Bunz -The Accidental Pit Bull that Changed My Life

i have always liked dogs, and rescued many as a child (cats too), but i really never knew anything much about the american pit bull terrier.  i just liked dogs.


while i was in college, i met a couple who had two dogs.  the dogs were lovely, friendly and full of personality, but i had no idea they were pit bulls.  i just didn't think to ask.  as i grew to know the couple and the dogs more, i REALLY fell in love with them (the dogs)....a small black female and a larger, almost boxer looking brindle male.  at one point, i did ask, 'what kind of dogs are these' and the response was - they are pit bulls.  i was shocked!  this was not what i imagined a pit bull to be, but i was already in love with them so luckily any stereotypes i may have had were overshadowed by the personal experience i had with these friendly, fun loving pups!


at some point, they decided to breed the male (something i am VERY against now, but remember i was just a young buck myself)...so of course i wanted a pup.  i called home and told my mom that all i wanted for Christmas was this puppy, Bunz.  my mom was hesitant, and rightfully so, not only did i want a dog (was i really ready to handle that?) but i wanted a pit bull.  her immediate reaction was...'so so' at best.

so i set forth at researching the breed, so i could have all my facts straight and really understand where these dogs were from and what they were about.  what i found surprised me even more.  pit bulls, though they were used in fighting, were bred for certain characteristics, most notable - LOYALTY, LOVE OF OWNER, AND NEVER GIVING UP.  loyalty - they will do anything for their owners and are one of the most truly bonded dogs i've ever met.  love of owner - they will do anything to please, especially if it means getting positive attention (hugs and kisses, and a stamp of approval).  never giving up - they are tenacious in spirit and never let you down.


that sounds awesome right?! - a dog that is more loyal than any friend you'll ever have, will do anything to please you, and will never give up in that pursuit!?


unfortunately, these are the same qualities that 'backyard breeders' and 'fighting gangs' exploit and use against these dogs.  


but, i digress....i told my mom what i found, i begged and pleaded, and finally she said yes.  the best thing that had ever happened to me!  i got my Bunzy - the love of my life, who stayed true to every one of those qualities above plus a million more!  to name a few - dignified, attentive, gorgeous, full of personality, soulful, cuddler, and a goofball (i could go on and on....).  


so, there began my story with Bunz, him a whole 8 weeks old and me a ripe 18 or 19.  ha!  the 13 years i spent with him meant more to me than anything else...he taught me so much, he helped me grow and learn acceptance and tolerance, and he made me an advocate for the breed.  in many ways he saved me.  he most certainly changed me - and i wouldn't be saving animals if it weren't for him.

tomorrow is the anniversary of Bunz's death so i wanted to give a prelude to how and why i ended up, somewhat accidentally, with a pit bull, and why it's so important to me.


God bless my Bunz at the rainbow bridge.