Pit Bulls and Their Adopters
Friday, May 29, 2009
By: Anne Watkinson

Positive Ambassadors

Let’s face it. Pit bulls have a bad reputation, which is probably why there are more golden retrievers than pit bulls in forever homes. Strong muscles, powerful jaws and stories of dogfights have landed them with this reputation. But fortunately, it’s just that a reputation. In fact, if brought up in a caring environment with lots of positive socialization, pit bulls can be great pets.

Jen Brown is a proud pit bull parent. Jen adopted Sullivan, an 18-month-old pit bull, from Animal Friends in November 2007.

“When we first met Sully, he was a ‘Behavior Team Only’ dog,” Jen said. Dogs requiring this special attention from Animal Friends’ Behavior Team may have some behavior issues and need just a little more guidance than other dogs. “He went into a dedicated, loving foster home and we really reaped the benefits,” she continued. “He mastered basic commands and learned to obey household rules.”

Jen says that Sully is as good as any dog she’s ever known. “Sullivan does have a lot of energy to burn and is very playful,” said Jen. “But as with any young dog, it is up to the owners to provide the leadership, training and exercise to be sure he is a happy, well-mannered dog.”

Jen and Sully are now inseparable. They love to shop at the Grove City Outlets, go to lunch and take walks together. “Sullivan goes everywhere with us. He loves the car and is always up for the next big adventure,” Jen said. Sully and Jen also attend Animal Friends events such as Pup Night Pirate games and their favorite W(h)ine events. “He has been a wonderful ambassador for the breed, and everyone loves to stop and say hello.”

Another great pit bull adopter is Donelle Smith. Donelle has never had any problems with her pit bull, Bubs. “He is 13 and has been a complete angel,” she says. “He loves everything and everyone. He’s sweeter than anything alive.”

Donelle and Bubs met recently in May and fell in love. “We love to watch TV together,” she says. “I have two littertrained bunnies and four chinchillas. He follows them around and eats out of their food bowl with them. When I take them into our fenced yard when the weather is nice, he watches them like a proud parent. He takes the most gentle care with them. He will nudge them with his nose so that they stay together and he can keep an eye on them. It’s so amazing.”

Both Sullivan and Bubs are proof that the pit bulls can defy their stereotypes. “I wish people would give up the stereotypes,” Donelle said. “The pit bull is a loyal and sweet dog. I went in to adopt a dog 15 pounds or under, and ended up with an 80-pound bundle of joy. As soon as we got home, it felt like he was family. I am so lucky for him to be a part of my life.”

Jen points out that a dog’s upbringing strongly influences the way a dog behaves. “It saddens me to think that so many people have a negative impression of the breed,” she said. “Most pit bulls love people and can be great family pets. As with all dogs, you have to use caution and pay close attention when they are around other animals. I think the treatment of pit bulls has been cruel and unfortunate. The animals used for
dog fighting are raised and trained to behave in this manner; most pit bulls are not aggressive fighting dogs.”

Animal Friends is doing its best to find people like Jen and Donelle who will give the breed a chance by showcasing pit bulls at on- and off-site events to show that indeed they can do well in social situations.

“Awareness and education are the best ways to create change and every little bit helps,” said Jen. “Through our Humane Investigations Department and Humane Education programs, each person who experiences the loving nature of pit bulls helps to create change.”

Editor’s Note: Not all pit bulls can safely live with rabbits and chinchillas. If you are interested in introducing a pit bull to a home with other pets, please sit down with one of Animal Friends' adoption counselors.