Bite Me, Highland Park - FINAL UPDATE

FINAL UPDATE:  Bella and Jackson are heading to their new home in South Dakota this weekend.  Thanks to all of you for your help!

Earlier I said that Trish included a link to how Ohio has lost its fucking mind.  They're trying to ban all pit bulls and if the bill goes into effect, existing bullies will be euthanized.  Don't let them get away with this shit.  Click to sign the petition and get more information.

However, I'm hearing that online petitions don't work nearly as well as individual contact.  Here's the infomation so you can contact the author of House Bill 568:

Representative Tyrone Yates
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Email: district33@ohr.state.oh.us
Telephone: (614) 466-1308
Fax : (614) 719-3587

I urge you to let him know what you think of his law. 

If you need enticement, let me throw this out there.  I'm going to do my best to not tour in towns or states that support breed specific legislation. 

Ohio, step up. 

Denver, you're on notice.

* * *

These two dogs are about to lose their homes.

The condensed version is this - a family just moved to a lovely neighborhood in Highland Park, IL.  But apparently it's not so lovely because as soon as the neighbors caught sight of these two beautiful bullies, they began a petition to ban them.  For a couple of different reasons, the new homeowners don't have the ability to fight the town and they're being forced to give up their dogs and they are HEARTSICK.

The owners found a family willing to take Bella, the four year old female, but not Jackson, the two year old male.  They're putting off Bella's takers because they desperately want the dogs to be able to go together.  Yet they're well aware of the statistics that only one out of every SIX HUNDRED pit bulls actually gets placed.  The family promises to drive anywhere in the country to deliver the dogs, too.

If there's anything you can do to help these sweet doggies, please email me at jenwritesbooks(AT)gmail(dot)com and I'll forward your information.  (Yes, you'll get the stupid auto-response but I pretty much read every email the second I get it so I will see your response.)  You can also leave your info in the comments section.

If you can't do anything to help these doggies yet you appreciate that my wanting to stay at home with my own loving pit bull (and Loki, too) is the main reason I pursued a writing career, please consider supporting any of these worthy bully breed rescue organizations.

Midwest Rescue

Pit Bulls Fighting for Their Lives

Bad Rap

Chicago Bully Breed Rescue

Pit Bull Rescue Central

OK, now I've got a book to finish... and some dogs to hug.

(P.S. Highland Park?  You just made my list.)

Comments

[DawnMarie]

So is Highland Park in Illinois or Ohio? Jen's post says Ill, and everyone else has said Ohio. Just want to make sure I am emailing the correct city hall, wouldn't want to call the wrong person an asshat.

Also, isn't this racial profiling? Does this mean we can start banning certain "breeds" of people? (Like those annoying kids that go outside at 7am on Saturday and scream!)

[Leslie]

Thank you so much jen for making this heard. Idiotic ideas such as this need to be put to bed ASAP or droves of asshats will end up getting their way. My cousin (18-months old at the time) was attacked by a black lab, and in one piece of legislation up her in MN, the writer said something to the effect of "labs and retrievers don't attack people", well, sorry bud, they do. Any poorly raised pup will turn into a violent adult if not handled properly. Thank you again, Jen! :) High fives all around.

[Karina in T.O]

If I'm not mistaken we have a ban on Pits here in the city of Toronto too....meaning if you have one that's fine but you cannot breed them. Why don't you just ban fucking wiener dogs while you're at it? Don't those little dudes bite everything they see???

I think its totally fucking ridiculous. Blaming an animal for behaviour that has been bred into it, or as a product of its environment, due to assclown owners, who for some reason (in this city) seem to think their dog is an extention of their manhood.

And as for the idiot neighbours who's own prejudice and fear had them impart a ban? I'd fucking sick my crazed cat on their asses......I'll show you an animal to be afraid of! Sorry for all the cussing, but this kind of stuff makes me so angry. These people just love their companion animals and now though no fault of anyone are getting shafted, and these sweet beasts are going to likely get separated! Ugh!

