Pit Bulls by the Numbers

What do you do when you read a news story that claims pit bulls make up only 5 percent of the dog population but account for a third or even half of the dog bite related fatalities? Where did these numbers come from, and are they accurate? Here, we examine the truth behind these commonly quoted studies and what the other side is leaving out.

Handsome Dan

Handsome Dan is one of the 22 dogs who came to Best Friends Animal Society from the estate of NFL quarterback, Michael Vick after he was arrested and charged with, “conspiracy to engage in dog fighting in violation of the animal welfare act.”

Changing Hearts and Minds

So the first thing to do when faced with any situation in which you are serving as an impromptu pit bull ambassador is to stop, take a deep breath, and put yourself in check. This is an emotional issue on both sides of the line. It is very easy, especially if you have a pit bull as part of your family, to take things personally and let your emotions overwhelm your intellect.

Our Own March Madness

Last Saturday I was lucky enough to be able to attend Party Like a Pin Up here in Tampa— a fabulous event to benefit an even more fabulous organization: Pinups for Pitbulls.

Olive, Interrupted. When a Shelter’s Mission Loses Sight of its Dogs

As far as we can tell, there was no game plan for socializing Olive to other dogs once she flunked that part of her evaluation. There would be no training classes, play sessions, group walks, off site visits or quiet time next to quiet dogs.

Safely Introducing Your Dog to a Cat or Small Animal

Taking it slow, gauging their interest, baby gate, reading body language and being patient and calm were all suggestions to having a happy, multi-species household.

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