Pit Bulls are one of the most – if not the most – stereotyped, misunderstood breed. You often hear people say they’re dangerous or scary, that they’re likely to attack anyone that crosses their path. Some think they are not great pets or are too risky around children.

As someone who has two Pit Bulls, I’m willing to bet that these comments are from people who have no real experience with the breed. That’s why I’m always happy to hear about an organization who is striving to change the negative perception of these dogs and find them loving forever homes.

LOUISVILLE METRO ANIMAL SERVICES, Pit Bulls Are Family Campaign Photo

The Best Friends Animal Society, Louisville Metro Animal Services, Kentucky Humane Society and Saving Sunny have all partnered to “change potential adopters’ perceptions about Pit Bull terrier dogs,” according to The Courier-Journal. Since roughly one-fifth of the dogs in Louisville animal shelters are Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes, the need for this breed to be better perceived is huge.

“Sadly, they often wait twice as long to be adopted as other dogs because of breed stereotypes. There are hundreds of wonderful dogs right now at and at our shelter partner, the Kentucky Humane Society,” the city animal-agency director, Jessica Jo Montgomery, told The Courier-Journal.

The Pit Bull Dogs Are Family campaign, which features photographs by Beth Andrews Fine Photography, showcases families with their Pit Bulls.

LOUISVILLE METRO ANIMAL SERVICES, Pit Bulls Are Family Campaign Photo

“This campaign shows everyday people with their everyday dogs,” Saving Sunny co-founder Kelsey Westbrook said. “People from all walks of life — young, old, black, white, gay, straight, with children and without — share their homes with Pit Bull terriers.”
The Kentucky-based organizations have $10,000 to spend on the campaign.

Click here to learn more about the Pit Bull Dogs Are Family campaign.