I found this on petsadvisor.com and wanted to share. I know we deal with a lot of the dogs that fall into the “difficult” category, but they aren’t all “bad” bullies! Here’s some awesome examples of ambassadors of the breed!
5 Pit Bulls That Are Giving The Breed A Good Name:
Many dogs have been victims of breed-specific legislation (BSL) in the past, and no breed knows this better than the Staffordshire bull terrier breed.
Purebreds, mixes or dogs with “block heads” get labeled as pit bulls, and media stories have sensationalized the supposed dangers of these dogs. Their owners have been fighting back for years and continue to advocate for them.
Despite these reportedly “dangerous” dogs, there are many of them contradicting the hype by being ambassadors of the breed through their work. Here we look at some of the pit bulls giving the breed a good name.
1. Blueberry
Blueberry loves to visit with people as a therapy dog. By: Blueberry the Pit Bull Therapy Dog
The 6-year-old pittie with a fruit-related moniker was adopted from the Milton Animal League and works as a therapy dog in Massachusetts. Blueberry, affectionately called “Booberry” by her owner, visits rehab hospitals, nursing homes, humane societies, hospice patients, universities, and homes for the deaf and blind. When this dog is not working, Blueberry’s favorite activity is rolling in the grass.
Patients confined to a facility, some temporary or permanent, look forward to Blueberry’s visits to ease the loneliness or remind them of life at home. One of Blueberry’s regular visits is to a patient named Dottie, who said the visits make her happy. “I am so lonely here. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to feel a dog — her ears and body and soft fur. It is so … perfect.”
When Blueberry isn’t spreading cheer with patients, she attends BSL awareness walks with her owner and continues to change people’s minds “one pit bull at a time.”
2. Lilly
Lilly is a symbol of canine bravery and loyalty. By: Lilly the Hero Pit Bull
The dog that made headlines when she moved her unconscious owner off train tracks and took the hit of a freight train continues to be an ambassador for the breed. The 8-year-old pit bull named Lilly was adopted by David Lanteigne from the Animal Rescue League in Boston a few years before the event, and he and his family were by her side continuously during her recovery.
Despite losing a limb and having regular therapy appointments, Lilly bounced back and has been a familiar face in the fight against BSL. She attends BSL awareness walks with Lanteigne, makes public appearances and even has her own kissing booth. Lanteigne and his family set up a charity in her name to help other pitties in need.
The Lilly the Hero Dog Fund tries to help place homeless pitties by regularly listing dogs up for adoption or in need of fostering in addition to donating time, money and supplies to shelters and rescues. The fund regularly advocates against BSL, spreads awareness, holds events and fundraisers, and provides financial assistance to dogs in need. Lilly’s so busy with her fans (and meeting new ones) that she has a schedule!