Pat's Prized Pets Challenge: Here Is the Unusual-Looking Pets Winner

Here are some of the most peculiar-looking pets in the D.C. area

All this month NBC4 is helping to Clear the Shelters and find forever homes for our furry friends.

To celebrate this year’s campaign, News4's legendary Pat Collins is back with another Pat’s Prized Pets challenge — he's uncovered the most peculiar-looking pets in the D.C. area.

We asked you to submit your derpy dogs, quirky cats and abnormal animals all week — and boy, did you deliver!

To read more on this story, click here: Pat's Prized Pets Challenge: Here Is the Unusual-Looking Pets Winner

FOLLOW US!

Tiny War Dog Saved Soldiers’ Lives in WWII and Became First Therapy Dog

A tiny Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky may not have looked tough, but the dog was a seasoned war veteran by the end of World War II. Not only that, her owner credited her with saving his life and she became the first ever registered therapy dog after the war.

Smoky was first discovered in an abandoned foxhole in the New Guinea jungle by an American soldier in February 1944. The soldiers originally thought she belonged to a Japanese soldier, but she did not understand commands in either English or Japanese, leaving her origins unknown.

To read more on this story, click here: Tiny War Dog Saved Soldiers’ Lives in WWII and Became First Therapy Dog

FOLLOW US!

Woman Takes Her Therapy Dog to a Furry Convention Thinking it Was an Event for Pets

A woman and her Bernese mountain dog became the unwitting stars of a furry convention this weekend after the woman mistook the gathering as an event for pets.

Cheryl Wassus of Monroe, Michigan, is a volunteer with Pets for Vets, a nonprofit that matches therapy dogs with military veterans. When Wassus learned that Motor City Furry Con in Novi, Michigan, was raising money for the organization, she assumed it must be a pet-themed convention.

It was a reasonable mistake. For those unaware, furries are people who enjoy dressing up in anthropomorphic animal costumes and role-playing. That’s not what Wassus or Link — who has training as a therapy dog — expected.

Wassus’ son, New York Media producer Kenny Wassus, tweeted some incredible photos of the mix-up on Saturday.

“This is just a whole subculture I wasn’t even aware existed,” Cheryl Wassus told New York magazine. “When we set up tables and do promos and educate the public and do outreach, I had no idea the outreach was going to be other human … furry people. I guess you’re never too old to learn.” (Read her full interview with NYMag, which is amazing, HERE.)

Wassus told Cosmopolitan that the convention’s organizers had invited her to do a presentation about Pets for Vets, and that it just never became clear what a “furry con” was.

“I usually try to do some research the night before I go to these events but the website was pretty obscure,” she said.

But the surprise worked out for the best. Wassus, Link and the furries got along famously. Link was a little confused at first, Wassus said, and did some “serious tail-sniffing” at the sight of all the two-legged animals. But it all ended up being no big deal.

“They weren’t offended, though. They just embraced him,” she told NYMag. “It was all good. Just a real interested community.”

Plus, the event was a big win for Pets for Vets ― Motor City Furry Con raised $10,000 for the group.

The media tends to associate being a furry with a sexual fetish, but most furry fans say it’s really not about that.

“In reality, furries are fans of a concept: ‘What if intelligent animals lived among us, or replaced us?’” Laurence Parry, editor-in-chief of furry-centric news site Flayrah, told The Huffington Post in 2014. “From this, all else flows — art, crafts, stories, role-playing and costuming.”

FOLLOW US!

East Tennessee Children's Hospital Has a New Employee: A Comfort Dog Named, Farley

Knoxville, TN  - One of the newest employees at East Tennessee Children's Hospital is a four-legged friend whose job is to brighten the days of folks around the facility.

Farley, a golden retriever puppy born in October 2016, is the hospital's first-ever full-time facility support animal.

The lovable canine will take on her new job in memory of a former patient.

The idea for ETCH to get a facility dog came from 16-year-old oncology patient Kristyn Farley, explained  Sue Wilburn, who is the V.P. of Human Resources and Farley's caretaker and handler.

Kristyn died last year but she had a passion for dogs and greater access to them while in ETCH's care, explained Wilburn.

A grant from PetSmart Charities helped the hospital get the facility dog and hospital volunteers set up a fund to cover daily expenses.

