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What Is The Least Trusted Dog Breed Owner In Florida, And Why Is It Pit Bull Owners?

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Pit Bull Mixes Give Total Love

A few weeks ago I opened the Herald Citizen to check on my Christmas column. The printing was crisp and clear, and hopefully readers awakened pleasant memories as my reminiscences described Mom's home-made, aged, rum-soaked (extremely) Christmas cakes. Looking at me quizzically over the top of my column was a dog that reminded me of my own small Pit Bull Kira. Ears up, perky and alert, the face that stared out at Cookeville and the world showed curiosity, wariness, guarded trust and above all hope. As the picture was snapped the dog was looking into the camera and searching. Searching for what? For hope to be rewarded by a home, with care, security and a family to love. I hope too, that this great looking dog has found a loving home.

The dog, described as a Pit Bull mix, would need to find an owner, or family who looked past the media Pit Bull stereotype as a breed prone to aggressive behavior. Once, breeders did select for aggression against dogs – though aggression against people was not tolerated. Rare, but also real, attacks have happened. While Pit Bull mixes today may still include genetics once intended to foster aggression, this is now a lessor factor than how a dog is raised, loved, and socialized. I believe that somewhere there are Labs that eat ducks, Shepherd dogs who don't give a hoot about sheep, and Pointers who don't point, won't retrieve and would say to their owner, hey good friend, you shot the bird, now you fetch it. The treatment and training of each individual dog now influence behavior most, not the breed.

Tens of thousands of pit bull mixes bring fun, energy, loyalty and tons of love to their families. "Pittie" owners know that most Pit Bulls think they are lap dogs. They are snuggle bugs; cuddling is not optional. Pit bulls are so remarkably affectionate they seem to crave human attention. They have expressive faces, they talk with their ears, smile every day, will act goofy, clown around and entertain people whether that is their intention or not. Pit bulls are natural caretakers, devoted to their family.

I confess I am biased. I have been loved to death by neighbors' Pit Bulls here and at my home in California. I still might not have chosen a pit bull – but my son chose for us, and now Kira is ours. Kira exhibits every Pit Bull trait described — delighting us daily with goofy outbursts, amazing us with her zest for fun. She has a Ph. D in snuggling, likes to burrow under blankie nests, and loves us and everyone with boundless exuberance. Kira's endless smile, scrunchy face and huge personality make her our personal family therapy dog in challenging times. Kira becomes the best friend of all visitors, even adopting a Christmas guest this year — her affection was warm and abiding, her sorrow at his leaving genuine. He is now back in Buffalo digging out from 50 feet of snow and possibly missing her cuddling comfort.

I pray that my partner from the Animal Shelter at Christmas has been adopted. Adopting a Pit Bull mix from a shelter is a great way to learn a dog's history. Shelter workers will know the personality of each dog and can sometimes share perspective on its past experiences. When you bring your Pit Bull home you may believe you are rescuing them. They will return the favor and spend the rest of their lives rescuing you.

Bill Halderson is a Cookeville writer.

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