Pit Bull Love

I've always loved pit bulls, even before I had one as my pet. I guess you could say I have a soft spot for those who are misunderstood. And pit bulls are definitely misunderstood.
When my husband and I got our first dog Sheila, who is a pit bull, I didn't know much about the breed but any pit bull I'd ever met was a sweetheart and goofball. And Sheila, fit that description perfectly.
I was unaware at the time that the breed had such a bad reputation; and now that I have had pit bulls as my pets, that reputation has definitely proven to be wrong.
They're a physically strong breed; agile, active and protective. Yet they also know how to weasel their big muscles and fat head right into your lap for cuddles and nose scratches. All amazing qualities, ones I would want in a pet, and ones that have been taken advantage of by some awful humans.
Sheila has become our families protector, a best friend and a companion. She cheers us up when we are upset and acts as if she feels our pain too.
She gets excited like a little kid in a candy store for walks, treats and even just attention.
Since getting her 9 years ago, we've added another pit bull, 2 cats, and a baby (whose now a toddler) to our crew!
We treat our animals like family members, and they do the same back to us. They do amazing with our little girl; not that I ever thought they wouldn't, but I also know that dogs and cats are a different species and they can't deal with their emotions and feelings in the ways we can.
I trust my pets, but I also know they're animals with instincts. So it's my duty as a parent to make sure my toddler learns to be gentle and respectful toward them, just as she should any pet or animal she meets.
My pit bulls let my daughter use them as pillows, put sunglasses on them, take food from their bowls, and poke and prod at them because we have desensitized them to those things.
They truly just want to be loved, and they know anyone we allow into our home will do just that. Pit bulls really are simple creatures; and it makes all the difference in the world treating them with respect, and understanding them just as we would anyone else in our family.
They've been labeled because they can't speak for themselves, abused for being an easy target, and shunned for their amazing abilities that people have neglected to let thrive in positive ways.
So, next time you poorly judge someone for being a pit bull owner... just remember they probably like their big drooling, clumsy lap dog way more than they like you, and don't have a problem with that!