Christina Ryskamp, store leader at PetSmart Knoxville located at West Town Mall, nominated the hospital to receive the grant.

“For years, our team has worked with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital to collect and donate plush toys to bring a smile to the faces of its pediatric patients during the holiday season. Seeing the reaction of those children inspired us to want to do more,” said Ryskamp.

It'll still be a bit of time before Farley moves into her full-time position. For now, she's working in the Human Resources department and will soon begin a 6-week puppy training program.

Before interacting with patients Farley must complete a comprehensive training program, undergo temperament evaluations and be at least a year old. She'll primarily be a staff dog but will be available to visit with patients, when a volunteer therapy dog isn't available.

FOLLOW US!

Ballard-Durand Funeral Home, Has a Therapy Dog to Help People with Grief

Experiencing the loss of a loved one is devastating. It is the most stressful, disorienting and agonizing event we can suffer through. For some, the process of planning and attending the memorial services for their deceased companion is more than they can bear.

One White Plains, NY funeral home has found a way to ease that burden, if only for a short while.

Ballard-Durand Funeral Home has an extra staff member who provides a special kind of comfort to grieving clients. Her name is LuLu and she is a therapy dog. The majority of the facility’s clients have heard about their one-of-a-kind employee and specifically request Lulu’s services when they come in.

Matthew Fiorillo, the president of  Ballard-Durand Funeral Home, told NBC Today that he came up with the idea of getting a therapy dog during a particularly stressful visit to the airport. Fiorillo’s flight had been canceled and he was battling the anger and anxiety of the situation when a Maltese trotted past with its owner. Just the presence of a dog was enough to soothe his rising tension.

“A wave of calmness washed over me and after it happened I was like, wow, that was really powerful!

Fiorillo began researching the logistics of incorporating a dog into the delicate practice of funeral services. Lulu the Goldendoodle officially came on board the team in May of 2015. Like many dogs, she instinctively senses where, when and how she’s needed most. Fiorillo told NBC Today:

“She’ll park herself right next to an older person to let them pet her one minute and the next she’s prancing around with kids. It’s been really impressive to watch.

Lulu is a calm, sturdy beacon of support for those whose lives have spun suddenly out of control. Her presence allows otherwise stoic men to weep, and gives brokenhearted children the chance to laugh again.

Fiorillo also takes comfort in Lulu’s companionship. The funeral services profession is highly stressful and very emotional. Sometimes a replenishing hug from Lulu is just what he needs to help him release his own emotions and better serve his clients.

“Humans need to touch. Even just petting her can be a subtle distraction from the tremendous amount of grief people are going through.

For those who take comfort in spirituality or the belief in a higher power, Lulu’s ability to “pray” is astonishing. Chelsea Sules lost her 25-year-old brother on June 17. Her grief was stifling, but within minutes of meeting Lulu, she found herself laughing once again. She told NBC Today:

“Lulu was with us for both of the wakes and out of nowhere we see her kneeling on a bench with her head down and praying in front of my brother’s casket. It blew us away.

FOLLOW US!

Family of Autistic Boy Launched a Fundraising Campaign to Get $12,500 Needed for a Therapy Dog: Taylor Swift Donates $10,000

Two schoolgirls who created their own version of one of Taylor Swift's most famous songs to raise money for their autistic relative have received a huge donation from the popstar herself.

Jordan Fox and Makaylee Duhon, who are both 12, joined together to rewrite the lyrics to Swift's hit 'Blank Space' as a way of helping Jacob Hill, who suffers from autism.

Jacob, who is five, suffers from the condition, which makes it harder for him socialize and he is prone to wandering off from his parents.

His mother Allison was keen for Jacob to be given a service dog, which would stop him from putting himself in constant danger.

His family then launched a fund-raising campaign to gather together the $12,500 needed to train a dog and his sister Jordan and cousin Makaylee decided to rework one of Swift's songs where they plead for donations.

The video of their song, their own take on Blank Space, was posted to YouTube and spotted by the hitmaker who wanted to help out the cause.

She then went on the appeal's Gofundme page and donated $10,000, meaning the family now have enough for a therapy dog.

Writing on the page, Swift and her mother Andrea Swift, wrote: “Jacob, we hope you love your new dog! Please tell your cousins that they did a great job on the song! Love, Taylor and Andrea Swift.”

