The National Pit Bull Awareness campaign is a nationwide effort to
bring positive awareness and attention to the American Pit Bull Terrier and their responsible owners.
To anyone who shares their life with
a "pit bull," the need for a national day of awareness for these misunderstood dogs is clear. Constant
negative media attention and sensationalized hype that surrounds pit bulls has the breed in the spotlight for all the
wrong reasons. The media and public have stereotyped and judged an entire group of dogs, as well as their owners, based
on the actions of a few.
National Pit Bull Awareness Day was established
as a day to educate and foster positive communications and experiences in the communities in which we and our dogs
live. It is a day to focus on these incredible dogs and their devoted, responsible owners. A day to
change perceptions and stereotypes.
After four years, National
Pit Bull Awareness Day is stronger than ever because of devoted pit bull advocates across the country!
History of National Pit Bull Awareness
Day
In 2007, Bless the Bullys introduced
the idea of a national "pit bull awareness day," and it took off like wildfire. Devoted pit bull advocates jumped
on the opportunity to participate in the first of its kind nationwide initiative to bring about positive pit bull media
attention together on one day.
WKRN News (October 20, 2007)
I am so fortunate to know an overwhelming number of pit
bull advocates who work hard every single day to change the undeserved image of our dogs. National Pit Bull
Awareness Day is the one time we can collectively make our voices heard all across the country. Bless the Bullys invites everyone - from breed clubs, rescue groups and individuals
- to join us in celebrating this wonderful breed and their devoted, responsible owners/advocates.
The Importance of National Pit Bull Awareness
Day
As breed advocates, we have an obligation to show
the public what the media will not -- the truth. As responsible pit bull owners, we can no longer
be willing to be judged, discriminated against, and criminalized by the image set by the visible minority of
irresponsible, negligent, and careless owners. The media berates our
dogs daily. Legislators have labeled pit bull owners as the "criminal element" who only own pit
bulls to enhance their macho image. The time has come to set the record straight, and the National Pit Bull Awareness
Day campaign is just the place to start.
In order to change the negative stereotypes that surround the American Pit Bull Terrier, we
must take the initiative to educate people in our communities on the real pit bull. The search
and rescue pit bull...the therapy dog pit bull...the K9 police pit bull...and, of course, the family companion pit
bull. Its an opportunity to open dialogue and to show people first hand that there is no such thing as a "dangerous
breed" of dog but, rather, that problem dogs are the result of problem dog owners.
In addition, participating in National Pit Bull Awareness Day gives you the opportunity to network with other
responsible dog owners in your community. You can discuss issues of importance where you live, and work together to make changes
to create a better environment for citizens and animals living there.
Carrying on the Tradition
From its inception in 2007, National Pit Bull Awareness Day has been a huge
success because of YOU!
For the last four years, on one very special day, events were held
all across the country to celebrate an American icon -- the American Pit Bull Terrier. For three years running,
positive pit bull news dominated the headlines as bully breed advocates joined together to change the public's perception
of these very misrepresented and misunderstood dogs.
WE made a difference, and we can
do it again!
Pit Bull Awareness Day 2011
Bless the Bullys is happy to announce that October 22, 2011 has been designated
as this year's National Pit Bull Awareness Day!
We invite all pit bull owners, advocates and fanciers to join
together in this great cause in an effort to raise awareness to the plight of the All-American pit bull
terrier AND to make a united stand against breed specific legislation. You can create an event all your own,
a rally, a vigil, an educational workshop, small or large -- the choice is up to you. The most important thing
is that you participate. Working together, we can bring about change for our beloved bullys.
Bless the Bullys cordially invites you to continue the tradition of celebrating the American Pit Bull
Terrier with pit bull advocates across the country on National Pit Bull Awareness Day on October
22, 2011. Please join us!
For event ideas, check out events from 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010