[the governor of jennsylvania]

Pit bull fighting in the city of Chicago generates hundreds of thousands of dollars a night. And, generally those who fight them are into all kinds of other criminal activities, e.g. drugs, gangs, etc.

I have a couple of friends who teach grade school here in the city and they've asked their students who's seen dogs being fought. Unfortunately, each time it's most of the class. Seriously, third graders have been to these fights.

Dog fights don't just involve pit bulls. Any animal that can be stolen is used as bait. You don't hear stories of purse dogs being rescued because they never make it out of the ring.

As for more restraint for breeds like bullies, if that's what it takes to make people more comfortable around them, I'm on board. Just don't take away my right to have her.

Of course, if I muzzle Maisy, then she can't kiss you.

[Katie]

kb, I'm sorry your mom was attacked--that owner sounds like a douche. Any dog can bite, and it's a common misconception that pits do the most damage because they're the breed du jour for all the ignorant jackasses out there right now. It used to be GSDs, then Rotties and now it's pits.

Even (actually, especially) responsible pit rescuers will say that there is no room for human aggression in this breed. It's not always how you raise them--some have had too much trauma in their lives and some are just wired wrong due to craptastic breeding. Of course, none of that is their fault and yet they're the only ones who really lose in these situations. I do hope you aren't soured on pitties forever.

Please support your local rescue organizations! (but check them out first--there are irresponsible rescues out there just like there are many irresponsible breeders)

[Debbie]

Ms. Amanda, although I will agree that my puppy getting attacked in any manner would be very traumatic, have you considered that maybe the unstable part of that "cross", was the Lab?. It is becoming more and more common for this to occur. Also, I do have to offer kudos for your statement that the icindent occurred due to bad ownership. for that I Thank you!

[amanda]

I can't imagine that a law like that would pass, but I know that there are similar laws out there. At least that ban them, not force euthanization (is that a word?)! That is extreme.

I think another reason that pits are banned (at least in some places) is because people still fight them. I'm an attorney in a local county government near Washington, DC. We have had many instances where an owner has gotten rid of their pit by selling it on the street in DC. I asked one of the sheriffs and he said people buy and sell them cheap for fighting. They're not cared for, they're barely fed, and they're fought for money. And when it loses, it's inhumanely disposed of.

That is truly heartbreaking.

[Kathryn]

my (then) 6 month old puppy was attacked by a pit bull-cross (lab) at the dog park 5 weeks ago requiring $1,000+++ in emergency surgery and huge trauma to us both

while this was very much the result of bad owners, not a bad dog, I am now wary of the breed even though I know several lovely pitties and know that they can be wonderful pets

banning them and euthanising them simply for being pit bulls is extreme and wrong but I can't honetsly say that enforcing certain restraints when out in the general public or making training mandatory is such a bad thing

[Lauren]

This is an abomination! I have a 2 year old pit/rott/boxer mix and he couldn't be more of a sweetheart. In addition to our pup, Jambi, we also have 2 cats and the dog LOVES THEM! All he ever wants to do is play with them, sleep next to them, etc. and when they don't feel like playing, they will let him know, and it scares him. He runs from the kitties! The only thing anyone has to worry about is getting licked in the face, or him trying to sit in your lap.

[Michelle]

They have banned them in Washington DC too. So any pit bull they pick up they put in MD shelters. If you go to any MD shelter near DC it is 98% pit bulls. It's really very sad.

[Jennifer]

This is the holocaust for the canine species. How is it possible, that in this day and age, we can choose to euthanize an entire breed of dog because of its "racial" profile? It sickens me.

[Corinne]

Why don't people realize that a dog is what you make it? A mean pit bull wasn't born that way, it was taught to be that way either by abuse or neglect. Wake up, people! No dog should be euthanized because of a stigma attached to their breed.

[Sonja]

This law they are trying to pass is INSANE!! It is like telling the family of a murderer or rapist that we have to put them in jail too because they are related. Our politicians need to spend their time on more important things like improving our economy. Honestly! What the hell??