And when the two girls were told that Ms. Swift had made the donation, they were shocked.

Makaylee told KPRC: “She was like, 2Taylor Swift just donated $10,000.

And we were all like, 'Oh my gosh!”

While Jordan added: “I couldn't just look at this situation and ignore it, because he's my brother.

I love him a lot. He's really special to me.”

A service dog will now be chosen for Jacob and will take two and a half years to train before going to live with the family.

Schoolgirls Jordan Fox and Makaylee Duhon, who created their own version of one of Taylor Swift's most famous songs to raise money for their autistic relative Jacob Hill, pictured.

The two girls reworked the words to the song Blank Space and performed a music video to go with it, which they posted online.

After posting the video online for Jacob, left, it was spotted by Taylor Swift, right, who donated $10,000 to help him afford a service dog.

The hitmaker spotted the girls' song on YouTube and wanted to help Jacob afford to get his service dog.

When the two girls were told by Jacob's mother, Allison that Swift had made the donation, they were shocked.

Thanks to the popstar's donation, the family now have enough money to afford to train the dog.

The message that Swift and her mother Andrea left on Gofundme after making their donation.

FOLLOW US!

Three-Month-Old Abused/Abandoned Pit Bull Puppy Needs Your Help With His Surgery: Please Share His Story

Pickles is just three months old, and already life is an uphill battle for him.  Not only has he suffered abuse at the hands of some horrible humans, but was dumped on the side of the road and left for dead as well.  After being rescued, doctors discovered a heart condition that requires immediate surgery for him to survive, and grow up to be trained as a therapy dog.

 Some good Samaritans came across Pickles after he was abandoned.  They weren’t sure just what to do with the poor little guy, so they called Nikki Johnson.  Johnson has fostered a great deal of dogs over the past few years, and knows just what to do in these situations.

“I had sent the information to my boyfriend and said I think we could potentially foster this guy,” said Johnson.  “He won’t take long to find a home, he’s a puppy, super cute.”

  

Johnson immediately noticed signs of abuse on Pickles.  There was scarring where his ears had been cut, forcing him to have to wear a special hat while in the rain to protect him.

“They only cut the ears off to make them look mean.  That’s why they do that to pit bulls,” said Johnson.

One would figure the little guy to be terrified of people because of what he was put through.  However, Johnsons says that’s not really the case.  In fact, she believes that he could become an amazing therapy dog if trained properly.

“I think anybody would be terrified of people if you were held down as a child and your ears cut off,” said Johnson.  “But he loves everybody.”

  

Johnson took Pickles in to see the doctors, and that’s when his heart condition was discovered.  He has stage 5 pulmonic stenosis, which is potentially fatal.  Vanessa Rangel-Miller also has a dog with the same medical condition as Pickles, and knows all too well the dangers it comes along with.

  

“He was already abused, left by the side of the road,” said Rangel-Miller.  “Then we find out that there’s even more, that he has medical conditions.”

She is trying to spread the word about Pickles and his condition, reaching out to the community for help with getting him cared for.  She also strongly believes that Pickles could be a great therapy dog.  His sweet and loving temperament would be just right.

“This dog has the potential to really help a lot of other people and a lot of other kids, and I’d like to do anything I can to make that happen,” said Rangel-Miller.

Johnson is very thankful for the help in reaching out to the community.  She’s amazed that so many people already have helped out with Pickles’ care.  If you’d like to see more about Pickles, watch his progress or donate to the cause, you can check out his special Facebook page, click HERE. 

Video:

Please Share!

FOLLOW US!

Meet Hannah, an 8-Year-Old Collie, Who is Lowering Blood Pressure at the Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System

Danville, Illinois - She doesn't wear a white coat, offer medical advice or dispense medicine.

But each time Hannah makes her rounds at the Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System, she showers patients — and staff — with loads of affection, lowering their blood pressure and lifting their spirits in the process.

Hannah, a nearly 8-year-old Collie, is a certified pet therapy dog, and Marilyn Campbell of Georgetown is her owner and handler.

While Hannah usually draws most of the attention at the Veterans Hospital in Danville, it's Campbell who is being recognized by the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund this month for her volunteer work with her four-legged friend and other therapy dogs.

In the last 20 years, the Vermilion County Conservation District retiree has certified more than 200 dogs for therapy service. And once a week for the last 18 months or so, she and Hannah have been visiting the veteran patients.

