Friday, April 6, 2012

You call me a Pit Bull like it's a bad thing

Hi.  My name is Corbin, and I'm a dog.
Correction, handsome dog.
I'm just a dog.  Not "just" a dog like some people say when they toss their dog away, because in that sense, there's no such thing as "just a dog."  But I'm JUST a dog.  Just like any other dog.  I have four legs, a wet snout, a generous tongue... However, I also have a big blocky head, a wide chest, a deep bark and a tail that could split your winter wood stack. 
Why does that make me different? 

I beg for treats, I can do tricks, I walk well on a leash, I snuggle on the couch, I kiss my little cousin Christopher's tiny baby feet, I can make you smile on your worst of days.... I'm goofy, I'm fun... I'm a dog.
RASPBERRIES!!!!!
Now, don't get me wrong.  I'm happy to be called a Pit Bull.  If that means I can't go to PetSmart's doggie daycare, then so be it.  If that means mom and dad can never move to Denver, Colorado with me, that's fine... they don't want to live there anyway.  I know being called a Pit Bull means I'm a loving, loyal, funny, spunky, loving dog.  Because, I AM a dog, and that's what dogs are.
Me, Corbin, the handsome dog.
But you.... you uneducated people.  You call me a Pit Bull like it's a bad thing.  You cross the street when you see me walking.  You make comments to my mom about the vicious animal she has, while I sit nicely by her side.  You refuse to meet me and change your mind.  You move to the other side of the waiting room at the V-E-T-S office.  You tell my mom you need to muzzle me to cut my nails because of my breed.  You fear me with no reason.
Do I look scary?
I am Corbin.  I am a Canine Good Citizen.  I am a foster brother.  I am a mind changer for those who are open enough to allow me to change their minds.  I am a friend.  I am a pet.  I am a lover.  I am a fighter for my breed.   I am a Pit Bull type dog.
Foster Brother Extraodinaire
Mom and I were visiting Bethany and Avery a few months ago, there are usually a bunch of people there watching football.  I was upstairs playing with my girls and getting lots of love by my furiend Molly's mom, Joann.  She looked at my mom and said "Ya know... he is just the best dog.  I was so afraid of pit bulls, then I met Corbin.  Who could be afraid of him?"
Me & Molly.  Like the heart with the rope? Yeaaaa, I'm that smooth.
Now, don't get me wrong... I'm not perfect, I'm a dog.  I have flaws and my parents work with me so I'm as well behaved as possible, sometimes I forget to listen.  But this statement made mom's heart melt and it's something she thinks about often.  She knows Joann loves me, and I love her right back with lots of wet kisses.  But she never knew Joann's view of Pit Bull type dogs before me.  Joann isn't the first person to say this about me, and hopefully not the last. 
Pretty close to perfect, though.
Mom often receives similar comments about our foster dogs.  Remember Hannah (brindle brat baby)? Her owners fell in love with her, not because of her breed or her looks, but because she had the sweetest soul and the most loving personality.  It was clear, Hannah hadn't had the best of pasts, but she was so brave and so forgiving.  In a follow up email after Hannah's adoption, her new parents explained how they were a little hesitant about adopting a pit bull, but they just fell in love with Hannah and knew she was their dog.  Their family was a little skeptical on their choice of dogs, but it didn't take long for Hannah to change their minds. 
Who couldn't love these faces?
Although we have fostered many breeds, the momma takes every opportunity she can to take in a pitty girl.  Not only can we show people how wonderful the breed is while we have two in the house, but just like Hannah, we can adopt wonderful dogs into homes that will continue passing along the good word of our breed.
I've taught you all I know... now go on and charm people!
Last year I did a blog about why I blog... the importance of my blog being rescue, fostering and pit bull awareness.  At that point I had 80 followers and I said if I could change 1 mind about pit bulls, 1 mind about adoption or fostering... my job would be done.
I take that back.  I will not stop at 1 person.  I know I can't change the world, but I'm sure as heck going to give it my best shot.

54 comments:

  1. Sometimes I wish humans could wear a blindfold when they meet new doggies. THen they would learn that dogs such as yourself are just wonderful mush faces and that many of those other types of doggies are sometimes mean.

    Slobbers,
    Mango

    ReplyDelete
  2. WAY TO GO CORBIN - you should print this out as a poster and it it should put up in every vet office, adoption center and pet store.

