Very true. How about Georgetown University Law Center, which he attended with his owner, Private John Robert Conroy? Is that closer? How about being the Georgetown Hoyas mascot, chasing a football around the field during half-time and meeting VIPs at the games? How about meeting with Presidents Wilson, Coolidge and Harding? Are those situations closer to 'residential neighbourhoods'? Where do you suppose he lived when he wasn't being a celebrity? With Conroy, at his residence.
In 1918, Stubby was badly injured by a grenade, and sent eventually to a Red Cross recovery hospital where, when he recovered enough to move, he spent his time socialising with the wounded and the nurses. But yes, being a Pit Bull, a 'killing machine', let's look at his 'record'. How many did he kill or maul at the front and in the hospital? How many soldiers in the trenches did he maul? The answer is zero, though he did capture a German spy in the Argonne, all by himself and we do not know if he bit the spy, so maybe one. How many did he kill or maul after the war? Zero.
A VERY dangerous Pit Bull indeed! Speaking of dangerous Pit Bulls, lets not forget the several dogs that played 'Petey' the pup in the Our Gang and The Little Rascals series.
The injury toll from these dogs attacking the kids? Zero.
The point being, the breed is known as the American Pit Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier , and it was a family dog, known for its loyalty and love of children, as witnessed by 'Petey', above. Unfortunately, idiots have gotten hold of APTBs and did not train them properly, focusing on their natural aggression to other dogs and turning it against humans. It is a question of 'nurture' rather than 'nature'. Here is a quote from the United Kennel Club concerning the breed's characteristics (emphasis is mine):
The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog. The breed’s natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers so good fencing is a must for this breed. The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable. This breed does very well in performance events because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work.
Don't blame the dog for the idiot would-be 'gangsta' that has to make up for his inadequacies, using a tough looking dog! There are many ABPTs and crosses that are nothing but 'love sponges', eating up all the love you can give them. I know because I have a cross. I did not intend to get one, but I have one now. At five years of age, she is still goofy like a puppy, loving nothing more than to lick my face and play with her toys.