[Katie]

Hi. I have a Chihuahua and her best friend is a Pit Bull. To see them together is so damn cute. Take a guess at which one causes the most trouble? The only thing we need to worry about with her is if and when she will maul us with licking. Her tounge is huge but damn it if she can't get it up your nose every damn time.

People are just stupid and we should sterillize the dumb people in our world as well!

Jen - thanks for all the great work you do for Pits!

[Amy, Voorhees, NJ]

To send Tyrone Yates an email - his email is district33@ohr.state.oh.us.

This is why Democrats are leaving the party in droves - because of stupid legislation like this.

I don't even like Pit Bulls and I'm appalled.

[Stephanie]

Ditto to the person who said that the most dangerous dog they've ever known was a Golden Retriever... my family has owned a range of dogs, including Pits and other "dangerous" breeds like Dobermans and German Shepherds and Rotties, and the one most likely to bite a stranger? Was our six-pound Yorkshire Terrier.

IT'S NOT THE BREED, IT'S HOW THEY'RE RAISED. My Yorkie was bad because my then-teenage brother and his stupid friends thought it was funny and let him get away with it whenever I or my mom wasn't watching them. My current dog - a lovely Pit that has adopted a set of kittens as her babies - is not left unsupervised with people we don't trust to enforce our training rules, which include no jumping, no biting, following basic commands regardless of the situation, etc. Sure, people take it personally when we don't let them play with the dog without us present, but it's what we know we need to do to keep our dog and everyone else safe.

(Also, we live in Boston where there is BSL, and not only did it cost us over 3x as much to register her, but whenever we take her out in public, she has to be leashed and muzzled! It's outrageously unfair that she has to be muzzled while the 100+ lb Saint Bernard with no manners can run free through the dog park committing wanton acts of doggie molestation. Because clearly our 50lb Pit who thinks kittens are her babies and has been known to let small children RIDE her is WAAAAY more dangerous than our neighbor's giant rapist dog.)

[Michelle]

My first memory is sitting in my grandparents back yard, getting licked and pounced on by a half dozen Doberman puppies. I grew up surrounded by Dobermans and many other types of dogs (German Shepards, black labs, Rotties, mutts) along the way. I love dogs and cannot bear to hear of them being hurt, abandoned or shunned in any way. If I had my way, I would cram as many as I could into my 1 bed room apt or, if I had the money and resources, create a santuary and rescue them all.

Many years ago, my boyfriend at the time decided to get a Pit. Despite my upbringing, I bought into the hype and was less than enthusiastic - until I met him. O was the runt of the litter and the sweetest, cutest dog on the planet. I fell head over heels the minute I set eyes on him. We had a magical connection which continues to this day. I actually miss the dog more than the boyfriend but then I've always connected with animals better than humans. However, when we walked down the street, people would immediately cross to the other side and if we were playing around in public people would ask me if I wanted them to call 911 to stop the attack (no kidding!). What they did not realize is that the 60lb, brindle bundle of joy was the smartest (bilingual), sweetest, most fun, most caring dog ever and he would never hurt anyone - except if you got too close to his death tail, that is, and that would not be his fault. If he didn't like you or if you approached his loved ones or property in a manner he did not like, he'd let you know. But if you treated him with respect and love he was overjoyed and gave it back 120%. I've seen food taken directly out of his mouth, kids jumping on him, pulling his tail, poking his eyes, putting their fingers in his ears and not once did he ever try to hurt them. It is all about the owner. One look from my boyfriend and O knew what to do.

I don't understand how we can condemn certain breeds of dogs (some of whom have never harmed a fly) while ruthless criminals and killers are pampered and given multiple chances. Yes, I've heard the argument that you can't compare dogs to humans but you know what, in my world you can. If the town told us that O had to be put down simply because he was a Pit I would put up a fight. It's a witch hunt, discriminatory, completely unfair and should be stopped.

