by Rynski on Jul.06, 2009, under Tucson pets, Uncategorized, dogs, life
Tucson Pets: Don’t fear the pit bull
Pit bulls are often feared, shunned or downright loathed.
Much of their bad reputation is due to horror stories about people mistreating the breed or becoming sports stars and then training the dogs to bloodily rip up each other and everything else in their paths.
One Tucson guy’s perception of pit bulls was so negative that he actually started shaking a pooper scooper stick at a pit bull I brought to one of the dog parks.
None of the horror rings true with this fine fellow, a pit bull named Smiles.
Smiles is named for obvious reasons/Photo Ryn Gargulinski
Sawyer and Phoebe met Smiles at the Tucson Canine Classic, where the incredibly handsome pooch was taking a water break.
Despite Smiles’ bulk, brawn and massive muscles, the guy and gal who own the pooch said Smiles is incredibly lazy.
Smiles on his water break/Photo Ryn Gargulinski
Smiles also likes to be the center of attention, and always makes sure to get between the couple at any chance he gets.
Sawyer says Smiles is handsome enough and looks like he’d make an ideal playmate for all that rough-and-tumble stuff Sawyer likes. Phoebe said she’d think about hanging out with Smiles, but right now she’s still too busy nursing her sore throat from barking at all the July 4 fireworks.
Do you have a pet that rivals Sawyer? E-mail photos and comments to rynski@tucsoncitizen.com
Follow Sawyer on Twitter or he’ll rough-and-tumble you into traffic.
23 Comments for this entry
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July 6th, 2009 on 8:08 am
Pits get a bad rep from all the examples you cited Rynski. If raised correctly, I have never seen a mean one. How could you hate a face like that!
July 6th, 2009 on 8:11 am
Yes, Smiles is certainly a charmer. I bet even BEAR would dig Smiles.
July 6th, 2009 on 8:23 am
Would you let Smiles have access to a crying baby?
I hope not.
July 11th, 2009 on 10:33 am
I most definitely would. Pits a protective dogs, they are NOT dangerous to humans. I had a pit when I had my son and he was the best when he was around Jake. If Jake was crying Boota would come running in and sit there until I came and calmed Jake. There was one time when I was working on some class work and Jake was crying but I was a little zoned so I didn’t hear it right away…that is until Boota came and barked at me for not helping. Pits are wonderful pets and until you own one you will never know!
July 6th, 2009 on 8:27 am
He’s adorable. I love pit bulls. (my Tibet is half sharpei, half pit bull) When raised correctly they are wonderful.
Check out the Dog Whisperer’s pit bull buddy, Big Daddy. He’s the perfect dog.
July 6th, 2009 on 8:36 am
Valid point, Joe, but I would not let ANY dog have access to a crying baby. Well, except maybe Mr. Angel. But then again, Mr. Angel could still lick a baby to death (haha).
July 6th, 2009 on 8:50 am
Took the words right out of my mouth Rynski-NO animals around babies. Don’t cats suck the breath out of ‘em?
July 6th, 2009 on 8:56 am
Yes, cats suck breath out of children. And lizards eat their eyeballs. Don’t forget about that massive boa that merely thought he was giving the baby a “hug.”
July 6th, 2009 on 9:03 am
The cat thing is an old wives’ tale. Cats are PERFECT.
I used to have a python, bigger than the one that killed that poor little girl. She was always properly fed, and never even bothered the cats, let alone children.
July 6th, 2009 on 9:15 am
While there are exceptions to every rule, there is a greater predisposition in the breed to be aggressive towards other dogs while being quite manageable amongst humans. Every dog breed is the product of intensive managed breeding designed to produce an animal that fulfills a certain function, be that herding, hunting, protection or companionship. In those populations of dogs where there is no breeding management, over time dogs come to have the appearance of large yellow coyotes.
IMO, perhaps the biggest problem is the popularity of those breeds originally designed for protection/aggression amongst young males, a breed of animal well known to be predisposed to irresponsibility and aggression.
July 6th, 2009 on 9:31 am
Howdy Lefty. Nice avatar. How did you get uncle Karl to flash the peace sign?…or is that the number of viable communist nations left?
July 6th, 2009 on 9:34 am
The Pit Bulls (or Staffordshire Terriers) I’ve known have been some of the sweetest dogs I’ve met. I’ve been training dogs for over twenty years and there is something in the original post that should be of concern to these owners and the owners of any breed.
The author states, “Smiles also likes to be the center of attention, and always makes sure to get between the couple at any chance he gets.”
This is an indication that a dog doesn’t recognize its place in the pecking order. By trying to be the center of attention and inserting itself between the two might be seen as cute and adorable but in the dog world it is an attempt at dominance and this behavior, allowed to continue, could have dire consequences.
July 6th, 2009 on 9:42 am
LS Morgan, You’re good. I hope the couple is reading this.
July 6th, 2009 on 10:01 am
Glad you like the avatar. It could be the peace sign, or it could be the “V” for victory.
Hasta La Victoria Siempre
July 6th, 2009 on 1:49 pm
Pitbulls are known to lock their jaws on their prey making them formidable attackers. It’s part of their natural ability. I sure would watch out for my chickens and children. Mom from Michigan
July 6th, 2009 on 2:11 pm
Ryn’s Mom?!!?
Congrats on your well rounded, artistic daughter. You must be a wonderful woman.
July 6th, 2009 on 2:51 pm
Let’s say I’m a brave woman with a remarkable daughter.
Thanks!
July 6th, 2009 on 3:27 pm
Hi mom!
Thanks for chiming in. I know you like Sawyer and Phoebe so much so rest assured I won’t oust them for any other dog, even a pit bull.
Also, we need to get you an avatar. Should we use the one of you at the Tucson Botanical Gardens when you put that butterfly thing on your head?
July 6th, 2009 on 3:37 pm
Yes! Let’s get RynMom a great avatar. Then we can all see where Ryn gets her good looks!
We all think Ryn is the best.
July 6th, 2009 on 4:04 pm
Do I need to visit another planet in order to get one. You know I don’t have the faintest idea. Bring me up to speed – legally.
July 6th, 2009 on 4:19 pm
hahah, AZMouse, you’re the sweetest.
Mom, send me photo you like and we’ll hook you up.
July 6th, 2009 on 4:36 pm
She sounds like my Mom!
RynMom, you need a fabulous photo, so we can see a pic next to your comments (you can see a new pic of me!)
No need to call Nasa for travel in the galaxy, nor will anyone knock on your door to arrest you. LOL
Us girls stick together around here, and we’d never get the RynMom in trouble.
July 11th, 2009 on 3:12 pm
Does anyone know a good Pit Club in the area? I’d like to start showing boota now that he’s a little older and better trained.