"Ms. Campbell is a wonderful example of an IMRF retiree who, through service, is making a difference in the community," said Louis W. Kosiba, the organization's executive director. "Her story is an inspiration to others to volunteer their time to help others."

Campbell and six others from across the state were nominated for IMRF's "Year of the Volunteer" contest, spotlighting volunteerism within the organization's membership. They will be honored in December.

At that time, the organization will select one of them as its Volunteer of the Year. The recipient will receive $1,000 to donate to his or her preferred service organization.

Nine collies and counting

A Terre Haute, Ind., native, Campbell moved to Vermilion County to teach science at Danville Junior College, now Danville Area Community College. She taught there four years and chaired the science department during the last two.

Then she left to direct the conservation district's educational programming, which included its year-round outdoor school program for elementary school students, summer day camp program, teacher training sessions and adult classes in nature and ecology, among other things. She also edited the district's newsletter and wrote a column for other publications.

After 25 years with the conservation district, Campbell took over as the executive director of the Illinois Audubon Society and served for 12 years. Although she retired in 2007, she continued to edit its magazine for several years on a volunteer basis.

Campbell has had nine collies over the years. When she worked for the conservation district, she put one of them in obedience school and later got involved in a local obedience club.

After taking her dogs to visit residents in a nursing home, she learned about Therapy Dogs International, which certifies dogs for work.

"Because of my background with the obedience club, TDI allowed me to register my dog, and we began visiting nursing homes," said Campbell, who also became an evaluator and has certified more than 200 dogs primarily from central Illinois and Indiana for work.

"Basically, I conduct a test to show that the dog has the temperament and obedience to work with people and other dogs," explained Campbell, who must recertify as an evaluator and as a handler every year. "They have to be able to follow commands and show they have good behavior. There are certain parts of the test they must pass, or it's an automatic failure — if they jump up on someone or if they don't stay when they're told to stay or if they are overly nervous when their owner is out of sight. Of course, if dogs show any sign of aggression, I won't go any further with the test, but I've never had that happen."

'How does she know?'

While Campbell enjoys evaluating dogs, she especially enjoys providing pet therapy because it gives her a chance to work with her dog and other people. In addition to visiting nursing homes, she has volunteered for the Danville Public Library's Read with a Dog program, Head Start and Camp Healing Heart, which Carle puts on at the University of Illinois 4-H Camp at Allerton Park each September.

Campbell knew that Hannah, whom she adopted from the Indiana Collie Rescue, was cut out for the job when she took her to the special camp for children who have lost a loved one. They were assigned to sit in on a grief session for older boys and girls.

Campbell said one boy, who had recently lost his father, started to talk.

"He got about two sentences out, and he started crying," she said, recalling how other kids immediately gathered around to comfort him. Then she saw Hannah push her way into the huddle.

"She got to the boy and started kissing him on the cheek," Campbell said. "The counselors just looked at me like, 'How does she know?' They just know. They just have that empathy for people, and they want to make them feel better. And if they get a hug, it makes them feel better, too."

Campbell started going to the Veterans Hospital through one of her friends, Chris Lucas. Lucas and her therapy dog volunteered there, but could only go once a month because of their work with hospice patients.

"She encouraged me to go because I had more time," said Campbell, who started volunteering in the summer of 2014. "A lot of the veterans are lonely. They don't get very many visitors. I thought if we could bring them a little joy, it was a worthwhile thing to do. I enjoy it, and Hannah enjoys it."

'Be sure to come back'

Recently, Campbell and Hannah — sporting her red Therapy Dogs International bandana around her neck — made their weekly rounds in all of the hospital's in-patient wards. On other days, they also visit the two independent living centers.

"It's my favorite dog," veteran Tina Foote cried when the duo peeked into her room. She threw her arms open, which was Hannah's cue to jump up on Foote's bed and nuzzle her face. "You can come see me any time."

As Foote cuddled with the dog, Campbell complimented her on how nice her hair looks. Foote, who underwent chemotherapy, lost her hair, and Campbell is happy to see that it has grown back and that Foote is feeling better.

"It's very relaxing. She reminds me of having my dogs with me," said Marine Corps veteran Tim Trimble, who talked about his three dogs who were waiting for him at his home in Rantoul.