[Tara]

It's the same kind of sickness that makes people judge other people based on appearance. Just like children, dogs aren't inherently "mean" or "destructive". Bad people make bad dogs. This is just discrimination on a different level.

Having said all that...other than PETA, what about Rachael Ray? I know that sounds lame, but she is big on pit bulls because of her own dog. And she's more, uh, mainstream.

[stephani]

OMG...that is criminal!!!! I have a wonderful pit bull/shepard mix my hubby and I rescued from a shelter here in PGH, and Sunmmer(the name she came with, so we kept it) is the BEST. She is my furry baby and gets along so well with my 2 1/2 yr old son. Georgie loves to chase her and run around the yard and the best part of my day is when we sit on the back patio and I blow bubbles and watch them chase the bubbles...the best sound in the world is a little boy playing with his dog. Summer is very loyal and protective and about the only danger she would pose to you is knocking you down in her haste to get to any leftover spaghetti(kind of funny to see her with sauce stains on her muzzle). Pit bulls are great pets and I love mine!

[Alicia]

Welcome to Ontario, where the "Pit Bull Ban" became a law in 2005 thanks to Bill 132. Breed Specific Legislation is a pretty hot issue among dog lovers here, and for good reason... Pit Bull doesn't just mean Pit Bull here, it includes
a) a pit bull terrier
b) a Staffordshire bull terrier
c) an American Staffordshire terrier
d) an American pit bull terrier
e) a member of a class of dogs that
have an appearance and physical
characteristics that are substantially
similar to dogs referred to in any of
clauses (a) to (d); (“pit bull”)

If you have a pit bull, it must be sterilized, as well as leashed and muzzled in public. For the full deal, check this out:

http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about/pubs/dola-pubsfty/dola-pubsfty.asp#TOC_03

[Erin]

Has PETA gotten wind of what's going on in Ohio? Just wondering.

[Colleen]

Asshats. My pit mix is the best dog I have ever had. I had my niece and nephew over the other day and wasn't paying attention to the youngest. When I turned around my nephew was standing on the dog. My dog didn't move. You would be more likely to be hurt by her tail wagging! On top of this, she had been attacked by smaller dogs more than once.

[Angela]

The situation in Highland Park is extremely upsetting to me considering I live in a neighboring community and I am a pitbull advocate. I am going to email the couple to see if they can tell me more about what happened. The nation has ignored logic and bought into media hype. I live in America and I don't want somebody telling me what kind of dog I can have. Which breed will be next? What freedom will they want to take from us using "safety" as a reason to hide behind? It's the people behind the dog and I've read HP's dog ordinance and it's pretty tight so I don't see why there is a need to go to the extreme of BSL!

[Elizabeth]

OH MY GOD ! I cannot believe this! When will people understand its not the breed - its BAD OWNERS THAT SHOULD BE BANNED!

[Emily the Strange]

Okay, this is soooo bogus!! I have to admit, I'm not much of a dog lover -- I was badly bit before I was even two, and until high school, I couldn't even get within 10 feet of one of those little weiner dogs! Still, I think it's ridiculous to ban an entire breed of dogs because some irresponsible people have chosen to foster the animal's nastier instincts. The dog that bit me was not a pitbull, and had no history of aggressive behavior until it tried to eat my face. I don't care about the statistics and whatnot -- those can almost always be interpreted to support a given point of view. The bottom line is that animals are animals, and there's always a risk that they will bite, sting, spray or whatever it is they do to protect themselves or assert their dominance. If someone is going to train a dog to fight/attack/kill, then it seems to me that a pitbull would be an obvious choice (who'd be scared of a viscious poodle?). The problem is with the person, not the dog. I can't help by taking in the dogs, but I can certainly continue to advocate for all of those like them. Even as a non-dog-lover, I think these policies are ridiculous and completely miss the point. I hope these beautiful animals (who look far from threatening in that pic, btw) find the happy home they deserve, and I'm so sorry for the family that has to give them up. Highland Park and all the "neighbors" who made a snap judgment that cost this family their beloved pets should be ashamed!

