The REAL American Pit Bull Terrier

On December 10, 2007, Michael Vick, the former star NFL quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was sentenced to 23 months in prison, for his participation in dog fighting. A strong message was sent which raised public awareness that animal cruelty of any kind is a serious crime that no longer will be tolerated. I found myself, along with many other animal lovers, greatly relieved that his celebrity status did not prevent Mr. Vick from escaping more than just a "slap on the wrist".

I was blown away yesterday while I watched the poignant TV program aired on Animal Planet, "Animal Witness, The Michael Vick Case". I learned a lot about Pit Bulls and how their loyalty and desire to please, has in part, been the cause for the bad reputation bestowed on this misunderstood breed.

I will bet my bottom dollar that many of you are not aware that The American Pit Bull Terrier was the number one family dog during the first part of the 20th century. Due to this breed's highly developed sense of loyalty to humans, and their tremendous eagerness to please, the Pit Bull's wonderful disposition has been taken advantage of by unscrupulous people. In fact because they crave to please their human, they willingly accepted their place as fighting dogs, since they were highly praised for their prowess in the fighting ring.

However, with proper training and socialization, the American Pit Bull Terrier can be one of the best household pets, affectionate with children, other pets and have the capacity to be a faithful and trustworthy companion dog.

BAD RAP, the California-based organization, featured on "Animal Witness, The Michael Vick Case", whose mission, "Securing the future of the American Pit Bull Terrier as a cherished family companion" has done incredible work to save the dogs removed from Vick's compound in Virginia. Finding foster homes for them, in the Northern California area, (where no safe shelters exist which can accommodate Pit Bulls), BAD RAP is rehabilitating the seized dogs, giving them a new lease on life by restoring both their emotional and physical health. Due to its gentle and loving disposition, one of these dogs has found a new occupation, that of a service dog. He and his handler now visit nursing homes and hospices, which gives the residents the joy of spending quality time and deriving a sense of connection while interacting with the dog. You can read more about what BAD RAP is doing with the dogs by visiting them at http://www.badrap.org/rescue/

If you want to learn the truth about this delightful breed, I implore you to take just an hour of your time to watch the re-runs of this truly heart warming story about the rescued Pit Bulls and their progress featured on Animal Planet, which is being aired for the next few days. The schedule is listed as:

"Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case"
August 26, 9:00 PM, August 27, 11:00 PM, August 28, 4:00 AM and August 31, 6:00 PM. All times are Eastern, so please check your local listing for the Animal Planet channel.

To learn more about the facts and myths connected with the American Pit Bull Terrier, take this enjoyable quiz, at http://animal.discovery.com/tv/animal-witness/michael-vick/pit-bull-myths-quiz/index.html

Enjoy this delightfully touching video about Pit Bulls, uploaded to You Tube, by Oliveah31587.

What are your thoughts about the American Pit Bull Terrier? Share them with us by leaving a comment.