Helpful, Not Harmful

by Allie
(Houston, Texas, USA)

My neighbour was mauled by a chow when she was two. Over 50 years later, she had never pet a dog and was terrified of all canines. She decided to try to get over her fear because my pit, Francis, barks at everyone he hasn't officially "met." I held him for her and told her how to approach and meet him. They met, she petted him, and he was a perfect gentleman.

After a lifetime of fear, my 65-pound pit was the first one she's tried to overcome the fear for. He treated her with the kindness she needed and they get along fine. Pits are sensitive dogs who are very responsive to the needs of the people around them. They are not monsters unless they're trained to be such, just like any other dog.

He also spends a lot of time cuddling with his "brother," a cat.