[Desirae]

I can't believe that Ohio is trying to ban pit bulls! I've signed the petition and just emailed all of my friends. Ohio, you're ass is goin down

[Melody]

Spay and neuter people. Especially ignorant asshats who are irresponsible dog owners. I hates em.

[Betsy]

I live in Ohio. I've already signed the petition and also one to remove our county dog warden who is one of the main defenders of these "ban the bullies" laws. I am a devoted "Dog Whisperer" fan and he is a big supporter of pit bulls. The problem with them is not the dog, it's the owners and overbreeders. If you aren't a disciplined dog owner who is willing to train the dog and be a strong "pack leader", then a pit bull isn't the dog for you. Unfortunately, there is an allure to such a strong, athletic breed that makes them attractive to own to a lot of people who have no business having them or any other kind of dog for that matter. Dogs are a responsibility, not an accessory. (says the mom of one of the cutest bulldogs ever)...

I wish the Highland Park family well. If all else fails, let's get Cesar Milan to add them to his pack!

[Cerri]

I've dropped an email to Cesar Milan's website, and also posted this on the boards at his website. If anybody can stop this craziness in Ohio, it's he (I have to use good grammar 'cause you're a writer, Jen!).

[Tracy]

I have a 10 month old blue pit and I still crack up everytime we walk in petsmart and you see people backing away. So while I was standing in line one day with my baby checking out, the woman in front of us turned around and was like "oh my god he's going to eat me!" to which I replied, " he doesn't like fat meat only lean." I've never seen a face turn so red. I was laughing so hard and my baby apparently thought it was funny too because his whole behind was shaking.

People are so ingnorant when it comes to these dogs. It all boils down to better education and responsible owners. Hell, my dog would rather try to sit (all 65 lbs of him) on your lap before he would try to bite. I don't have any kids and my dog is my kid. If I could I would take him everywhere with me. I wish people could see pits the way I see them.

[Michelle]

It never fails to amaze me the stupidity of people, especially when it comes to Pit Bulls. Pit Bulls are just as loving, if not more so, as all other dogs.

The stigma that surrounds Pit Bulls is ludicrous.

When a Pit Bull goes ballistic, its due to the IDIOT owners that train them to be the fighters they become.

Pit Bulls are fun loving, protective dogs (some of whom love beer)! If I didn't have 5 dogs already, I would adopt these two beautiful creatures in a heartbeat.

Keep us posted, but I'm certain they'll find good homes. It's unfortunate that the owners of these two precious beings are being forced to give up their family members. Highland Park.....now on my sh*tlist too!

[Cyndi]

I've done a lot of reading on the subject, and even attended an entire conference on pit bull bans. Sure, there are statistics that make it sound like pits injure/kill more than any other breed. However, as http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html demonstrates, many people can't pick out a pit in a lineup. (Even many animal control officers - you'll just have to trust me on this one.)

Good stats of biting breeds just DO NOT EXIST, yet cities (and countries - I think it's Italy that has banned almost all dogs) are banning breeds left and right.

There is an ASPCA legal office in Illinois. Ledy Van Kavage is who you want to talk to. She's a FAB human being!

[Meg]

I generally don't comment on much, but my heart aches for the family who has to give up their sweet wonderful babies because of the ignorance of others. We adopted a new dog about a month ago after learning that the Almost Home Society was having a hard time placing him because he was classified as a Pit Bull. After adopting him, we have realized that he is actually an American Bull Dog mix (most likely with Boxer). He is one of the most amazing, intelligent, caring dogs I have ever met, let alone owned. He is a perfect playmate to our 8 month old Akita mix. He loves children and puppies and will sit for children who approach us on our evening walks so that they can pet him. He cuddles on the couch every chance he gets and the only way he could get closer to me to sleep in bed at night would be to crawl into my skin. It brings tears to my eyes to think that he was almost not given a chance at having a loving home because people were frightened of him. The bully breeds are sensitive, intelligent, loyal and loving and deserve so much better than most people can possibly give them let alone the horrible stereotype that society has about them. I am going to go hug my big boy (Adam West) and my little girl (Kirin, our Akita mix) and take them for a walk. I will spend more time appreciating that while I may live in a blue-collar neighborhood (Glendale Heights), people aren't afraid of my dogs and nobody is trying to make me send them away or surrender them for destruction.

