Cookie Monster

I have the pleasure of parenting a pitbull terrier, she is approximately a year and a half old and patterned with a brindle coat.

Pitbulls, unfortunately, are another subject deeply misunderstood by general society. Like any other family dog, there are owners who abuse and mistreat them, causing ill temperament and tragedies which often make the news. Being that they are very high energy dogs, they are perfect for an active animal lover who can take them on long exercise and provide them with the play and training challenges that give them a sense of fulfillment. Though raising and training a dog is not the easiest obstacle, it is definitely worthwhile, as Cookie is my first personal dog and she is the most loving and playful puppy you'll encounter. I often find when walking her that there is a mix of reactions, from interest and curiosity, to absolute fear. My grandmother has made comments regarding pitbulls as dogs that may be good, "but should not be around small children" and it's really disheartening that this breed has reached that reputation. I can't blame people for being in horrible situations or generally knowing of bad experiences because, living outside Detroit, pitbull fighting and pitbull abuse runs rampant in this area, and with city-wide breed bans, encountering a pitbull which is happily trained and in a loving home or walking on a leash through the neighborhood is less likely something to come to mind when on the topic of the breed.

I urge anyone who hasn't met a pitbull, or who disagrees with me, to go to http://www.pitbullforum.com/, not only are pitbulls great show-dogs, but also affectionate dogs who will cuddle up on the couch with a baby and cause no harm, and for those who love to keep their pitbull in great physical shape, but not through abusive means, there are many different sports that pitbulls play and tricks they can be taught which give them a great workout and they have fun doing it!