Pit bulls--evil or perfect pet?

Pit bulls remain the most misunderstood and controversial dog owned as newscasts continue to air broadcasts which portray these dogs in a negative light. Many people when approaching and recognizing a pit bull instantly succumb to fear due to the negative coverage.

When considering this pet, individuals without hesitation, describe this animal as abusive. Although pitbulls have only hurt others when abused or trained for that purpose. Many uneducated pet owners have changed their views after owning a pit bull.

A couple of years ago, my husband and I decided to adopt a dog at the local pound. While approaching the building, I made one request, "No pit bulls." As we walked through the halls, we came across a beautiful red puppy. Reading the standard pet description form attached to the cage we noticed, "9 mo old, pit bull mix."

Hoping to locate a breed with a more positive reputation, with fears intact, I circled the cages a couple more times. Once again I curiously stopped at the cage with the pit bull puppy batting its big brown eyes.

Sniffing aimlessly, the female dog entranced me with its perfect black markings that resembled a woman who had carefully lined her eyes with black makeup. My husband said, "Look at her--she is the friendliest dog in here."

Melting like ice, my discriminating edge transformed as I watched the beautiful pit bull wagging its tail in anticipation as if to say, "Pick me, please, pick me!" Attending the visitation room with the dog only confirmed the inevitable transaction that soon transpired.

My husband smirked as if to say, "I knew you would change your mind," while adoption papers sealed the transaction. On taking our previously orphaned puppy home, we named her "Annie" after the famous story. I sing that song to her now, "The sun will come out tomorrow..."

Annie continues to show a friendly demeanor, submissive pleasing behaviors--better than any dog we've owned in the past.

Like a super hero for the pitbull, Cesar Millan arrived as the breed‘s advocate. Cesar who hosts the television show The Dog Whisperer said, "My kids are around pitbulls every day."

In the '70s they blamed Dobermans, in the '80s they blamed German shepherds, in the '90s they blamed the Rottweiler. Now they blame the pit bull."

His website, Cesar's Way, says, In fifteen years, Daddy (his pit bull) has proven to be the perfect dog, obeying Cesar's every command and even assisting Cesar on some of his hardest cases."

Many individuals and families enjoy positive experiences with their pitbulls. People remain responsible for the behavior of their dogs. Pit- bulls, once believed dangerous and feared, should get a second look.

Since Annie has proven the perfect dog for us, last December we purchased Rocky who is equally as loyal, but your typical second born who is always testing the boundaries.

Rocky is a year and five months old and humorously reminds us of "Chance" from the movie Homeward Bound. Like most puppies, he is quite energetic. He never met a shoe or car cell phone charger he couldn't chew up.

Loyal, friendly, and obedient describes the American pit bull, but only people who have owned the breed could attest to these characteristics. Individuals have, like me (gulp), been guilty of stereotyping the breed. Learning from our mistakes in the past, we can discontinue the cycle by no longer discriminating against the pitbull, and instead, place the blame where it belong--on the owners.

***Be sure to click "next" above the picture to see all the pit bull pictures of Annie and Rocky.

On Twitter: SANDYWOODALL Stray Pit Bull Saves Woman, Child from Attacker -- Zootoo Pet News http://t.co/ezHm1Wr via @zootoo

Cesars Way: http://www.cesarsway.com/searcharticles/?basetitle=y&body=daddy

*Daddy has passed away but never fear, Cesar has trained Junior--you guessed it, another pit bull to use for training other dogs.

For more Stephanie Ealy articles: http://www.allvoices.com/users/StephEaly