National Pit Bull Awareness Day
October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month
In 2011, October was designated as National Pit Bull Awareness Month after a friend suggested I do something special to honor the memory of my first pit bull, Tiffin, who passed away in the spring of that year. I wanted to pay tribute to the incredible creature who captured my heart and inspired me to work to change the perceptions of the American Pit Bull Terrier. But I know that each of you has your own special dog, a dog for whom you desire to see positive change - a dog that inspires and brings happiness to your life - and it is my hope that in the work we do together for the breed, we are creating a legacy for all our dogs.
Really and truly, we should strive daily to put forth our greatest efforts for the breed, and I know so many of you do. In the last two years, I've begun to noticed an upswing in positive stories about pit bulls…they are even the center of TV shows. While we can’t all be on television educating about our dogs, we all can make a difference in our own way. We all can and should play a part in correcting false information and changing the perception of these incredible dogs. We are their voice, and they are depending on us to educate the public (not only about the breed in general, but with respect to responsible ownership practices), to dispel the false information out there, and to restore their reputation as a great American icon. Leading by example is a great place to start!
Extending the National Pit Bull Awareness celebration to an entire month is a great opportunity for shelters, breed clubs, and rescue organizations to spotlight the breed with adoption, education, and responsible ownership events in multiple communities and venues!
Tiffin inspired me to create a national day of awareness and appreciation for the American Pit Bull Terrier. For Tiffin, and for all out beloved family companions, we should keep the spirit of the National Pit Bull Awareness Campaign in our hearts in October and every day!
Through education and compassion, we will bring about a positive change for these incredible dogs!
In Appreciation
In honor of National Pit Bull Awareness Month, Bless the Bullys would once again like to honor those who set an example and bring positive attention to pit bulls all year round. To that end, we want to know who YOU think deserves special recognition for their efforts to help bullies.
Starting October 1, 2012, and everyday through the end of the month, we will acknowledge an individual or organization that goes above and beyond for these awesome dogs! We know there are people all across the country in rescues, in breed clubs, and just your ordinary pit bull owners, that deserve recognition for the positive awareness they bring to pit bulls in their communities.
I truly enjoyed learning about and sharing the stories of those who work so hard to help pit bulls in the "Bless the Bullys Honors" blogs that were posted each day inf October 2011. Its so important to keep the meaning of National Pit Bull Awareness Day close to your heart every day, and I hope that the inspiring stories of the many individuals presented during the month of October encourage you to do just that. One person can make a difference, and some of those differences are monumental in their communities!
We will be taking your submission through October 2012 of individuals or organizations that you think deserves recognition for their efforts to help bullies, and tell us why you nominated them. Each and every day in October, we will post a special shout out to let them know how much we appreciate what they do for pit bulls!
