Protect your pet from being labeled "Bad Breed"

Credit to www.pitbullpress.com for this article ^

[Humidston]

Alylonee, our insurance man was at our house, writing up a new homeowner policy when he saw our Rottie. She wasn't pure bred, so he said he was going to write into the policy that we had two "mixed breed" dogs instead - to keep our premiums down. I suspect that's the case for most areas since it originated with insurance carriers. (Famers Ins. was ours, as I recall.)

Judy, I doubt I'll ever have another large dog. As I said, the time we have with them is just too short. We lost the Dobie due to his severe back problems. Had to have him put down in the kitchen floor at 3:00AM because he became paralyzed after his (expensive) back surgery. Neither of us could move him and he was screaming in agony. It was the worst experience of my life! Nope. Never again.

[Alylonee]

That is so sad. I am really sorry that happened. How old was she? Putting him down was the kind thing to do, but I know that was probably terrible.

I guess when I buy a house this next year, I will have to hide my dog... I'm only 21 so getting house insurance hasn't been a necessity yet.

[JudyB1938]

You just made me cry. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I know what you mean, because of my poor Dane's cancer.

[GovernmentShrinker]

I'm not saying that the abuse which is often inflicted on pit bulls in the process of training them to fight isn't a significant factor in the high number of attacks and serious injuries caused by these dogs. Psychologically disturbed dogs of any breed will obviously be more dangerous than non-disturbed dogs of the same breed.

But both psychological and physical factors combine to produce the total statistics for injuries/deaths inflicted by dogs. The reason pit bulls are the breed of choice for the sub-humans who engage in dog-fighting is their exceptional jaw strength. Certainly, other large dog breeds are capable of killing a human, but the amount of damage inflicted by a few bites will usually be much higher with a pit bull. The sub-humans know full well how lousy a "trained" German shepherd's chances are in a fight against a "trained" pit bull. That's why they stick to pit bulls, and occasionally Rottweilers and other short, broad jawed breeds and mixes.

I have no sympathy for the sick people who train dogs to fight -- if I was in charge of administering justice, they'd all be executed, ground up into dog food, and fed to their victims. But that doesn't change the PHYSICAL facts about pit bulls.

[Humidston]

Thank you both for the kind words, and my sympathy goes out to you as well Judy, for the loss of your Dane.

Frankly, that experience also made me hinky about getting a dog so heavy that I couldn't lift it if need be. Of course a herd of horses couldn't have moved Thor (our Dobie), because any movement absolutely sent him into screams of agony.... I covered him with a blanket and when a wave of pain hit him, he would literally bite a hole in that blanket. (But he never never tried to bite us as we ministered to him! Nor the vet who came to our house.)

Alylonee, I think it would be a very good idea to hide your dog when you get insurance. When asked if you have one, wing it!

[Alylonee]

How do you know that is the reason "sub-humans" own Pit Bulls is because of their jaw strength? If you ask me why those people buy Pit Bulls, I would tell you after researching the matter that those people buy Pit Bulls because the media has portrayed them to be monsters (which couldn't be farther from the truth) and because they are cheap compared to other pure bred animals. They get the mistaken impression that Pit Bulls are mean dogs.... when they aren't. Sure they are strong, but they are generally less agressive to human's than most other breeds, period.

If you ban Pit Bulls, those same "sub-humans" will move on to another breed.... whose next? German Shepherd's? Rotties? Dobies? Should we just ban all of those breeds because there are going to be low-lifes that buy them and abuse them? If you look at the facts and figures, you will see that actually, Pit Bulls are not even first on the list of dogs that bight. Furthermore, They are practically tied with Rotties for dogs that have killed people. This is because Pit Bull's are the #1 breed owned by trash, and Rotties are the #2 breed owned by trash.... Punishing the breed of dog by making them illegal to own, will just mean that the same criminals will move on to another breed, and you will see just as many bights and killings if not more. Do you think we should ban every breed of dog that is capable of killing someone when abused or mistreated?

Believe me, after owning 2 German Shepherd's in my lifetime, I can tell you that the breed is way more agressive to people, way more protective, and very capable of seriously inguring or killing someone. Especially if as many people owned them. You have to be responsible with any of these breeds and make sure that you socialize them and train them, and spend AT LEAST 2 hours if not 4 or 5, like myself with your dog to make him/her a decent member of society so to speak.