I am also going to have a link to the petition posted on the dog thread on Fazed.net so that more people can help.

[Becky]

My retriever is really friendly too she just always gives out a couple of barks when new people approach.

We have stopped going to our local dog park because of bad owners there but really most of the dogs trying to fight are the little ankle bitters who don't get along with anyone elses dog. You should really see my 110 lb dog running away from a little 8 pounder.

Funny until I finally get pissed and we leave because my dogs can't play fetch.

[Becky]

This all makes me so angry too. I have two dogs a mix breed Rottweiler/Boxer 110 lbs and a Chesapeake Retriever 90 lbs. Seriously the Retriever is the one that barks at people but everyone still worries about the Rottie/Box instead who is wagging her little stub tail so hard her whole back-end moves too. She is the biggest baby and most gentle dog. Really I worry more about someone sneaking up on my retriever.

[Kristiina]

It is very sad, we were going to adopt two pit bulls but our county required a 10,000 insurance policy per dog. Also in this area if your pit gets in a fight with another dog they will put your pit down even if the other dog started it. They are very anti-pit bull here, it breaks my heart to see this kind of discrimination

So we got two border collie/aussie shepherd mix. And it turns out our neighbor is petrified of all dogs, so we need to get up a fence ASAP before she freaks out.

[Kehla]

Hi Jen!

I know you got this whole dog issue going on in the comments section and what I have to say doesn't have anything to do with that but since I don't subscribe to MySpace and I can't find a better place to send this to you, here goes:

HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW WEIGHT WATCHERS COMMERCIAL?!

When I first saw it I instantly thought of you (that sounds bad, but you'll come to understand); one of my favorite parts of your last book was the account of your experience with Weight Watchers meetings and their bizarre obsession with birthday cake. And while it was funny and I took your word for it I didn't realize how serious you were being- until this commercial.

They promise you can regain a healthy relationship with your body and food. And in a "can you BELIEVE IT?" tone of voice announce, "You can even restore your relationship with BIRTHDAY CAKE."

Girl, you weren't kidding! Have an awesome day, can't wait for the next book!

[Becki]

Dont get how the neighbors could ban them. Are they in an association?

Good luck. I know how these misapprehensions work as an owner of the dearest wussiest German shepherd Ive ever met: Tasha. And the neighbor to the sweetest, mellowest, stupidest Rotweiler: Moses. Luckily, newcomers get over their fears quickly but I've had a few looks walking her.

That is why i would NEVER, EVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER move into a homeowner's association ruled area.

I sure hope those pups end up together.

[Hilary]

Jen - Just wanted to let you know, I live in Ohio, and I signed a petition AGAINST that stupid bill the last time i was at my vet's office. Don't people realize ANY dog can be dangerous? I can't imagine how devastated people would be if they were forced to give up their dog to be DESTROYED. That's just ridiculous. I would rather move. So yes, I will be getting all of my family to vote/sign petitions etc. that I can!

[Amber Kinzie]

Here's the link for lovely Mr. Yates. http://www.house.state.oh.us/index.php?option=com_displaymembers&task=detail&district=33

Also when you google murder convictions, you can see there's been several men named Tyrone--so maybe we should jail all Tyrone's just in case...
Asinine.