As Campbell and Hannah continued to make their way through the Alzheimer's and dementia, acute psychiatric and palliative care wards, patients and staff would stop what they were doing, pet the collie or scratch her ears and smile. Each time, Campbell waited patiently, not wanting to rush anyone.

"As soon as they come on the ward, they just light up — even the ones who are not very communicative," said recreation therapist Casey Haugen, who escorted them through the hospital. She said they look forward to seeing Hannah, and also Campbell. "She's so dedicated. She's been coming here so long, she knows most of them by name."

Campbell said she plans to continue visiting the veterans as long as she and Hannah can.

"Some of these people will say, 'Be sure to come back.' They appreciate us taking the time to visit with them, and I enjoy bringing others pleasure and brightening their day."

FOLLOW US!

Heartwarming Story: 3-Year-Old Sapphyre Johnson, Born Without Fingers and Feet: Gets a Therapy Puppy Missing One Front Paw - They Are Inseparable

Sapphyre Johnson was born a healthy child in Greenville, South Carolina, except for missing some essential features, her feet, fingers and toes.

Since she was 3-months-old, Sapphyre, now 3, has been a patient at Shriner's Hospital for Children, where her mother, Ashley Johnson, said she's had multiple surgeries to be fitted for prosthetic feet. But for her last visit, Johnson told ABC News, Sapphyre got to leave the hospital with much more than new prosthetics.

"It was two weeks ago when were told that an owner had contacted the hospital about a puppy who was missing one front paw," said Johnson. "She wanted him to grow up with a child who had similar circumstances."

After showing Sapphyre a photo of the puppy, Johnson said her toddler fell in love.

"Sapphyre immediately noticed that he was missing a paw," she said. "She said, 'He has a foot like mine.'"

The dog's breeder, Karen Riddle, said that the 9-week-old White German Shepherd was born in a litter of nine puppies and was the only one missing a paw.

For that very reason, Riddle said she decided to name him Lt. Dan, after the character from the popular film "Forrest Gump" who lost both his legs.

"The movie is a heartwarming, loving story, so I said, 'You're just like Lt. Dan. It just suited his personality."

Because of Lt. Dan's calm demeanor, Riddle coordinated with Shriner's to hand him off to Sapphyre as a therapy dog. Sapphyre and Lt. Dan went home together Monday.

"It was awesome yesterday," Riddle said. "We said, 'Sapphyre show him your feet' and, oh boy, she threw off her prosthetics and her socks and said, 'Look!' Then Lt. Dan put his paw up at the exact same time."

Although they've only been pals for 24 hours, Johnson said Sapphyre and Lt. Dan make the perfect pair.

"He follows her every step she takes, everywhere she goes," said Johnson. "It's like they’ve known each other forever.

"We always want Sapphyre to know that being different is not bad," she added. "People, even pets, no one is exactly the same. That would be boring. I think it’s good for her to see that."

FOLLOW US!

Heartwarming Story: Meet Nala, An Adorable Teacup Poodle That Rides The Elevators Alone In The Nursing Home, Sharing Love With All Of The Residents

St. Paul, Minn. - There's an adorable little teacup poodle, name Nala that loves all of the residents at the Lyngblomsten Care Center.

"She's an angel," 90-year-old Ruth New says, as Nala climbs up on her bed and nuzzles in beside her.

"I love her and she loves me," says New softly.

Nala has never had any formal training in either pet therapy, or elevator operations, but manages to make her rounds daily from room-to-room, in the four story nursing home.

"There's something about her," says Nala's owner Doug Dawson, a trained medications assistant at Lyngblomsten.

He brings Nala to work each morning and puts her on the elevator. He goes his way, and off goes Nala to visit the residents.

"She'd rather ride it alone than with people, because she knows where she's going," Dawson smiles. "If she could, she would push the button herself."

Nala sets her own agenda, visiting residents who return her kindness by holding her in their laps and gently praising her.

"Grandma loves her little girl," Carmen Flaherty tells Nala, as the poodle tucks in with her in bed. "I just love her," she says. "She knows where to come."

Ironically, Nala washed out doing therapy work at another nursing home where Dawson used to work.

"They said, 'You can have her,'" Dawson says.

He blames Nala's previous failure on youth, and too much time spent in a kennel, that left her "whiny and neurotic."

