General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Pitbulls Used to Be Considered the Perfect "Nanny Dogs" for Children -- [View all]ColesCountyDem
(6,944 posts)In January 2009, I adopted a ten month-old pit bull from our local shelter who was being used as a 'bait dog' by his scummy owner/breeder. Hank was not 'well socialized' (read: frightened of everyone and everything), but he was definitely not 'aggressive'. After having him seen and treated (and neutered) by my vet for various injuries he had sustained while being used as a bait dog, I brought him home and introduced him to his two new dog 'brothers' and 3 cats.
At first, he was a bit 'shy' around the other animals, but after lavishing love, praise and attention on him, he slowly came out of his shell and became one of the friendliest and most loving dogs I've ever owned. He now loves people, little kids, other dogs and even cats.
I ordered a pizza the other night, and the delivery guy was new and hadn't yet met Hank, and recoiled at the sight of Hank and I both meeting him at the door. I opened the door and asked him to come in and he asked, "Is he (Hank) dangerous, mister?", to which I replied, "Only if you can be licked to death". He cautiously came inside with my pizza, whereupon Hank proceeded to prove me right by standing on his back legs, front feet together, tongue out and tail wagging furiously. I took the pizza, paid for it and encouraged him to pet Hank, which he did. Hank responded by giving him vast quantities of slobbery kisses and bringing him a ball to throw.
Pit bulls are NOT inherently vicious! As a previous poster noted, it's the idiots who own them who make them that way, and do so deliberately. THOSE PEOPLE are the ones who should be locked up or euthanized. It's time to quit demonizing an entire breed of GREAT dogs, because of how certain idiots breed and train them.
In closing, Hank wants me to tell y'all, "Hi! Come here, and let me lick your face off!".
Peace.