his new dog

his new dog

a dreaded pit bull

pats my arm

begging for attention

I find I love her, too

Author's Note

Graphic Credit: Google Images

Cesar Millan is a renowned dog psychologist/trainer

Publication Credit: Gusts 2013

Reviews

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

This is a subject I hold close to my heart and argue tooth and nail (no pun intended). This breed takes so much flack from the public eye and media, it's ridiculous. They have been bred for aggression since the late 1700' s. Their common name "pit bull" is proof of that. After the use of dogs became less and less necessary, due to industrialization, they became a popular fighting dog. A trend that still exists today. They were called, "bullies of the pit," a term used in British territories. "Pit," was a common term for the makeshift arenas they would be made to fight in, also used for human fighters before boxing became a sanctioned sport; hence, pit fighters. If we are to point any fingers, it can not be on the animal. They are the direct result of our own brutality, and anyone who still practices such use of them cultivates that very ugly piece of our humanity. All animals have a level of unpredictability when domesticated, they should not be considered dangerous for doing what comes natural... all dogs bite! Pit bulls in my life, have proven to be the most loyal breed I've ever encountered. Please, don't condemn such a regal, beautiful creature for our misuse, mistreatment, and lack of understanding. Your piece was one I admire and applaud! Thank you.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, PH. Your review was an instructive and very intelligent vindication of the pit bull dog. I appreciate your taking the time to provide us all with this very valuable information.

[icelandicblue]

I am moved and impressed by your knowledge. People have no clue how these dogs are bred. Females kept in "rape cages" 24/7, smaller dogs are used for bait dogs. Sick dogs are left on the side of the road to die. These dogs know nothing but hardship and violence. I am passionate about these dogs and how they are misrepresented and mistreated in our society. I applaud you for your in-depth knowledge and compassion. We can only measure ourselves on that human continuum by how we treat those who are weaker and dependent on us. Look at how many of Michael Vicks dogs have been rehabbed- even one would be a miracle but it is much more than that. And by the way Vick should still be in jail in my opinion. Thanks for writing such a passionate piece about these dogs. People shouldn't be swayed by the bias or sensationalism of the media, they should get off there asses and do something to make the world a better place, whether it be with people or animals. Thanks poetic heroics from the bottom of my heart.

[icelandicblue]

twhoops, their asses!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

It was something I was compelled to do. I usually stay pretty quiet on this forum, but I couldn't resist but to speak up for those who have no voice.

[icelandicblue]

Yes, and my hissy fit earlier was about perceiving that I was not being heard. You taught me a lot in your piece and sometimes you just can't be quiet. I'm on the louder side I think, I'm older too so I speak my mind. These dogs and what is done to them breaks my heart. My sister has one and I have one and they are great animals. I wish I had room for more to be honest. Those with no voice will always need the voices of the strong, it is the way it should be.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks to both of you - you've done very well vindicating that poor dog. I appreciate it and I'm sure if the dog could speak he'd say thanks, too.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

@ice... our treatment of animals is beyond disgusting. I agree with you, anyone who commits such crimes should be punished thoroughly. I hope the day comes where we value life as life, from the worm to the soaring eagle.

[Baby Ricochet]

Pit Bulls are my pet peeve. Raised in a loving environment they're as well behaved as any other family dog. Raised in a monstrous environment you get a monster. There should be a pit bull awareness week so folks know the difference between cruel animals and cruel people. In fact I'm gonna get my girl friend a pit bull puppy for her to raise and within a year she'll have created the meanest, toughest looking giant spoiled rotten p***y chick dog in a baby carriage you've ever seen. She did it to my cat so I know a pit bull will be a pushover. So what's my point? Like all dogs all pit Bulls want is love. That's my point. That and some people shouldn't own dogs,

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks for your review, BR. The image of a pit bull sitting in a baby carriage has me smiling broadly.

[Latifa]

those eyes are irresisstible beautiful

[Joyce S. Greene]

Yes, dogs do have the nicest eyes. They give so much and seem to demand very little. Too bad they are sometimes abused by nasty people.

[Coyote Poetry]

The funny part is. 80% of dog bites are done by small dogs. You must blame the owner for large dogs who attack. I have owned large dogs and my mother has owned many. Dogs are good friends and will protect you in need. I like the photo and the description.
Coyote

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Coyote. I appreciate your review very much.

[icelandicblue]

I have a pit bull and she is the sweetest and kindest dog I've ever known. She loves people and she has never growled or shown aggression toward someone, ever. She has been loved since the day she has come into our lives, 4 1/2 years ago and she has made up better people due to her innate sweetness. Thank you for writing this, because it is not the dog, she is strong, she is no lap dog, but she has never once used that strength to harm another...it is the owner who is so often to blame. Cruelty begets cruelty you can't blame an entire breed for owners who lack humanity. Thank you for this, I am so tired of people asking me what kind of dog I have and then raising their eyebrows when I tell them. I even had one person say you don't look like someone who would own a pit bull. What an a*s.

[Joyce S. Greene]

I'm with you, Anne. Dogs can't be stereotyped, any more than people can.

[Odysseus Wanders]

I often think of the pit-bull as a manifestation of our own underlying aggression. One that lurks so openly. Yet we insist that it is not ours... but rather the dogs! Nicely thought out.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Yes, I believe human nature is not always kind, Terry, and certain people will profit from that unkindness. It's a tragedy for the dogs trained to fight and for the people they attack. Why are those farms allowed to exist? I have no idea, but they should not, that's for sure! I truly appreciate your very kind review.

[Odysseus Wanders]

Anytime, Joyce. Best!

[Frieda P]

Looks like unconditional love to me, very sweet sentiment here Joyce. Mr Millan is a wise man too....

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Frieda, I really appreciate your very nice words. They mean a lot to me.

[Tom]

Dogs only respond as to how their owners treat them and that should be as another loved family member and then you will reap the rewards of this loyal, loving, affectionate, canine companion....Pitbull, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Poodle et all !

A defining poem, short but fueled with compassion, splendid Joyce !

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Tom. Your words have brightened my morning. Hope your New Year is a great one!

[wordman]

my daughter has one and my son has one they are loving and well trained,and yes your right when will they place the blame where it is due

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you for adding your very knowledgeable commentary to this page, Ron. I was scared to meet that dog but was quickly won over by her sweet temperament. Love conquers all!

[NeiL ArandA]

They crave for affection too. Misuse for self vested interest. Very nice point of view

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Neil. I agree - those pit bull farms are a tragedy waiting to happen. The tortured animals in turn become the torturers. Thanks for your very kind review.