Now five-years-old and kennel-free, Nala has more than redeemed herself at Lyngblomsten.

"If you put her down she'll pick out the person with Alzheimer's," says Dawson. She has a way of picking the sick."

Nala also seems to sense when people are at life's end.

Several people mentioned Izez Gugisberg's recent passing and the way Nala remained by her side.

"She had died earlier in the morning, but Nala knew and went and sat with her," said Sandy Glomski, a Lyngblomsten staffer. "It was wonderful and we were all in tears."

Dawson says he's constantly amazed, by both Nala's compassion and her ability to navigate the nursing home's floors on her own.

"Where did this little being come from," he asks rhetorically. "She's here for a purpose. She really is doing God's work."

 

FOLLOW US!

Why It Matters That PetSmart Discriminates Against Pit Bulls

One of Michael Vick's former dogs died this week.

Hector the pit bull was two when he was rescued out of the NFL player's Bad Newz Kennels.

He then got to live with a wonderful family -- Clara and Roo Yori -- who did all they could to give this dog the great life he so deserved, after his hellish beginning.

Hector even got to work for a while as a therapy dog, while also galavanting around the country with his human parents, proving over and over again that even pit bulls who have suffered through the worst abuse can thrive, and live safely, in loving homes.

To read more on this story, click here: Why It Matters That PetSmart Discriminates Against Pit Bulls

FOLLOW US!

The History Behind the American Pit Bull

October is Pit Bull Awareness month.

Although good Pit Bull owners practice awareness and education about the Pit Bull Breed all year long, it is our hope that during this month, all non Pit Bull owners will pay closer attention to the truths about one of the most misunderstood dog breeds in American history.

Listen, learn, and grow your knowledge, so that you will be better informed and spread the truth instead of rumors that are so detrimental to the Pit Bull breed in society today.

Are Pit Bulls a true breed of their own?

Many dog fanciers argue the question of Pit Bulls being a breed all their own or whether the term Pit Bull encompasses several breeds that have characteristics of a square head and bulky body.

According to Wikipedia, “The term Pit Bull is often used as a generic term used to describe dogs with similar physical characteristics.” And they go on to name a dozen or so breeds that can be considered a Pit Bull including and mix thereof.

But is this true, or does the Pit Bull have a history and breed status of its very own?

Where do Pit Bulls come from?

Historical information indicates that the Pit Bull began its original development in Roman times.

The muscular dogs of the Greek Molossi tribes were used in warfare, guarding villages, and subduing large prey. These Molossian dogs, called Molossus, were fierce and known for their ability to intimidate enemies in neighboring tribes. This breed is believed to be the ancestors of modern day Mastiffs and is now extinct.

During war times the Romans discovered the Molossus noting their strong build and extreme drive. They began exporting the breed back to the Roman Empire to use as war dogs, guard dogs, and to satisfy their countryman’s appetite for entertainment in the Roman colosseum.

While in Rome the prized Molossus was bred with indigenous dogs and over time a distinctive breed began to form. As the Romans traveled and fought wars the breed was spread throughout Europe.

By the 1700’s two breeds had emerged and those became known as the Blue Poll from Scotland and the Alunt from Ireland. Both breeds were commonly referred to as Bulldogs. These dogs were used for a variety of purposes, including bull baiting, as they had been used by the Romans in earlier times.

Later, Bulldogs were bred with New England Terriers to develop attributes in the breed most desired by their owners. Two Terrier types most common for this breeding were the Black and Tan Terrier and the White Terrier of England. The White Terrier is now extinct.

The common belief that this sort of breeding between Bulldogs and Terriers began in Staffordshire England and the origins of the Bulldog gives way to the name Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These dogs were bred for herding and working, with the intelligence of a terrier, the tenacity of a Bulldog, and the strength of the Molossus.

By the early 1800’s a breed had been developed that resembles the American Pit Bull of modern times. It was during this time that the bull baiting began to die down and in 1835 the sport was officially banned. Pit Bulls were put to their original and more useful purpose as herding and working dogs.

The Pit Bull made its entrance into the US as their European immigrant owners crossed the oceans and onto US soil. Once in the country the Pit Bull was bred to become larger and was known as the American Pit Bull Terrier and was the all around farm dog. Not only was it intelligent and strong it was genital and loving and a favorite companion for children. Additionally, the size of the new American bred Pit Bull made it useful for keeping predators off the farm.

