby and a 7 year old boy were viciously attacked and killed by two pit Bulls. In Miami Dade County it is illegal to own a Pit.
Hera says ‘thank you’ for your compliment! It is very unfortunate and I hope that the owners of those dogs were prosecuted for obviously doing a very bad job with their upbringing. As for these laws, as I mention, they are unjust and discriminative. The cute Labradors [I love them too actually, who doesn’t] are champions in biting! So with this kind of thinking maybe Labradors should also be illegal! Thank you, Holly for your comment. Happy weekend. 🙂
Hera is beautiful! A lot of people are wrongly informed about this specific dog… All animals, I’m sure, are of good instinct, but men can breed them in an atrocious way (see dogfighter). The problem is MEN, not the animals itself. I wish that once and for all, people would stop “using” (abusing) animals for their pleasure of money… such people deserve to be highly punished. Love to you and Hera :-)c
You are so right, my dearest Claudine and this is also my wish, but I’m afraid we have a very long road to walk… Hera sends her love and many tail wags! 🙂 Love to you and your beautiful family. xxxxxxxxx