    Humans perceptions are so funny - and we all have our own quirks.....people often see me and say to my mom - how could you live with all that shedding fur.....well Mom grooms me everyday so I don't shed like people think....but it's a big commitment on her part, just like it is for your mom to make sure you are not judged by your breed. WAYS TO GO MOMS!

    ReplyDelete
  3. We love you, Corbin, and stand with you! Maybe we should have a blogwide pittie awareness day where everyone does a post in support of pittie awareness??

    Your pal, Pip

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey Corbin!
    Wow, what an amazing post! I hate peeps who are prejudiced. They stink big-time. You are a perfect ambassadog for all misunderstood breeds. I think you are wonderful, your pack is wonderful and your blog is wonderful. Anyone who stays away is missing out...their loss. Love your raspberry pix and that rope heart!
    Grr and Woof,
    Sarge, COP

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am an avid blog reader, never a commentor--but i wanted to give you a big AWESOME for this post! I have a pit bull type girl of my own (could she be Corbin's next Valentine?!)and am all about the pit bull plight. Originally not allowed in our large city building to live with us (we fought back and now she is)she's now been deemed (by our old stubborn super) the sweetest, most well behaved canine in the building. Did i mention there are 99 units? Ahh, the small victories... Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  6. THERE ARE NO BAD DOGS IN THE WORLD. ALL DOGS START OUT THE SAME. IT'S ONLY THE ACTIONS OF BAD PEOPLE WHO TRAIN THE DOGS TO BE BAD. AFTER ALL, ANY DOG WILL DO ANYTHING TO PLEASE ITS OWNER....EVEN A BAD OWNER.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ah Corbin, I thinks you covered all da bases heres and you has left me withs nuttin' to say.
    I wish peoples coulds get past da whole breed thing. It ain't a breed! I thinks we should become abolishionists likes they dis in da old days. Or could we just ban stoopid peoples? And I soooooo agrees withs Pip about a post.
    As far as I be concerned, peoples has no right to judge udders.

    You is not just a dog...you is CORBIN!

    Puddles

    ReplyDelete
  8. Also, dis was an absolutely incredible post!

    Puddles

    ReplyDelete
  9. Corbin, besides being one of the most handsome doggies in Blogville, you are also an ambassador for ALL DOGGIES!

    We agree, your post should be a poster.

    Drools and licks,
    Minnie and Mack

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a wonderful post. We love you, Corbin.

    pawhugs, Max, Bugsy, Knuckles and HH

    ReplyDelete
  11. Such a wonderful post Corbin! We thought you were purrfect from the moment we met you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Good job Corbin!

    Once upon a time the APBT was America's dog and truth be told they are still one of the most common breeds but now with a stigma. In the 1930s and 40s this simply did not exist. So much so that the dogs that belonged to kids on Our Gang and Buster Brown were Pitties. Take a look at this piece of America's history. http://dreamdogsart.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c192953ef010536436d4b970b-800wi

    But somewhere along the line our media, aided by people who didn't know how to be a responsible aminal owner, played off people's fear and painted all dogs of this breed to be agressive or vicious and it has gotten out of control. I had to move last year because of breed regulations which are essentially the equivelant of racial profiling in humans because it is making a judgment based on looks and not the indiviual. I guess its ok to do to dogs just not humans?

    There is a pit bull awareness day but it just passed last October. It would be a great idea as Pip said for everyone in blogville to recognize it when it comes around next year.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Corbin, you are a GREAT ambassadog and your mom and dad are great ambassadors for your breed! Pit Bulls are not for everyone, we owners have to work twice as hard to make sure you are super obedient because people are just waiting for us (for you) to fail. But I have a feeling that the tide is turning for pitties and that people are starting to see what sweet, loyal, "just dogs" you all are!

    ReplyDelete
  14. We get the same thing, dude. "Oh, I've always been afraid of rottweilers...there was one in that movie...yours are SO nice..." DUH! But we love changing people's minds whenever we can!

    -Bart and Ruby

    ReplyDelete
  15. Corbin
    I think Pitties are Precious. It is the HUMANS who mistreat Pitties that should be looked on with disdain.
    Love you
    Love Noodles

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great post Corbin!!! Many people think "bully" breeds are bullys. I think there are so many "bully" breed dogs out there that are the opposite. They are loving, friendly, smart, and represent what all dogs can be, a great member of the family. Keep of the great work showing people the amazing dogs pitt bulls (and bull breeds) are not the negative stereo types that get out of control.