In 1898, Chauncy Bennett founded the UKC with the American Pit Bull Terrier as an official breed.

By the early 1900’s the American Pit Bull was the symbol of strength, loyalty, and dependability.

Big businesses like RCA Records and Buster Brown Shoes used logos containing the images of a Pit Bull.

In 1903, Bud the Pit Bull was the canine companion for the the first car ride across America. Bud travelled from San Francisco to New York City, in the company of Horatio Nelson Jackson, and Bud’s owner, Sewall K. Crocker, Jackson’s assistant. Bud became famous for his journey and his riding goggles were later donated to the Smithsonian Institute.

Sgt. Stubby, a Pit Bull that fought alongside American soldiers in the WWI war trenches of France, saved the lives of many soldiers and even captured a German spy during his tour of duty. He was the most decorated dog of WWI serving as the mascot for the 102nd Infantry, Yankee Division.

One of the biggest animal stars of all times was Petey, the ever faithful and fun loving Pit Bull which starred alongside the Little Rascals in the hit series “Our Gang”, in the 1920’s.

During the early 1900’s the Pit Bull was favored as America’s choice dog breed and considered a devoted and loyal companion.

It wasn’t until 1936 that the American Kennel Club finally recognized the Pit Bull as a true breed and even then called it a Staffordshire Terrier, setting it apart from the American Pit Bull Terrier.

So if Pit Bulls were once America’s favorite Dog, why now are they so feared?

Despite the fact that dog fighting was made illegal in all fifty states, the sport made a heavy comeback in the early 1980’s. And during that time the American Pit Bull became the favorite breed used not only for dog fighting but to guard drugs and other illegal contraband for criminals and thugs across the country.

Pit Bull appearance, intelligence, strength, and tenacity, made the breed the perfect watch dogs of the time and the favorite status symbol for the criminal element. Stereo typing turned the once revered family dog into the devil dog of the modern age.

For the next decade and a half it was an all out war on the American Pit Bull with legislators, media, and even some large canine organizations citing the breed as killers on four legs. Dog bite reports, by “Pit Bull type” dogs, became common in almost every media outlet. Myths and rumors concerning the breed cropped up out of fear and lack of knowledge about the breed itself. Even today, when most people hear of a major dog bite incident or mauling, they almost always assume the dog must be a Pit Bull.

While it is true that The American Pit Bull is certainly an intelligent, determined, and powerful breed, the demonization has come strictly from criminals using the breed as a status symbol, media looking for powerful headlines, and law makers fearful of what they fail to understand. Any dog can bite, but after all is said and done; the attack of a Yorkshire Terrier rarely results in serious damage and simply does not make sensational news.

Pit Bulls are on the receiving end of what has become known as the biggest breed discrimination in canine history.

Their ever present popularity, despite the bad press they receive, makes Pit Bulls one of the most over produced breeds in America, and one of the highest euthanized breeds in shelters today. Documented statistics, from shelter euthanasia reports alone, indicate that almost 3,000 Pit Bulls are put to sleep every day in the US. These numbers are not inclusive of the ones that die each day due to illness, starvation, and at the hands of abusive and neglectful owners.

And yet there are still hundreds of thousands of Pit Bulls thriving in family settings across the US, with no incident. They are family dogs that get along wonderfully with other animals and humans alike. Healthy, well cared for, and properly supervised Pit Bulls do make great canine companions. Like any other companion animal they are only as good or bad as they are allowed or trained to be.

In recent years fanciers of the breed have fought back against breed bans (BSL or Breed Specific Legislation) and the demonization of this fabulous breed. It’s a slow but grueling process but there does appear to be improvement in the general perception of the breed, today.

As sad as the circumstances were, cases of dog fighting and animal abuse like that of the Michael Vick dogs, brought more positive attention to the breed than ever before. It showed that even though the Vick dogs had been trained to fight and become extremely aggressive with other dogs, rehabilitation is possible in this resilient breed. The vast majority of the Vick dogs were rehabbed and later placed in home environment and many became service and therapy dogs, thriving in their new lives.

For Pit Bull lovers everywhere there seems to be hope, now more than ever, that someday in the future the discrimination of an entire breed will end, and that each dog will be judged not by its appearance or breed, but by its behavior as an individual. FOLLOW US!