Show my pit bull some respect

LSU student Winter Morvant is a pit bull owner and works for a local veterinary hospital.

My name is Winter Morvant. I am the loving mother to a 1-year-old black-and-white terrier mix (pit bull) named Deuce Franklin.

Deuce is my heart and my whole world, and he’s known for being a kind, loving, obedient, gentle dog who will instantly earn a spot in your heart.

I recently visited a Baton Rouge pet spa to check out their pet services (I spare no expense when it comes to Deuce). I was impressed with the look of the place and thrilled to see they offered painted pet portraits along with doggie day care.

I asked the lady at the front desk about day care services, since I work and go to school during the day. I told her about Deuce. She scoffed and immediately blew me off. I was told the business would take no part in the care and boarding of pit bulls or chows—even though we’d previously been told the business would accept all breeds.

As a loving owner of a pit bull, I took great offense. The business’s website even states that “all animals require love…,” but their actions say otherwise. I felt as if my dog and I were not welcome, appreciated or respected.

Breed discrimination is a big deal to me. Pit bulls are one of the most abused breeds, and just because you’ve heard a news story about a pit bull or other breed biting someone doesn’t mean it’s right to form an opinion of hatred towards the entire breed. Every breed has examples of dogs becoming aggressive if provoked—whether for self-preservation or protection or simply coming from an upbringing of mistreatment. There are dogs smaller than pit bulls that will snap your head off if you touch them.

The stigma placed upon this brilliant breed is due to careless owners, not “bad” dogs. A dog’s demeanor depends on how it’s trained or raised. A dog raised to fight will fight, while a dog raised to love will love. To assume every pit you see is dangerous is an unfair stigma.

During World War I, pit bulls were America’s sweetheart breed—they were admired, respected and loved by figures such as Helen Keller and Theodore Roosevelt. Why should today be any different? Pit bulls are known for their loyalty and intelligence, and they make loving, protective companions.

I certainly will not do business with any company if they discriminate against a breed. I hope that more people form their own, better opinions about pit bulls.