For years, Pit Bulls have been burdened by misconceptions, painted as aggressive and dangerous creatures. Yet, for countless owners like myself, these dogs are a source of unconditional love, boundless loyalty, and gentle companionship. If you’ve ever thought, “Show Me A Picture Of Pit Bulls” and expected to see a monster, prepare to have your perspective beautifully transformed. My journey with my beloved Pitbull mix, Emma, spurred me to challenge these unfair stereotypes and showcase the real heart of this often-maligned breed through a campaign called “Not A Bully.”
Two years ago, when I adopted Emma, I knew she was special. She shies away from thunder, revels in belly rubs, is incredibly sweet with children, and gets along wonderfully with other animals. Despite her gentle nature, the prevailing public perception often casts her as a formidable threat. This harsh reality is reflected in the heartbreaking statistic that over half a million Pitbulls are euthanized in the U.S. each year, largely due to breed bias. My personal experience and passion for these incredible dogs led me to leverage my photography to launch a positive public relations campaign, “Not A Bully,” dedicated to shifting public opinion about Pit Bulls. This isn’t just about sharing [pictures of medium sized dogs that don t shed], it’s about revealing the gentle giants underneath the tough exterior.
The Journey to Emma: Challenging Stereotypes
After losing my Boxer, Winston Churchill, I was devastated and didn’t think I’d be ready for another dog for a long time. But fate intervened at a Petsmart adoption event. I met Emma, then known as Midori, a dog who had spent most of her life perilously close to euthanasia simply because of her appearance – being a Pitbull with dark fur. She languished in foster care for over nine months before I finally had the privilege of adopting her. It was heartbreaking to imagine such a sweet, innocent creature facing such a grim fate because of prejudiced views about her breed.
Studies, in fact, indicate that Pitbulls are among the least aggressive dog breeds, which might sound surprising given the negative media portrayals. The truth behind tragic dog attacks often lies with irresponsible and abusive human owners who exploit the breed’s strength and eagerness to please by training them for aggression. The capacity for rehabilitation in these dogs is truly remarkable. A compelling example is the story of Michael Vick’s fighting dogs, many of whom were successfully rehomed and integrated into loving families after receiving care and structured training. This showcases their inherent ability to trust and love, even after immense suffering.
Emma with her Valentine's Day card, a testament to her sweet nature.
Adopting a Pitbull often opens a new world of shared experiences with other Pittie owners, who readily recount the unique challenges they face. These aren’t issues caused by the dogs themselves, but rather by societal perceptions and community restrictions. Simple tasks, like securing a lease for housing, can become complicated, sometimes requiring owners to misrepresent their dog’s breed. I’ve personally experienced unwarranted scowls and judgmental looks while walking my perfectly well-behaved companion. Furthermore, some cities have enacted breed-specific legislation that bans Pitbulls, leading to automatic confiscation and euthanasia. Such legislation unfairly punishes dogs for the actions of a few irresponsible individuals, perpetuating the myth that these dogs are inherently dangerous, unlike [terrier dog breeds black and white] or other popular breeds that face less scrutiny.
Not A Bully: A Campaign for Change
Driven by a desire to advocate for dogs like Emma, I launched NotABully.org. This platform is dedicated to sharing inspiring positive stories of rescued Pitbulls who, despite enduring unimaginable abuse – being bait dogs, kicked, shot, or starved – have every reason to distrust humans. Yet, with love and training, they transform into incredible companions, making profound positive impacts on their communities. My mission is to demonstrate that these dogs are not naturally aggressive and that even after facing the most extreme hardships, they remain fantastic, loving animals. This campaign, much like researching [medium and large dogs that dont shed], aims to provide valuable information to prospective owners and the general public.
I initiated this movement by creating a series of compelling dog portraits. These images, examples of which are shared throughout this article, accompany articles for various sites and magazines, all aimed at raising awareness. Emma and I even visit schools in underserved communities, teaching children about dog adoption, the horrors of dog fighting, and the severe consequences of animal abuse. Our aspiration is to expand our efforts to include short videos showcasing inspiring dog stories and organizing more dog adoption events. My passion for this cause is truly immeasurable.
Collaboration with Cesar Millan and National Geographic Wild
It’s often said that pursuing personal projects fueled by passion is key to success and fulfillment in any creative career. My “Not A Bully” project is a testament to this belief. The moment I embarked on this portrait series, I found myself passionately discussing it with anyone who would listen – and it paid off immensely. Approximately two months into the campaign, I received a life-changing call from the National Geographic Channel, inviting me to their offices to discuss a potential project.
Little did I know, National Geographic Wild and Cesar Millan, the renowned Dog Whisperer, were in the planning stages of a TV special aimed at dismantling the negative stigmas surrounding Pitbulls – precisely the goal of my “Not A Bully” movement. They wanted Cesar to fly to the East Coast, film him visiting my studio as I captured Pitbull portraits, and have me share the story of “Not A Bully,” detailing how Emma and other dogs like her inspired its creation. Filming took place in late 2013, and after months of eager anticipation, the special, titled “Love My Pitbull,” was finally set to air. This collaboration was an incredible opportunity to bring the message of these wonderful dogs to a massive audience, highlighting that a Pitbull, like [show me pictures of wheaten terriers], is a loyal family member, not a threat.
Rocket, a powerful image that dispels myths about aggression.
I attended the show’s premiere in Los Angeles and was deeply moved by the program. They even featured some of my “Not A Bully” portraits on display! If you’ve ever been curious about the origins of the Pitbull’s negative image and what can be done to create a positive difference, I highly encourage you to watch this special. It’s a powerful narrative that helps people understand these incredible dogs.
Cesar Millan's dog Junior, demonstrating the gentle side of powerful breeds.
Making a Difference, One Picture at a Time
This campaign has exceeded all my expectations, growing into something far larger than I ever imagined. I’ve received hundreds of emails from individuals eager to help and share their own inspiring stories. Every moment has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing “Not A Bully” with the world. This journey reinforces the idea that personal projects keep your work fresh, your creativity sharp, and can ignite passion in others about what matters most to you.
Remember, the next time you “show me a picture of pit bulls,” consider the story behind the image. These dogs, often misunderstood, are deserving of love, respect, and a chance to thrive in loving homes. By challenging preconceived notions and supporting responsible ownership, we can collectively change the narrative for this resilient and affectionate breed.