    I agree with Bart and Ruby, Lola and I also try to show people what amazing animals american bulldogs can people. People are always so amazed how loving, sweet, and friendly they can be.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Excellent post, Corbin! I don't think you could have said it any better.

    I used to be nervous about pitties too but then my neighbor got one and she is just the sweetest thing! And like your friend, I can't help but wonder as I pet her how I could ever be afraid of one.

    I have chihuahuas. My brother used to be a vet tech and he was telling me that he HATED when chi's would come in because they're nasty dogs. He'd rather treat a pittie than a chi. Who would ever think such a tiny dog would ever be vicious? But he dealt with his share, I guess. Mine are sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Corbin, thank you for this wonderful post. We have many friends that are pit bulls, one of them that is a really good friend is the sweetest, loviest doggy you could ever meet. Mommy has always believed that pit bulls are great dogs, but sometimes they have bad owners that give them a bad name. YOu are doing a great job of changing peoples minds and I am proud to be your friend. Mommy wants to tell you that she loves all the pictures but especially the "raspberries" one, it made her smile so big and I want to tell you how handsome you look in a shirt and tie.

    Loveys Sasha

    ReplyDelete
  19. We wholeheartedly agree :)

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. That is a most awesome post Corbin and I have shared it on Facebook and in a group on FB that has been set up to support my friends two dogs that have been seized under our DDA ( dangerous dog act ). 2 dogs that are family pets like you and are loving boys like you they have been seized because they are of a 'type' BSL & DDA are all bull cr*p to me. You are all dogs, wonderful, crazy, daft, loving, cuddlesome and adorable dogs plain and simple.
    Thank you for your wonderful post sweetheart
    All my love
    Momma Tea
    xxx xxx

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sweet goofy Corbin. We have recently discovered a different type of breed discrimination. As I think I mentioned, our Golden Retriever Preacher had a bite incident at the park (pre-neutering), so now, I'm a helicoptor parent. One day, I asked someone to call their dog, because Preacher seemed to be taking offense at the dog's hump-a-thon and I was going to put Preacher's leash on and take him home. The response, Whateverthedogsname likes Goldens, he's just playing. I respond "Preacher isn't always good about that." Her response "He's a Golden Retriever!" (Still not calling her dog). Finally, exasperated, I respond, "I've seen him take on a Mastiff - the mastiff didn't win." While Preacher has been getting much, much better since being snipped, any breed of dog can have a mean streak or something that annoys them. The idea that any breeds are always great or always bad is ridiculous.

    ReplyDelete
  22. My neighbor in our apartment complex just got a pit bull and it is the sweetest thing. They had left for the morning and it had a barking fit for two hours so I went out on our balcony which is next to thier's and talked to him and played a bit and he calmed right down. He now always says hi to me when I'm out and is really a sweet dog. Bad pwners make bad dogs it has nothing to do with breeds

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a great post today, Corbin! We see that even when we're out with Morgan and Kuster sometimes. People have certain ideas about how they'll behave. And we're about to get a Pittie cousin in our family that we're super excited to meet!

    Mom says that one of the reasons she keeps our blog going is that she wants people to see what great pets Greyhounds can be. I'm all for that!

    Bunny

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Corbin! I found you through Tales and Tails, but I don't know why I haven't found you before! I love your raspberries picture!! Heee!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Corbin, you rock and so does your mom!! Bravo to your mom for her post today! Our local shelter has many pitties and they have the kindest souls! We can't wait to watch you change the world...we got your back!!!

    This is a great video we came across today from the ellen show!
    http://youtu.be/AO6p26FCdng

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a wonderful post! I'm proud to call you my friend, Corbin!

    Love ya lots,
    Mitch

    ReplyDelete
  27. WAY TO GO CORBIN!!! You said it all to PAWfection!!!
    Happy Easter to YOU and Yours dear furend.

    Pee S you do NOT have the double trouble thingy.. YEA!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Actually, we don't know any pit bulls. SHE did meet a couple once for a very short time. But you've certainly given us a new view and we tell EVERYONE who says anything nasty about pit bulls.

    In her whole life SHE's been bitten by TWO dogs....a German Shepherd and a Chihuahua!

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

    Our 'Angel?" Kendra always tried to bite people's ankles and she was a scottie.

    ReplyDelete
  29. You're a dog? I didn't know that, Dude....learn something new everyday.... Happy Easter, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Great post! But why does it sound like an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting when you admit that you're a dog? =P

    ReplyDelete
  31. Such a fantastic post Corbin!! We had mom tweet it and put it on her facebook page too! We think people are missing out by judging a dog by its breed!!

