Is It Worth It??

It is with a heavy heart that I am sitting down to write this. Many people know some of the difficult task that I have been faced with over the past couple years, things ranging from issues with my daughter, getting my ass handed to me by life in general, and of course issue I have had to face and over come with my involvement with the Pit Bull Breed.

I know that I am not alone when I say that I have had to deal with a certain amount of BS simply because I have had a Pit Bull Breed, things that date back to when my now 16 year old daughter was born, when her mother tried using my pit bull as a reason to question my visitation rights, at times I have had a hard time finding a place to live that would allow me to have my dog, yes I am one of those that while dealing with other life issues at times I have slept in a vehicle, and a storage shed in order to keep my dog.

It has not been until the last couple years that I have really dug into this breed in attempts to try and help the ugly issues they face. It is as sad as it is hard to say that at times I almost feel as if saying I support this breed is a bad thing, however most of the time I could care less what people think.

Recently I have had once again another issue come up because of my dog. It has really put me into check not just when it comes to where I stand with the breed, but also where I stand with my own personally beliefs. For me it has been a very hard situation to deal with and I am still unclear as to the right answer to the situation.

Much like anyone else would under the same pressure I have been taking a close look at a lot of things. One question that comes to mind is “is it really worth it?” Has everything I have been through so far really worth holding my position in all of this, not to mention is it worth dealing with the things that are sure to come in the future. In all fairness I think the only way I can really answer that question is to weigh out the pros and cons and figure out if the reward has been worth all the problems.

Looking back to when I really started digging deeper into this breed was really by accident, I was starting Outspoken Graphics as a way to release some inner anger I had, hence is where the name came from. In looking for an image of a pit bull for an idea I had I felt as if I was slapped in the face, not to mention a bit embarrassed of my lack of knowledge about how bad things really were. I found myself asking how can things really be this bad, more to the point how could I have had one of these dogs for as long as I have and just not know, really the only thing I did know is the love I have been shown by this breed.

I soon found myself at the lowest point I have ever been in, in my life to date. Finding the strength to keep my head up became a task all in itself. Looking around it was very clear that I had literally just lost everything and I was sitting there alone in my empty house. During this time there was one thing that was there for me never too falter. That’s right my Pit Bull, I was at the lowest point in my life and she was right there with me. The nights were I could not pull myself together to save my life she would lay with me and often look at me as if she was telling me; everything was going to be ok. If you have been involved with the breed I am confident that you have seen this same look. Some may argue that any dog will do that, well that may be, but for me it wasn’t any other dog it was a pit bull.

I may not know the life history of the American Pit Bull, I could not tell you what year they hit the USA, nor do I fully understand all the mixes that made up the American Pit Bull. What I do know is this, this breed has showed me what it means to be a survivor, not only has this breed showed me what it means to have courage and to be a survivor it has also should me what it means to survive and remain loyal, and most of all forgiving.

The amount of abuse this breed can take and still turn around and love is incredible. In the worlds history the only thing that has ever been able to withstand the amount of abuse these dogs take in and still be able to love just the same is Jesus Christ, if you disagree with that I challenge you to show me anything that has been more abused than this breed, and is still able to turn around and love as if nothing had even happened to them.

For the God fearing people who may read this I am not saying this breed should be worshipped that is not the point I am making, I am simply saying that the true heart of this breed should be looked at for what it is. If you don’t know the heart of this breed then you should take the time to get to know it. If you have a judgmental view on this breed, remember there is something to be said for being judged the way you judges others, I do not believe that it is written to say, the way you judge humans.

Time and time again this breed suffers from starvation, and physical abuse of the worse kind to where their limps and flesh have been literally ripped off, those who have been rescued from this horrible fate have went on to lead normal lives never attacking a single person and still able to express love, I again challenge anyone to show me a better display of unconditional love.

Even with their love and true desire yes some can be socially challenged, is being socially challenged the very definition of a American Pit Bull, no. If it where then I know of a lot communities, not to mention prison’s that are filled with Pit Bulls. As community leaders fight to make their neighborhoods safer from dog breeds, I ask what are they doing to make their neighborhood safer from child predators. If you really want your community safe know who your neighbors are. Family Watch Dog. Should just anyone have a Pit Bull breed, not any more than every is suited for having children let alone any kind of animal.

Getting back to is all of this worth having a dog? Today I came to realize something. I have my dog for me and for what she has showed me, no one else just me. If someone does not like my choice of breed then guess what he or she do not have to. If I decided that I am willing to take on all the issues that come with being a Pit Bull owner even if it means sleeping in a shed, then that is my choice, and guess what I am not the only one that feels that way when it comes to this breed. Maybe rather than people pointing the negative finger at this breed one should stop and ask them a question. If so many people are willing to go to this kind of length for this breed, maybe, just maybe there is something more to it than meets the eye.

Being involved with this breed has enabled me to do a lot of things I would not be doing otherwise. Some of which has been helping other people with their issues, whether it be by doing something for them or simply just befriending them. Being involved with this breed for me is also a daily reminder that as ugly as this world can be at times although faint the heart of America is still alive. Fighting for this breed is also a symbol of fighting for your rights as a United States Citizen, the same rights that are suppose to be protected by our Government are being taken away each and everyday.

So to answer the question is all of the BS, headaches, and fighting for the breed worth it? Each and everyday I am loved in a way that many people do not understand and sadly never will. Is it worth it? You better believe it.

God Bless those who dare to live above the ignorance.