Growing up, the one and only dog my family owned was a pit bull. Though his name — Diesel — sounded hard and fierce, inside he was nothing but a tiny puppy.
But despite his sweet and social disposition, he was feared, mistrusted, and avoided on the streets. It always broke my heart to see such a sweet dog be so terribly misunderstood.
That's why articles like this are so upsetting — not just to me, but clearly to bully lovers everywhere. According to this piece, published by The Roanoke Times, rescue dogs (specifically pit bulls) should be avoided.
The author writes, "Good-hearted people, primarily young women, take these dogs from shelters at their own risk and expense so 'humane groups' can continue to promote a feel good no-kill movement." She continues, "While these high-risk dogs comprise only 6 percent of the canine population, they are responsible for the majority of human fatalities and maulings."
But readers are not taking this article sitting down — specifically those who proudly own pit bulls. They've taken to Facebook to voice their feelings — and it's nothing short of incredible.
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When The Roanoke Times posted an article warning people against the adoption of rescue dogs — specifically pit bulls — they probably weren't expecting the fiery backlash they quickly received. From all corners of the globe, proud owners of rescue dogs came forth to share their beloved dogs' photos and stories, eager to dispel the myths propagated by the article.
Pit bull owners in particular flooded the comments with pictures of their sweet pups, hoping to show the world just how loving and misunderstood these beautiful dogs are. Here are some of the photos/comments:
"I wouldn't trade my sweet shelter baby for anything."
"In other news, 5 million pit bulls did nothing but love their families today…"
"My vicious rescue beast!!"
"Sadie and Georgia... They are the most amazing, kind hearted, love bugs in the world. It's truly hurtful to see such terrible (and ignorant) words be written…"
"My rescue pit was not bred to fight — he was raised to love and that's all he has done during his 7-year life. So yeah, beware of too many kisses. Beware of too many snuggles when you're sick or upset. Beware of having your pillow stolen and not much room in your own bed. Beware of a dog that's scared of rain and of his own shadow. Beware of a dog who lets his little brother (a rescue beagle), boss him around. Beware of a sweet, goofy pit who thinks he's a lap dog and might squish you sometimes."
"Clearly you've never known the love of a pit bull. That's sad for you. Kindest most loyal dogs."
"Our rescue with his best friend. Adopted the day before he was to be put down. The best choice we ever made. He is the BEST DOG ever!!"
"Look at your own risk... You may die from cuteness overload. Romeo has been with my 7 year old son and I for almost two years and he's been nothing but an amazing dog!!"
"She is honestly the cuddliest, sweetest dog I have ever known. Seriously not one mean bone in her body. She recently graduated from puppy kindergarten and some of her favorite things are people (seriously, anyone), belly rubs, and cuddling."
"I adopted my baby from the shelter and it was one of the best things I've ever done. She is so sweet and lovable. She's been with us for almost 2 years and she has NEVER shown aggressiveness in any way. We love her very, VERY much!"
"End breed discrimination!!"
"Seriously beware of rescue dogs... I adopted a pit/lab mix and he took over my heart and my bed!"
"I own a pit bull now named Alexis and she is amazing! I would not trade this dog for anything! She will attack you with kisses and cuddles!! She adores kids and even loves little and big dogs!"
" 'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.' -Mahatma Ghandi"
"Our ferocious rescue."
"Rescued Bully mixes, Apollo and Spartacus, are both AKC certified Canine Good Citizens. Here they are at a preschool helping to teach children about Dog Safety and Pit Bull Awareness."
But not every commenter owned a pit bull. Many came to the defense of rescue dogs in general, eager to deflect the article's negativity:
"Yes… Beware. Beware of the kisses. Beware of the unconditional love. Beware of the friendships made. Beware… Please. Beware… he might just want a family to love him."
"My rescue dog... Frightening, isn't he?!?"
"My vicious rescue dog. Quite frankly I can't believe we are still alive. Look at that tongue, like she's getting ready to attack. Just terrifying."
"Here's a picture of me and my RESCUE DOG visiting children at a local school and teaching them the benefits of spaying/neutering and adopting from a local shelter. It's amazing that the children escaped with their lives... Such a vicious rescue dog."
"MLK Jr said, 'Nothing in the world is more dangerous than ignorance.' Education is the key here... I have been working with dogs for 15 years. I have worked with breeds like Chihuahuas and Teacup Yorkies to Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds and every bree
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