October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month, and as we close out the month, let's not forget about this misunderstood, troubled breed and keep them in our hearts all year long. Whether you are a fan, an owner or just hate seeing animals suffer, you have to respect these magnificent pups and the joys and smiles they bring to those lucky enough to share a home with one.
Pit bulls and pit mixes are so hotly debated and with divisive ideas on legislation, as well as discrimination and all of the negative bias among the nation's media and government The Dogington Post noted, making it easy to see why so much misinformation is out there. Despite all of the pro-pit bull movements and positive press by their supporters, it's safe to say that the public is still misinformed when it comes to pit bulls.
The Villalobos Rescue Center (VCR), the wonderful people who brought us seven seasons so far of "Pit bulls and Parolees" on Animal Planet, weighs in with the statement that "pit bull" is not a breed. It's a generic term used to describe all dogs with similar traits and characteristics often known by the public as pit bulls, VRC added.
So while VRC has one of the largest collections of pitties available for adoption (around 150 at any given time), other groups have also come up with their own creative ways to highlight their pit bulls up for adoption. New York's Sean Casey Animal Rescue had a professional photographer take pictures of their adoptable pitties with a soft back drop and wearing flower crowns. Sophie Gamand, a U.S.-based French photographer did a photo series, entitled, "Flower Power, Pit Bulls of the Revolution," according to Bored Panda. The result is sweet and simply beautiful. It shows the softer side of pit bulls, which is why we love them so.
So for pit bull awareness month, celebrate the breed, be informed so that you can act as an ambassador for the misunderstood pitties, and help support the pit bulls waiting in the shelters for their forever home. By networking on your social media pages, volunteering to walk or play with pitties at your local shelter or rescue group, donating for their care and ensuring pit bulls are all spayed or neutered, we can hope to see less pit bulls at animal shelters in the future.
