...the breeds/types you have now again, or do you think you'd try another breed/type?
Labs---I'd definitely own one again. They are interesting dogs to deal with, and you definitely have to have a sense of humor. I've really fallen in love with the sporting breeds--retrievers in particular (although I realize that the personalities of the different retriever breeds vary greatly).
Pitties--Honestly, IDK if I'd own one again. I'm not crazy about the dog-dog issues with the breed, although I can and willingly do deal with them. I love Sally with all my heart, and if another pittie came up that needed a home and we had the time/money/space I can't say that I wouldn't take it in, but I don't know if I'd actively seek one out.
While this breed can be a challenge to own, the thing I dislike the most about owning the breed is dealing with the rest of society. I'll admit that the constant looming threat of BSL stresses me out and wears me down. It's not that I wouldn't be extremely concerned about it if I didn't have a bully breed, but I think it's just different when it's *your* dog in the cross hairs. We have to be careful when we drive any distance to be sure that we are not driving through BSL areas. I took a wrong turn once on the way to a state park and drove right into a town that bans pits before I had realized it. I was freaking out the whole way out of the town--making Sally lay down on the seat, praying that I didn't get pulled over etc. I check the BSL alerts weekly (I used to do it daily but got a bit obsessive over it), and always find myself hold my breath. When we first got Sally I had no idea about the fight against BSL and how prevalent it was, and finding out about it came as a great shock. I used to have nightmares about people coming and taking Sally away and would literally worry myself physically ill over it.
Also, I am a very sensitive person. it's one thing to have people say your dog is stupid, it's another to have them say that your dog does not deserve to exist, or is "not worth the bullets it takes to send them straight to hell" as a member of a horse board I used to go on so kindly commented. I was at a dog show last year and as my mom and I were stopped at a pit bull rescue booth these two older women walked by and one said, "Some dogs don't deserve to be rescued." I am not a violent person but I have never wanted to b*tch slap someone more in my whole life. There have been numerous times when DH has found me sobbing at the computer after reading some of the horrible things people have said about these wonderful dogs. I just do myself the kindness of not reading things like that anymore. Truthfully, my view of humanity has been knocked down a couple of pegs due to owning and being familiar with this breed.
On the plus side, Sally has taught me so much more about dogs than I could have ever learned just having Jack. Honestly, I would not be as into dogs as I am now if it weren't for Sally coming into my life. While she can definitely be a challenge, she is also an intense joy. Sally has been an incredible addition to our home and she has changed the minds of at least a few people about pitties. My mother, who was not a pit bull fan before, frequently defends her "grand-dog" when people say negative things about the breed. Actually, neither DH or I were pibble fans before Sally. Although I am ashamed to admit it, I supported BSL before I knew Sally and forced myself to learn more about the breed.
So I guess it's karma--I now live in fear of what I used to support.
Labs---I'd definitely own one again. They are interesting dogs to deal with, and you definitely have to have a sense of humor. I've really fallen in love with the sporting breeds--retrievers in particular (although I realize that the personalities of the different retriever breeds vary greatly).
Pitties--Honestly, IDK if I'd own one again. I'm not crazy about the dog-dog issues with the breed, although I can and willingly do deal with them. I love Sally with all my heart, and if another pittie came up that needed a home and we had the time/money/space I can't say that I wouldn't take it in, but I don't know if I'd actively seek one out.
While this breed can be a challenge to own, the thing I dislike the most about owning the breed is dealing with the rest of society. I'll admit that the constant looming threat of BSL stresses me out and wears me down. It's not that I wouldn't be extremely concerned about it if I didn't have a bully breed, but I think it's just different when it's *your* dog in the cross hairs. We have to be careful when we drive any distance to be sure that we are not driving through BSL areas. I took a wrong turn once on the way to a state park and drove right into a town that bans pits before I had realized it. I was freaking out the whole way out of the town--making Sally lay down on the seat, praying that I didn't get pulled over etc. I check the BSL alerts weekly (I used to do it daily but got a bit obsessive over it), and always find myself hold my breath. When we first got Sally I had no idea about the fight against BSL and how prevalent it was, and finding out about it came as a great shock. I used to have nightmares about people coming and taking Sally away and would literally worry myself physically ill over it.
Also, I am a very sensitive person. it's one thing to have people say your dog is stupid, it's another to have them say that your dog does not deserve to exist, or is "not worth the bullets it takes to send them straight to hell" as a member of a horse board I used to go on so kindly commented. I was at a dog show last year and as my mom and I were stopped at a pit bull rescue booth these two older women walked by and one said, "Some dogs don't deserve to be rescued." I am not a violent person but I have never wanted to b*tch slap someone more in my whole life. There have been numerous times when DH has found me sobbing at the computer after reading some of the horrible things people have said about these wonderful dogs. I just do myself the kindness of not reading things like that anymore. Truthfully, my view of humanity has been knocked down a couple of pegs due to owning and being familiar with this breed.
On the plus side, Sally has taught me so much more about dogs than I could have ever learned just having Jack. Honestly, I would not be as into dogs as I am now if it weren't for Sally coming into my life. While she can definitely be a challenge, she is also an intense joy. Sally has been an incredible addition to our home and she has changed the minds of at least a few people about pitties. My mother, who was not a pit bull fan before, frequently defends her "grand-dog" when people say negative things about the breed. Actually, neither DH or I were pibble fans before Sally. Although I am ashamed to admit it, I supported BSL before I knew Sally and forced myself to learn more about the breed.
So I guess it's karma--I now live in fear of what I used to support.
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