None of us can help that there are bad people in the world that will train dogs to be mean and agressive. These people will never go away, but we can help to fight this issue by pushing for stricter laws against people that get caught abusing all animals, and by doing whatever we can to educate people on animals in general. A lot of people have the misconseption that you just go pick a puppy from the store or pound, and everything works out great. You need to research every trait the breed has and personality characteristics and become very educated on dog training. If you do that, your dog will be the perfect dog for your family no matter what. My dog fits my lifestyle perfectly. I wouldn't own any other breed, anyone who has met him LOVES him. Even people in my family or circle of friends that feared Pit Bulls at one point.

You know what I do to catch this trash? When people ask me if I want to fight my dog, I agree... and then turn them into the police. Buddy and I are attacking the problem, not dog.

[Alylonee]

I don't want to make you guys cry more or anything, but I thought this was beautiful :)

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

*Author Unknown

[Alylonee]

What Animal Do I Speak Of?

Their love is like no other; their heart is pure as gold.
Yet while going on a friendly walk, they're faced with stares of cold.

They're so very close to human, in how they act and what they do. Unless you've known their devoted love, it's impossible to explain to you.

They are greatly more misunderstood, than any other breed. We tend to punish this loyal dog, instead of mankind's deeds.

They are always and forever clowns, with a wish for center stage.Yet while displaying this sense of humor, most people disengage.

They, oh, so want to make new friends, and run and jump and play. Yet when they happily approach, most people shy away.

Often I've seen children poke, or hop on for a ride.
And when I felt they might get mad, they've only beamed with pride.

I've seen these children yank and pull, with nary a reaction.Yet media's not interested, unless they've put someone in traction.

They love to snuggle up real close, to give lots of loves and kisses.Yet they suffer more than any, from unfair prejudices.

What animal do I speak of, whose love is so unique?
If you've truly known one, you know of whom I speak.

There is no creature on this earth who will ever make you merrier. The animal I do speak of, it's the American Pit Bull Terrier.

By Patty Letawsky

[Humidston]

I love the story about the child at Sunday School... Child asks teacher, "Do our pets go to heaven?" Teacher responds, "If that's what'll make you happy, I'm certain God will have them there waiting for us!"

I have something in my eyes, Alylonee.

[Varda]

Yours is an amazing reply. I am one of those people who sometimes advises people on dogs breeds and behavior. Yes, you consider what a dog was bred for but only in the context of what it means behavior wise. There are many breeds who do not mesh well with other dogs once they are adults. It is a very common trait.

Pit Bulls are a wonderful breed, for the right person. This is true of every breed. No breed is appropriate for everyone. I have known a number of Pit Bulls rescued from inner city circumstances (ill bred) which have been wonderful dogs and good family dogs.

The reputation of Pit Bulls is largely the result of the media and animal rights organizations. I hope you have not fallen for their propaganda and are spreading it on FR.

[aberaussie]

i don't know if it is JRTs or just satan's spawn that lives at our house ; )

The agility people I used to hang out with called them Jack Russell Terrorists!

[HairOfTheDog]

I don't think I am guilty of just falling for and then spreading propaganda. A friend of mine had a pit bull that was raised right, and still was put down at two years old because of unmanageable aggression. It suddenly killed and ate a goat of hers it had been raised with its whole life, and then two weeks later, it got out and killed the neighbor's dog. In addition to that, of course, I have the anecdotal observations of friends who work in law enforcement, who regularly run across the drug dealing pit bull owners with a hobby of dog fighting. It still is very much going on.

[Jeff Chandler]

Dobies, German Shepherds, Rotties, Pit Bulls, are all the same in most respects.

 

Well, not exactly. Different breeds exhibit different personalities. For instance, Rotties will often admit an intruder, but prevent him from leaving. Dobies and German Shepherds, if from good stock, are very stable and will do double duty as guard dogs and family dogs. Rotties tend to need contact with people  and make very good "one man" dogs. Pit Bulls can be lovable pets, but the "fight to the death" trait is strong in the breed, and where another breed might bite a human, a Pit Bull is likely to kill. It's like having a pistol that goes to fully auto without warning.

[Jeff Chandler]

You ayn't never had a lumbering giant until you've had a Great Dane. Best dog in the world as far as I am concerned. But protective? Yeah. Lick the bad guy to death.

 

I once owned a large fawn Dane named Leon-best dog I've ever had. A gentle giant was he, wouldn't even play with my wife or kids because he was so afraid of hurting them. He'd wrestle with me, though. Protective? Absolutely. We had the only house in the neighborhood which was never broken into.

[Jeff Chandler]

Now here's a dog that will lick you to death. Her name is Lucy.