    Pugs & Kisses,

    Brutus & Ellie

    ReplyDelete
  32. Corbin, when you found our blog and we became friends, it was you who started that change of what I thought about pitbulls. There was something different about you staring out the window on the couch that began the spark of love that started a catalyst in my hardened heart.

    I should have told you before how much that meant to me and I can't thank you enough for taking that chance. I have never forgotten and thanks to you I never will.

    Thank you.
    Patty, 24 Paws of Love

    ReplyDelete
  33. Corbin, this is one of the best blog posts I have ever read. We would be honored if you would allow us to re-publish it on Pet Blogs United. Of course we would link it back to your blog.

    If you think that would be OK, you can reach us at PBU at comcast dot net.

    Great job, we love you.

    Oskar & Pam

    ReplyDelete
  34. oh Corbin what a lovely post you're not just a dog you are a GOD in a fur suit ... and what handsome baby you are do you have no idea if i lived where you live i will be the 1st to ask your momma and dad to be my model extraordinaire in my pet photography portfolio you are worth it a 1000 woofs .... Pibbles rules and all doggy breeds too :D

    ReplyDelete
  35. So, don't judge fur by its cover
    Benny & Lily

    ReplyDelete
  36. Howdy Corbin, great post mate. We only hear the bad news stories about pit bulls and that is why we love your blog cause we get to hear how wonderful you are and as you say, you are a dog and a happy, studly one at that. Any dog can be troubled without love and training no matter what sort they are. We have people cross the road when we walk Rory sometimes just cause of his size and he is a gentle giant. We know one lady who always picks up her little dog when we walk along and we don't even notice her or bark at her, sheesh!

    Have a great weekend Studly. We love ya. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

    ReplyDelete
  37. very cool blog post ... pibbles rock...

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi Corbin,

    I read your blog all the time! We adopted buster from homeward bound:) he's a black lab mix... We aren't sure what he's mixed with but some think pit. Either way, I hate that people assume all pit bulls are mean dogs. They are some of the sweetest dogs I've ever met!!!!!!! Thanks for this post... Its great you can educate people and change their minds! :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. You're doing a great job changing minds, Corbin!
    -jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  40. Well said Corbin.

    You are a handsome dog and your size,shape,breed doesn't matter. You are an individual and wonderful.

    Emma

    ReplyDelete
  41. What a great post. I think you are well on your way to letting the world know and changing their minds. :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. He he, you is fooling no one my pal. Dangruss? You? Hahahahahahaha....i has read all your blogs and we kno you do be dangruss...dangrussly soppy!! You is a sweet and luvvly boy and we do say Hail Corbin!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Oh Corbin, you has given my LB (Lazy Butt mom) the eyeball sprinkles. "What is you cryin' about, for cryingoutloud!" I sez to her, "This ain't a sad blog!" But her's just went ahead and sprinkled anyway. She said she was very touched by it.

    Humans.

    Can't live wiff em.

    Can't live wiff out em.

    -HoneyBuzz (and the LB)

    ReplyDelete
  44. hooooray for pitties! also, corbin looks incredible in that shirt and tie. love it!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Oh goodness, the t-shirt and tie picture is wonderful! I love when first time pit bull owners adopt because they looked at the personality and not the look or label. I wish that happened more often!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hands down, one of the best blog posts I've ever read. Thanks to Pup Fan who sent me here. Made my day!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I am so sorry I missed this post when you first published it and am grateful to Pup Fan for the link. Thank you for writing from the heart. I have a feeling you're going to keep changing minds and saving lives for a long time to come.

    ReplyDelete
  48. AWESOME, awesome blog post. You will convert, one at a time if necessary. It's a shame that people have such misconceptions about such beautiful dogs.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Corbin, you're such a hero. We're happy to call you friend!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Corbin, I forgot what an amazing post this is. I just tweeted it for all of my followers to read.

    Nubbin wiggles,
    Oskar

    ReplyDelete
  51. Corbin, you know I love Pit Bulls!!! One saved my life one time!! She was the sweetest dog and so so pretty !!!!!!!
    This is a beautiful post I came over from Oskar's blog!!
    Love you Corbin!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Corbin looks like he's having a good time no matter what restrictions uneducated people are placing on him. My experience with Pit Bulls has always been love and kisses!

    ReplyDelete