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dogs, family, humor, life, love, opinion, Orcs, parenting, pets, pitbulls, postaweek2012, rescue dogs, thoughts
My pets are overlooked in my BlogWorld; the joy they bring just isn’t as humorous as the humans currently occupying the house. But I think they are due their 15 minutes of fame. I also thought this would be the perfect chance to speak up for one who cannot speak for herself….
We are the proud owners of a rescued pitbull, LulaBelle. Right along with snakes and reptiles, these may possibly be the most misunderstood and misrepresented of creatures. We’re intelligent people, we knew what to expect when adopting her; but I am shocked the way she is consistantly treated as if she’s Al Pacino’s Tony Montana [“You want to play rough?”] I can’t help but want to shout from the rooftops from time to time: “She’s REAAAALLY NOT going to EAT anyone!!!!”
My last dog, Chase, was a golden retriever (or as I referred to him “Love of my life”). He ate up the adoration. Long before he was fully grown, it became clear he did not realize he was a dog, and I wasn’t going to break it to him…considering I was the one feeding him off my plate and baby-talking to my “Chaser-doodle-puppy-wuppy”. This quintessential family pet was the constant sidekick everyone gathered around at each soccer game to pet and spoil.
This is not something you can do with our Lula. I baby talk to “Lula-Petula-Spunky-Chunk” (she’s abit pleasantly plump) and people gawk as if I’m petting one of the Hounds of Hell from a Vincent Price movie.
Crowds part like the Red Sea and glare as if the other end of the leash holds an escaped Orc from Middle Earth instead of a loving family member.
The Orc is ok, just keep children away from puppies !
We do not want to cause panic (though it’s sometimes tempting) so poor Lula stays home more often than not. It would not be responsible for me to suggest these are the perfect dogs for everyone; especially if considering a rescued animal that may have been abused. It is important to remember dogs are naturally pack animals, and when dealing with any larger breed owners need to train the dog well. If you do not assert yourself as the “alpha”, they will.
We know by scars and the heartless manner her ears were cut that Lula suffered abuse. The first few months were spent diligently monitoring every move and reaction, trying to assess her personality. We divided the house using baby gates to separate Lula and my eight pound cat any time we left – the kitty seemed genuinely terrified. We saw Tempest swat at Lula many times and assumed the aggression she was only reacting to something the dog did. I’m sure there is an animal translation of “I’m telling” or “She’s looking at me !”…..Until one night we came home from dinner to find the cat had jumped a gate into Dog Territory and they were lying next to each other when we walked in the door.
Yea, the cats a big faker. Animal translation: “Liar, liar pants on fire”.
And now we’ve reached the “Did you know” portion of the program:
The term “Pitbull” is actually a generalization, usually referring to any of the Bull Terrier breeds (or mixes of). Ours is actually a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
German shepherds and Rottweilers have a bite of more force per inch than a pitbull.
Pitbull jaws do not “lock”, they are the same as any other dog.
They make terrible guard dogs. Unless their initial appearance scares an intruder, they are usually more eager to make a new friend. This makes them easily stolen, usually by the morons who fight them.
Lula relaxing after a walk. Look at that face !
These dogs are rated very well as family dogs when raised in that environment; they are not “natural fighters”. And seeing how gentle ours is despite being abused, I shutter to think the level of violence it would take to turn one of these animals into a killer. Dog fighters are the very reason I would like to see Guantanamo Bay remain open.
Be afraid....the breed's trademark smile and deadly frolic will soon steal your heart...MuAh-hahaha!
I leave you with this last thought: When the American Temperament Testing evaluated dog breeds of all sorts; the most common pitbull breeds were rated in the same category as Bassett Hounds. Pitbulls were rated LESS aggressive than Chihuahuas, Schnauzer, and Collies. Yes, I realize the teeth are bigger, but face it… a bad attitude is a bad attitude!
I rest my case.
Memoirs of an Evil Stepmom 
Chihuahuas are very territorial and aggressive when they feel their territory, humans or tacos are in danger. Pitbulls get a bad rap which is odd since the old “Our Gang” show featured one. I’ve known several people who own pitbulls or pitbull mixes and all of them are great dogs. Lula is very lucky to have found a forever home with you.
Oh, I forgot about the Rascals; That was the good ole pre- Michael Vick days when they were just “another dog”. She’s such a love, we are the lucky ones!
A few years ago, we fostered a pitbull/terrier mix. Unfortunately, we couldn’t keep Morgan but found a perfect home for him. He was our roommate for three months, and he was a gentle sweetheart. We all cried when we had to say goodbye. Love him forever.
Oh bless you !
I have often thought of getting involved with fostering & socializing but I am not the type that could “let go”….I’d end up as “the crazy lady with all the dogs”.
Morgan was a stray my husband found…or I should say Morgan found him 🙂
Thats even more sweet, and a great “happily ever after”!
That bottom picture pretty much says it all. Just as bad a dog as the “aggressive breeds” – hard not to kick them through the hedge. Small dog owners will allow their little guys to run up and nip your dog – and then get upset if your dog growls. Great. Can so identify with what you say here. It’s the owners – not the dogs. (and don’t count on shepherds as guard dogs for the same reason) Thanks for adopting a dog in need. Lula is gorgeous! We know some really sweet pits / pit mixes who started out with the wrong owner. “Aggressive Breeds” need all the ambassadors they can get with current mindset.
