October 24th is National Pit Bull Awareness Day

October 24, 4:09 PMPet Rescue ExaminerSharon Seltzer

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One of Michael Vick's rehabilitated dogs at Best Friends.

What do Rachel Ray, Jon Stewart, Jessica Biel,  Michael J. Fox and Cesar Millan have in common? They are all the human guardians to Pit bull dogs and advocates for the breed. They are also part of the promotion for the third annual National Pit Bull Awareness Day.

The idea behind Pit Bull Awareness Day is to honor the attributes of this loyal breed and promote “public awareness and responsible pet ownership.” In the early 1900’s Pit bulls were popular and owned by celebrated individuals such as: Woodrow Wilson, Humphrey Bogart and Thomas Edison. But in recent years, they have developed a reputation for being dangerous and have become stigmatized by many people.

This perception has led Pit bulls to fall victim to Breed Specific Legislation in many cities, which bans or limits them. Their reputation has even caused the U.S. Marine Corps to change their policy about Pit bulls living on military bases. They have called for mandatory temperament testing of the dogs.

In many cities they make up more than 50% of the homeless dogs surrendered to municipal animal shelters. And numerous shelters have implemented policies which require adult Pit bulls to be immediately euthanized because their chance of being adopted into new families is so small.

National Pit Bull Awareness Day encourages people to learn the true facts about the dog. Here are some facts you may not know:

• A Pit bull mix named Sergeant Stubby is credited with saving the lives of American soldiers in WWI.
• Pit bulls are one of the most decorated dogs in military history.
• Pit bull dogs work as therapy pets in hospitals and schools.
• Pit bulls are used in search and rescue emergencies.
• Pit bull dogs are actually made of three breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
• The American Pit Bull Terrier currently holds the highest rating in professionally conducted canine behavioral evaluations by the American Temperament Test Society.

What are your experiences with this famous and loyal breed of dog?

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If you like this story you may want to read: 83 Marine Dogs Can Stay on Base

Photo: Best Friends Animal Society, MuttNews