Saturday is Pit Bull Awareness Day

When I learned about Bless the Bullys Pit Bull Rescue and Education's exciting announcement: "Saturday, October 23 is National Pit Bull Terrier Awareness Day," President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's legendary words--The only thing we have to fear is fear itself--came to mind.

For people that love and understand Pit Bull Terriers, FDR's words are perfect to use in dispelling the wretched reputation for which the American Pit Bull Terrier, one of the most misunderstood canine breeds, continues to persist.

Since the breed's unwarranted stereotype throughout the United States as "mean vicious attack dogs"," the American Pit Bull Terrier is often reviled.

The fear generated by these dogs has resulted in a growing numbers of Breed specific legislations, (BSL). Bans on the American Pit Bull Terrier have already been initiated around the world; including the United States, Australia, England, Germany and France.

In reality, however, no matter what the breed, even the adorable, diminutive Dachshund, is only as "bad" as the treatment received from those owners who remain ignorant about a breed's specific needs, their temperament, or the humane care which they require.

Since most people don't understand the true nature of the American Pit Bull Terrier, they consider the breed to be vicious. Fortunately for the Pit Bull Terrier and those that love them, National Pit Bull Awareness Day was established to help dispel the public's negative perceptions and the uncalled-for bad reputation for which the Pit Bull Terrier still receives. Therefore, National Pit Bull Awareness Day was designed to rectify these misconceptions by educating the public about this rather amazing and versatile canine.

Since Pit Bull Terriers are bred to be docile toward humans, with their extremely loyalty and protective nature, they not only fit beautifully into the role as police and guard dogs, but as therapy and companions as family dogs. Many folks will remember Petey from "The Little Rascals," and Helen Keller had a Pit Bull to keep her company and lend a "paw" when necessary. Learn more about this wonderful breed by visiting The Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue fact page and this Pit Bull story from The Leaf-Chronicle.

But before you watch this poignant, heartwarming video, titled (tongue in cheek), Pitbulls and Children; Be Warned, uploaded to YouTube by michaelvick2jail, with background music by Mariah Carey--I suggest you grab a handful of tissues. It is both a powerfully good- will- ambassador for the breed, and also in perfect alignment with National Pit Bull Awareness Day.

Has this video changed your perceptions about Pit Bull Terriers? Let us know, (either way) by leaving a comment.

Photo Credit: Butch: Laurentha ( with permission)