[Midlife Mama]

I too have a hard time believing that a mere petition could carry so much weight. Pit bulls are like any other aggressive breed of dog- given the right love and attention, they are wonderful, caring dogs and if put into a shitty situation,ie the dog fighting world they descend to their inbred aggressive nature and survival instinct. Is there no educating these neighbors, having them meet the adorable, sweet pit bulls....WHO are the bullies here? Has the couple gotten together a counter petition or talked to their local council person? It would really suck to split them up but nearly impossible to find one person to take them both. I wish I could but I already have 2 mixed breed humane society mutts and my husband would freak! There has got to be a way to solve this...have they contacted the local media to plead their case...there has got to be a bleeding heart, animal lover on staff somewhere. Whoever handles the section in their paper on pet adoption might be helpful. Best of luck and I'll be crossing all fingers and toes that they stay put in their loving home. Waht if they agreed to a full fence...not that they ought to have to go to this extremem but I'm reaching for some resolution somewhere....

[kb]

Can someone explain to me that if the breed is so sweet, why has the amount of pit bull attacks increased considerably? And it is not because you just hear about them more, the registered amount of attacks have increased.
My mother was attacked by 2 pit bulls 2 years ago, in Chicago, while taking her morning walk. She did not provoke them, and they severely injured her. The dogs were on very long retractable leads that of course the owner could not control - and what did the owner do? NOTHING - he didn't even help my mom! When one dog finally ran away - he chased him, leaving my mother, injured, bleeding on the ground. Sorry - but my opinion differs. Yes - all breeds can be provoked to attack, the pit bull is so strong, they do the most damage, even when not provoked. Please keep your strong dogs on a lead that you can control.

[Valerie]

I live in Mississippi and while I don't believe that Bullies are on the list, other dogs such as wolf hybrids, etc. are either outright banned in most places or you have to have such outrageous insurance to cover any "accidents" that it's almost impossible to own them. My family has owned several bullies and they have always, always been the best dogs. In the case of dogs, 90% is definitely nurture over nature.

[rialeilani]

this seriously makes me ill. wtf is wrong with people. how can it be legal to ban a whole breed!

[Joleine]

this makes me so sad :( I wish I could help, I really do. We've had a lot of people freak out about our boxer as well, because he's white people assume he's a pit and he's just the sweetest baby ever! People that assume all pits are mean are just.. awful :(

[Anna]

Ohio fecking blows. Period. This outrages me and kind of makes me want to punch a lot of people in the face. Pets are like children and just because you don't like a breed of them, shouldn't matter.

So does this mean if I don't like that people have children with blonde hair that I can start a bill to have them all euthanized?

Yeah, thought not. Jesus.

[Anna]

Can anyone from any state sign the petition mentioned? Or, do you have to live in Ohio? If not, I'm all about it.

[Muffy Willowbrook]

Jeez - This kinda stuff makes me first, incredibly angry, and second, extremely sad for the family that has to give them up.

I wish I could take them!

I will say a prayer for those two cuties.

Good work, Jen.

[DodiM]

I have to admit... I used to be one of the haters. I was terrified of pit bulls until my friend had one - and it was a love sponge. It cuddled all the time - just like my boxer. Then, thinking this cured me, I was surprised at my reaction the next time I saw one. DH had told me that the dog from behind us was in our yard - and the parents weren't home, so just make sure I kept an eye on the backyard if our dogs were outside. To my surprise it was a pit bull... and I was frightened. It took me a couple more of his "visits" to realize that he was such a sweet boy! He was lonely and wanted to play and be loved on. His name was Reggie, and they have since moved... but my kids love him.

But, two dogs is enough for us. I wish your friend luck in placing them together.

[Kat]

This seems very strange, that a mere petition could force their hand. Surely, if it wasn't in the homeowner's association agreement before they signed it or something, they'd have to be willing to work around the situation?? The dogs could have a fence, an electric fence, etc. put up. Were there any prior incidents to start the petition?

What about having a behavior expert evaluate the dogs temperaments? I understand the prejudice against pits, but they are not the only breed out there that can be overly aggressive - there are several other breeds, including huskies and chows that are not reccommended to be around children that some people would claim to be ridiculous. Are those dogs also not allowed to live in the neighborhood?

I agree with all the other people who suggested getting legal help or contacting a media source, unless there was some sort of incident to provoke the issue, it does not seem very legal or fair.