It has been incredible to bring positive awareness to our dogs. Even though we only began back in August, we love getting together with such a diverse group of people demonstrating responsible dog ownership.
Our group is composed of PhD's and PhD candidates, lawyers, chefs, business professionals, teachers, artisans, and grad students, just to name a few.
I think it's easy for people who haven't met our dogs to make assumptions about us, but getting out there and allowing them to see us, and how amazing our dogs are, can show the bigger picture. We hear so many positive comments.
Positive socialization is important for all dogs, and many of us who own pitbull-type dogs feel an extra responsibility knowing people will judge the entire breed based on what they see from our single dog.
It's hard to miss us with our 20+ pooches. And I'm always amazed by the dedication of everyone consistently waking up early on a Sunday morning to spend quality time with our pups. (Trivia: Anyone recognize the belly in that photo??)
Our highlight of this week was when a woman driving her car stopped, and yelled out "If I had known you were walking here, I would have brought my Westie".
And of course knowing that even though we walk together as a group, each pup and owner is individually setting a good example of responsible ownership by modeling this in their respective neighborhoods.
34 comments:
The newspaper article was great, the comments (well, some of them anyway) following not so much. Just goes to show that there is still a lot of work to be done to rehab the pitbull reputation. But you're doing a great job with SocialBulls!
This is so amazing! Im like honored to know you. Only the two of you can start something in August, make a difference for pups and owners, and advertise it within 4 months! You seem to be inspiring other cities as well!
Hi - Wonderful pictures! It's good to see you guys back.
Your pal, Pip
WOW, talking about being part of the solution to change, you guys have that down pat. I'm so very proud of what you guys are doing.
So awesome! And how great that you got some coverage. Hope we can resume walking with you soon.
A and E this is SO AMAZING!!! Congratulations! I am so, so, so impressed by what you've accomplished and in such a short time! :)
oh my gosh i love this!!! What an amazing group you guys have. all the pitties are so beautiful.
This is so exciting! What a great walk - Jack was so exhausted from all his showing off for the photographer and reporter (and Lola!).
Thank you for hosting such a fun, positive walk every week!
Just read your article in the Tribune! Was wondering if we'd see some kind of commentary from you guys on the pittie-related "incident" last week. Nice to see some positive press for once. :)
How great is that?! So awesome and exciting! Way to go!
Ah, so proud of your accomplishments! Congrats!
Congratulations - what an incredible article! Pit bull lovers everywhere (even those like myself who don't have a pit bull but really love the breed) are indebted to you for this very important work you're doing. Plus, we, as usual, love all the great pictures!
awesome.. that could not be a better article.
It's so important for the general public to see that pit bull owners are just normal nice people... and their dogs just normal nice dogs. Contrary to what the press wants the public to believe
Congrats on that article - such a wonderful representation of pitties (and their ability to hang out with other breeds and people without attacking or mauling them). During a time where people are talking about pitties in a not-so-positive light, you guys are out there, doing your thing, and people noticed. Congrats x 100! You guys are awesome!
Looks like it was a great day for a walk. And I think you guys are doing a great thing to change the view of bully breads. Keep up the great work!!
We saw the article from Miss Mayzie! How fabulous. Just goes to show it's all about how we the people socialize the dogs. No bad dogs...just bad owners.
You guys are rockstars!
Mr. Nubbin's Mom
What a handsome and well behaved bunch! Love all the doggy jackets...wonder if the bomber jacket comes in Airedale size?
Wyatt
Maybe you can convince some non-Caucasian, non higher educated pit bull owners to join your group. Despite your efforts, you folks are not really addressing the real problem...ghetto pit bull owners who train their dogs to be anything but sociable.
Im new to your blog; having heard about it in the paper. THANK YOU so much for spreading the good word of our precious Pits!! How fortunate for the paper and photographer to be near by. Nothing upsets me more than when the media bashes these dogs for their failure to properly identify the breed. Thank you for spreading the word and if I still lived in the City Rosie & I would be joining your group!!!!
Thank you!
What a beautiful article about your wonderful group! You are so inspirational for bringing such positive press to this terrific breed. And I commend you and all involved in Sociabulls for being such responsible owners and doing such a wonderful thing for these pups.
HOW FANTASTIC!!! I love seeing yalls group walks, but the fact that it was offered in such a positive light by the Tribune is an amazing step. And Ms M and Mr B got to be in the spotlight like they deserve!! This is a great organization. Keep it up and I am so happy that positive news about these dogs are making it to mainstream media!! :)
www.hatethedeed.blogspot.com
This is amazing. People need to understand that pitbulls are amazing and loyal dogs. That's very exciting that you had some media coverage as well. Sadly, pitbulls are not as welcome where I live. But I hope with events like this one, bans will be lifted and people will become more educated on the breed.
Awesome article! Looking at the pictures on your blog, it is really great to see so many happy dogs (and owners)! This is really inspiring and there has been some talk about a dog hiking group starting up in our area as a result of your success!
Gorgeous essay, as always! We are so proud to be part of the group, and so fortunate to have gotten to know everyone in it!
just read about you guys and this blog via the tribune. as a fellow pitbull owner, i just wanted to say, thanks for doing what you do!
You two and your group are making a difference! Of course this made me cry. Truly inspirational!
It was indeed a great day for a pack walk.
A&E we had approx 30 plus people yesterday. Most of us have 2-3 dogs, some of the dogs are still going through rehabilitation which is why pack walks are so important. The thing we do with new people attending is remind everyone to give space, don't approach dogs, this is not play time and absolutely no retractable leads. It can be done, your group can grow.
we decided we probably have to move to Chicago in order to pawticipate in your Socio walks
Benny & Lily
Just read the article through Our Waldo Bungie's post on FB! Congrats on the great press! We've always said you guys are such awesome ambassadors for pitties! Keep it up :)
The Road Dogs' Mom
So happy to see how successful this group is! Congratulations and keep up the good work. It's nice to see the pics of all the dogs and how they all look so happy and relaxed and well behaved. I know it's because of the responsible handlers.
I'm not sure if you've done a post explaining all the rules the group members need to follow. I think people who are considering starting a similar group would find that very helpful.
I'm going to check out the newspaper article now.
wow, what a great event, and I saw a lot of Paw friends out there,and I'm sure you really enjoy your day with your beautiful Mom :)
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Great article! Keep up the good work.
Wonderful article. You are doing a great job showing that dogs are dogs, no matter their breed.
(As an aside, I kept going who's Mazzy? And then I had my a-ha moment). :)
I was really disheartened to read about the unfortunate incident that happened in Chicago last week and the negative reactions from leadership. I sometimes feel like for every positive bit of press, there is some awful story that comes out because of some totally irresponsible owner (I use that term loosely). So, I was absolutely delighted to find out that your group was featured in the Chicago Tribune! WOW! Thank you for everything you do and bringing nothing but positivity to pit bull awareness.
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