[kassie]

In the year 1999 (the last year we lived in Texas) more dog bites in Texas were from Chows. We have had 2 wonderful Chows. The last one was so protective of the family, when any adults would come to visit us, he'd have to be put up. My grandchildren could sit on him or use him for a pillow. If they were on the floor first, he'd be the first over to them and wrap around them. One granddaughter would blow her nose, then grab him by the ear and wipe his nose, then blow her nose again on the same tissue. She was 1 at the time. He'd just sit there and not make one attempt to move. He was the most patient dog with children, but was very distrustful of adults.

[Varda]

"unmanageable aggression. It suddenly killed and ate a goat of hers it had been raised with its whole life"

You may think your friend raised his dog right but your post suggests otherwise. Killing animals is not agressive behavior, it is predatory behavior. Raising a predatory dog around livestock only gives them targets for their instinct, it does not Walt Disney like make them sensitive to the brotherhood of animals. All predatory dogs give signals that this instinct is developing and owners of livestock need to pay attention and apply the neccessary training. In my opinion this training should be the "whatever it takes" variety. Predatory behavior is an important attribute in many breeds of dogs (it's what makes herding dogs, herd). Containing it is the responsibility of the owner. As an aside, predatory behavior does not translate to agressive behavior to humans. Those two behaviors are not related.

Killing the neighbor dog may be the result of aggresive behavior or of domiance or territoriality (dogs with border issues get into some terrible fights). Again the responsibility lies with the owners to keep their dogs on their respective properties.

"drug dealing pit bull owners with a hobby of dog fighting"
People in law enforcement run into dogs trained to be aggressive and may assume that this is the norm. I've known any number of Pit Bulls recused out of similar circumstances which have made the switch to a settled home life. These lucky dogs had the asisstance of a group of dedicated ladies who knew what they were doing in evaluating and rehabilitating abused dogs. They recognize that they are dealing with dogs who aren't naturally friendly with other dogs. Everyone who places dogs needs to evaluate suitable owners and homes. This is true of all dogs and all homes.

[HairOfTheDog]

I don't have a Disney understanding of animals... I do think that the dog was raised as right as can be, and snapped anyway. It didn't show previous interest in the goats or other animals on the farm, it was raised there and trained. By all observations, he was an obedient and nice dog to her children and other animals. Until one day.

I have a fairly alpha male dog. I know why dogs fight and grumble at each other, I showed mine in close contact with other males of all breeds for three years, and hunted him with and around other dogs for longer. They grumble and scrape. Normal dogs do not fight to the death over territory or dominance and you know that.

I personally think the best way to save invidual pit bulls from abuse is to strongly discourage their reproduction is all. There are too many now, and too many in the wrong hands. The primary market for them in some areas is still dog fighters and gang-kid wannabes. The gene pool is not getting cleaner, but more refined as an intentionally designed fighter, I am afraid.

[Varda]

In all the years I have evaluated dogs I have never seen a dog "just snap". It's an excuse the owners give except in one case (certain form of epilepsy). Reading the dog is the responsiblity of the owner.

"Normal dogs do not fight to the death over territory or dominance and you know that. "

"Normal dog"? It is true that most dogs don't do this but again it is not uncommon. And yes, I've known some people who have had this happen (none of these dogs were terriers). One was a friend who had someone not acquainted with pack behavior taking care of her dogs.

"I personally think the best way to save invidual pit bulls from abuse is to strongly discourage their reproduction is all."
Here you take the animal rights tack.

"There are too many now,"
According to whom?

"and too many in the wrong hands. The primary market for them in some areas is still dog fighters and gang-kid wannabes."
I live in an area where the vast majority are household pets. Any dog in the wrong hands is too many. But discouraging honest breeders does nothing to discourage dog abusers.

"The gene pool is not getting cleaner, but more refined as an intentionally designed fighter, I am afraid."
How exactly would you know this? In my area, Pit Bulls from the inner city are often intentionally mixed breeds. Yet they are always reported in the news as Pit Bulls not mixed breeds. I've been around a large number of well-bred and well raised Pit Bulls. These dogs are used for breeding quality members of the breed. Those dogs aren't owned by gang bangers and are never on the evening news. I'd like to see the gangs and drug dealers put out of business but I don't believe in targeting the law abiding to do it.

[HairOfTheDog]

If the "animal rights tack" is that there are too many dogs being put down every day, pit bulls and others, in every dog pound, in every town in this country, then yes, I am on that tack. It is too our shame that there are so many dogs bred with no hope for a future. Every Tom Dick and Harry that think it would be fun for their dogs to have puppies ought to spend a day at the pound. When dogs are rare, I will fight for the desirability of breeding more.

We disagree on the value of this breed. If I were advising a friend, I would recommend other breeds. I won't campaign against them, but I don't pretend that there isn't a risk with them. They need to be treated with much more care than most people have the knowledge to interpret.