“Aggressive breeds” should be re-named “asshole owner breeds”, thanks for bringing up that point !
Seeing my favorite animal advocate/philosopher remark about “Kicking them through the hedge” made me laugh more than I have in a month !!!! (even though I know you would never do it…..it was the unexpectedness of the comment!) Much appreciated…
Thank you so much for adopting Lula!! I wish all dog owners (large and small) were responsible like you (and others).
Unfortunately, not so. Our kids BM got a pit-mix and it’s chained up outside. The kids are constantly telling us how he’s “a biter”. Of course he’s a biter! He’s 6 months old and hasn’t had any discipline or taught what is the proper chew-toy to use. I shudder for the poor dog (and the kids).
I want to say to those people “Hm, WHY is the dog a biter !?!?!?” That breaks my heart, I hope she comes to her senses and decides to find a real home for the dog…
Our dog looks friendly and approachable. He is a rescue dog and is fear aggressive. He will bite your hand off if you try to approach him while he is walking with us. He’s very friendly in our home with guests, but on the street he is in constant protection mode. I feel so bad for him; I know how he feels, always worried. 🙂
Thats cute -“Wecome to our home” ! I wouldnt mind abit of “protection”, but I’m hoping she at least looks the part ! ( Its funny because our golden was very protective of my son)
Janet, glad you mentioned “Staffordshire Bull Terrier” had you not, i was going to – as you note, it’s the morons who cruelly train them to fight that have stuck these sweet creatures with their unfortunate aka. i used to babysit a female staffy, and she was the loveliest pup. anyway, enjoyed the post…and your affection for her, and your other critters, shines through. continue…
I think with time their rep will turn around as more and more people experience these cuties as you have; So glad to hear they have another ambassador ! And thank you for referring to it as “affection”, it sounds so much better than ‘compulsion’ or ‘obsession’ !
Lula is a beautiful dog! And that’s one scary chihuahua! Dogs have personalities too. I’ve met a lot of mean, snippy dogs from breeds that are supposed to be friendly. A good home certainly helps.
Thanks, she is a sweet heart. I am an animal lover, but theres something about chihuahuas and poodles…..I’d take my chances with the Orc !
I love this post. I am a huge dog lover and my husband loves pits especially. They are some of the sweetest and most gentle animals. We have had them in the past and one got shot by a neighbor while my husband was out (this was before we got married) because the neighbor was scared of him. Mind you, he had a big fenced in yard and the dog was shot on his own property so it’s not as if he got out and attacked anyone. This is a prime example of the idiocy and prejudice these beautiful animals (and their owners) face. We rescued a couple of pit puppies after we got married. Had them for a long time, but we lived in a bad neighborhood at the time and someone stole them (and also shot the German Shepard I had at the time, too – and that was my baby!!). I can only assume it was to fight them. We reported it all to the police, but they did absolutely nothing. Dog fighting was a big problem in our area at the time & I guess they just didn’t think dogs were a priority or something equally stupid. We searched and searched for them, but never found them. It breaks my heart to think about what they may have suffered. Now we not only live in a better area, but are more careful and mature dog owners. We have a very well-trained saint bernard and siberian husky. They are like our own children. I even call my brother and sister their aunt and uncle lol. And my mom calls them her “grandogs.” We spoil them rotten and make sure to keep them inside when we’re gone to try to avoid any future dognapping fiasco’s.
Wow, you have been through so much ! We’ve been lucky so far (her own yard,etc) but we are extremely careful because we’ve heard many stories like yours. Sounds like a happy ending for your family, we can only hope the dog-knappers get what they deserve !
hahah I love the last image– I rest my case. It’s true! Some little dogs are flippin’ annoying! Yippy little vermons, some of them! 😛
I like to think I love all dogs, but some definatly more than others ! I was just over at your site reading a recipe of puff pastry & goat cheese – OMG !!!!
me too. & that recipe… I know! I just found it and I’m DYING to try it. Me + puff pastry = complete sucker
She is a darling! Thanks for sharing this link via your blog. And thanks for sharing the news about pit bull dogs 🙂
Hopefully someday it will sink in !!!
My daughter breeds mastiffs and encounters much of the same prejudice. She usually takes one or more of them running at the park and people give her a wide berth. They’re really big babies.
A few years ago she had customers at the house. Who got locked up for menacing the customers and showing teeth? My Vizsla. Yep, my little pansy pants tried to drive them off. He’s not too much of a pansy though – he’s got a big rack of teeth on him and when his hackles go up, he’s scary.
I love pitties. I can’t imagine the abuse it takes to make them into fighting dogs. Each time I see a puppy pittie at PetSmart with a gangbanger wanna-be, I cringe.
I followed your link over from Love and A Six Foot Leash. I’m a follower of hers and was thrilled to see her get Freshly Pressed.
Nancy
I always hope the wannabe gangers are just an image thing….there are lots of tough guys out there with big hearts & would look silly walking a poodle 🙂
There is something seriously wong with people who do such things to animals, our girl is so gentle she greets strangers as “YEA someone new to play with!” but we hope her look would scare off robbers …..some security system eh?
Mastiffs are so outrageous – i always think of snuffleupagus on Seasame Street !!!! Glad you stopped by, Thanks !