I don’t believe in breed stereotypes, especially not with pitbulls. I personally know more than a dozen happy and balanced pitbulls raised in caring and structured environments that are just as loving and well-behaved as America’s favorite breed, the Labrador. However, the media loves to feed on the negative, horror stories that involve the breed rather than the positive aspects.
I was pleased to see a story on WNDU about a local Michiana woman, Karen Eis who is speaking out against the stereotypes. Karen Eis has multiple sclerosis and employs the aid of a pitbull service dog named Katie to help her with daily tasks.
Karen says when she takes Katie into public places, such as the grocery store, it is usually the kids who run up and want to play with Katie. However the adults stand to the side and get nervous. Karen says her goal is to change those people’s perspective on pitbulls.
“People sometimes see her and say ‘oh my god, that’s a pitbull!’ and I say ‘Yes, she is, but she is gentle.’”
You can read more of the touching story here. You can also learn more about Midwest Assistance Dogs, Inc., the organization that paired Karen and Katie together.
Way to go Karen and Katie!
