Thursday, March 31, 2005

Why?

I created this blog exactly one week after my landlord threatened me with eviction. I'm not behind on rent. I don't play loud music. I don't live in (a lot of) filth. So what was the trouble? The puppy I got on New Year's Eve, Bean. She's part pit bull.

This is not the first time I've had to deal with the less-than-shining reputation of the breed. I've fielded comments such as "I hope you keep her tied up" and "Aren't you afraid she'll eat your children?" (My response is usually, "Actually, I keep her on the couch" and "I'm more concerned about her eating my new shoes.") Myths and misconceptions about pit bulls are everywhere. This past week I have been reading up on "breed specific legislation" or "BSL", a pretty misguided attempt to reduce the occurrence of dog bites by outlawing certain breeds, including pit bulls. This is a breed in serious need of some PR.

I have decided to use the internet to let everyone know what great pets they make. I hope that once people get to know the adorable-goofy-loving-snugglebug that is Bean, they will open their minds and hearts and recognize that there is a place in our communities and homes for these dogs. As pit lovers often say, "Punish the deed, not the breed."