Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/pit-bull-awareness-day/

Your mother probably told you not to make assumptions, which make an a** out of you and me. Sadly, this sage advice isn’t always followed by adults, leading people to unfairly stereotype races, genders, religions, and–in the case of pit bulls–an entire dog breed.

This is a shame for multiple reasons, starting with the fact that pit bulls just don’t deserve this bad rap. Pit bulls were once considered so loving and loyal that they were called “nanny dogs” — and left in charge of babies while their mothers ran to the store. During WW2, pit bulls were even reportedly declared the “All-American Dog” by a nation hoping to channel the breed’s plucky, faithful, and hardworking spirit.

Sadly, pit bulls’ good deeds have been eclipsed by bad actors who’ve used them for dog fighting, fueling the misconception that pit bulls are dangerous dogs. This persistent myth has tragic applications, including the heartbreaking fact that pit bulls are now abandoned, abused, euthanized, and overlooked in shelters at much higher rates than other dogs.

Founded in 2007, National Pit Bull Awareness Day — which will be celebrated on Saturday, October 23, this year — is an opportunity to reset the narrative by spreading the word about all the ways pit bulls actually rock.

You can help by countering breed discrimination on social media, donating or volunteering at your local shelter (which is probably crowded with pit bulls), fostering or adopting a pit bull, or simply sharing this story to help spread the word. You can even get started right now, because October is also National Pit Bull Awareness Month!

In the meantime, check out our favorite pit bull stories, all of which prove pit bulls are really loving, loyal, and often hilarious dogs. How are you celebrating National Pit Bull Awareness Day on October 23?

10 Reasons Why Pit Bulls Rock

1. Pit Bulls Are Loyal

Pit bulls would do anything for their humans, as this pit bull demonstrated when he risked his life to save his 7-year-old human brother from a deadly snake.

2. Pit Bulls Are Loving

Pit bulls love to run and play, but they also want to cuddle with their humans. Check out this cute video of an affectionate pit bull, Pig, whining until her dog dad gives her some kisses.

3.Pit Bulls Are Friendly

Pit bulls are always smiling and love being around people. One happy pit bull even helped his owner propose!

4. Pit Bulls Are Kind

Some dogs might not be happy to find a stray cat in their dog house. But when this pit bull learned a stray cat had given birth in his outdoor abode, he not only gave up his lodgings — he stood guard outside to help protect the cat family.

5. Pit Bulls Are Funny

We love this video of a pit bull named Ginger dramatically “fainting” each time her owner tries clipping her nails.

6. Pit Bulls Pay It Forward

Check out this sweet story of a pit bull who loves helping his owner foster puppies in need.

7. Pit Bulls Are Smart

When pit bulls are in trouble, they know how to get help. We love this story about a stray mama pit bull found shelter workers to help save her freezing pups from the cold.

8. Pit Bulls Are Great With Kids

Nanny dog to the rescue! This stray pit bull helped keep a toddler safe after finding the child wandering outside all alone.

9. Pit Bulls Are Hard Workers

Pit bulls are often used as working dogs. After being saved from a fire, this rescued pit bull become a fire dog to rescued other pets and people in crisis.

10. Pit Bulls Are Heroes

Did you know America’s WW1 hero and first military dog, Sargent Stubby, was a rescued pit bull? Pit bulls don’t serve in the military as often as German shepherds, but they do work as service dogs for veterans who count on them for emotional support.

Why do you love pit bulls? Let us know in the comments!

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog