At the Kitchen Table

12 Nightmares of Pitbull Ownership

What does having a pitbull say about me? An awful lot

1. I’ve had people warn me my dog will be shot if it gets loose.

I got Bella Jo when I was still living in Michigan. When I went to buy her first collar, the salesperson said that I should buy something in neon, maybe something with reflectors because if people saw her loose it would be bad, but not as bad as if they saw her loose and didn’t see her collar.

2. I’ve had a difficult time finding places to live.

When I moved to Dallas, I knew getting my feet under me would be hard. I knew that building a life would be strewn with obstacles, but I didn’t know my dog would be one of the biggest. People at apartment complexes would hang up on me before I could say “pit-mix”.

Of course, I found a few lofts that would allow me to have her, with a modest 300$ a month charge for pet rent. I was single and renting alone in a big city. I couldn’t afford that.

I finally found a place. This local guy had rental properties and a heart for abandoned animals. He and his wife fostered dogs for local rescues and he had an open duplex with my name on it. It took months; I was fortunate to find a home for us.

3. I’ve had people tell me to keep her hidden so that she won’t be dognapped and sold into dog fighting.

Someone told me this when I moved South. They said most of these stolen animals are used as bait dogs, or for practice. They would starve them and drug them. They would watch them fight and then watch them die in pools of their own blood. I had nightmares for weeks.

4. I’ve had to worry about her safety on walks because owners of other dogs are careless and naive.

My dog is friendly. I don’t need a leash; they aren’t going anywhere. They’ve never caused any incidents before.

Well, Karen. Dogs don’t have the first incident until they do. That’s what a first is. And my dog will go on the chopping block for it, no questions asked. All because of her breed.

5. I’ve had a neighbor whisper to me “You know you can have them trained right? Like, to protect you? Like…” She looked both ways to see if anyone was around. “…to attack people?”

To attack people? Seriously!? Any dog can be trained to attack people, but who does that? A crazy lady wearing pink slippers in an alley, that’s who.

Just because Bella Jo’s face is a big ‘ol mug with teeth hidden by flappy jowls unless she’s got her grin on. That’s my favorite. She has the most cheerful happy face when she’s grinning.

6. I’ve found the best (and worst) kind of people in pittie owners.

People who love pitbulls are the best kind of people. People who have pitbulls for reasons are the worst.

I’ve met and fallen in love with the former. They are the kind of people who inspire me to be a better human.

7. I have the best co-pilot ever.

She is the best companion a girl could have. She loves walks, sleeping, and the sun. She loves car rides and great tunes. She’s taught me how to love bigger and better than I ever knew possible.

8. I often have people question why I have her.

What do you need that kind of dog for anyhow?

People don’t ask people who have dogs with other breeds that question.

9. When I press my forehead to hers I know who I am.

One day I was sitting on my yoga mat with my eyes closed when I felt her furry brow press to mine. She stayed for a moment while I kept my eyes closed. At once, we both sighed.

We know each other somehow. Like, before this life perhaps. Either way, we repeat this forehead press from time to time. Each time I inhale the scent of her and she of me. I can only speak for my half, but I feel known by her in these moments. She makes me feel held.

10. I am the one who’s been rescued.

She saved me. I was on the verge of lostness and she brought me back. She gave me a reason to wake in the morning. She is my sunshine, my friend, my baby, my mentor, and my muse.

11. I am scared for her. She hasn’t been in any “incidents”, yet.

Do all dog owners have to live in fear of their dog being in an incident? I think not or all dogs would be leashed as they should.

I’m not afraid of what she will do as much as I am afraid that if anything ever happens she will receive no grace, no compassion, and no second chances.

I live in awareness of her jaws even as I melt over her big, goofy smile. I wonder about the damage she could do if I was being hurt and she was around to interrupt.

She doesn’t scare me. But the hate and fear people have for her? I’m terrified.

12. I didn’t know I could love someone this much.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Looking for a way to give back and help a lot of pups? If you have the means, invest in real estate and rent to people like me who need places to live with their pitties.

Please feel free to check out my profile: Brett Jenae Tomlin. Comment below if we have something in common or if you like what you’ve read.

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