Pit bulls….what just happened as you read that? Did your hair stand on end with fear or did you fill up with a warm sense of love and comfort? Sadly, many among us have been conditioned by the myriad sensationalist pit bull-related stories put forth in the media. And whether you love the breed or not, it is important to know that the vast majority of these stories are misinformed, partial accounts that have come to represent a minority of incidents. The fact-based reports and statistics on this breed offer an entirely different picture.
For starters, you may be surprised to learn that in the 1940’s and 50’s pit bulls were affectionately referred to as “America’s Nanny Dog.” Their stability, natural affinity for humans, and good nature with kids had many American families “employing” pit bulls to watch over precious new family members. And if any of you has had the good fortune to know a pittie personally, you’ll agree that their ongoing wish to make their love and affection known with kisses likely kept these kids “well groomed” to boot!
But the impressive history of this now-maligned breed does not stop here. Their praises could be sung by every municipal chorus and there would still be more content upon which to write an opera!
Pit bulls have not only been trusted to care for human infants, but also, large companies, and even countries, have branded them as “spokes-beings” for their products and causes! Their professional portfolio includes serving as the face for Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and they were America’s choice to convey loyalty and integrity on WWI and WWII campaign posters to enroll troops. In today’s market, if pit bulls had agents they’d land all sorts of coveted gigs.
Helen Keller and her pit bull, Sir Thomas (photo courtesy PitBullsOnTheWeb.com)
Sergeant Stubby (photo courtesy PitBullsOnTheWeb.com)
President Woodrow Wilson’s best friend was not only a pit bull but he was also a war hero. Canine Sgt. Stubby served our country in WWI and was reportedly wounded in action twice. Stubby actually captured a German spy and succeeded in saving his entire platoon by warning them to retreat from a poisonous gas attack. If that doesn’t define “man’s best friend,” what does?
Woodrow Wilson was not the only national leader loved by a member of this breed. As a young boy, Jimmy Carter had a loyal pit bull companion. And General George S. Patton’s faithful bull pooch, Willie, was noted to have mourned his master’s loss for a long time after the general’s passing.
Helen Keller also shared her life and travails with a beloved pit bull companion. And who can forget the famed Petey from the little rascals?
More modern celebrity figures, such as Jon Stewart, Brad Pitt, Jessica Alba, Mary Tyler Moore and Justin Timberlake, have been seen out and about, walking proud with their rescued pit bull companions.
My own work helping rescue animals after Hurricane Katrina had me working side by side with actress Linda Blair (of Exorcist fame) who also came to the Gulf Coast to help rescue animals. Linda was right there in the trenches and is so committed to these canines that she runs her own not-for-profit rescue group to help the breed.
So if history is any indication, I’d say we have a lot to learn about this misunderstood breed. I know you to be a crowd always up for debunking myths about our fellow animals, so I vote that we spread the real story on this “dogged” dog. Hopefully we can educate others missing out on the “bottomless pit” of love these guys have to offer the world.
Originally posted at The Daily Wag on MarthaStewart.com.
Dr. Pia Salk is a psychologist, animal welfare advocate, and expert on the human-animal bond. Pia frequently highlights the important role that animals play in our lives and how our societal treatment of animals conveys important messages to our youth. In her own work, Pia often credits the animals as being “the real therapists.”
GGA HQ was home to two pitbull mutts until they died at 18, so you know how we feel about the breed (love, trust, adore.) But Dr. Pia Salk takes it to the next level by analyzing where we – as a human species – went wrong with this breed – from beloved to most feared, now what can you do to help pits? Debunk, foster, donate, and adopt!