Meet Donovan the Pitbull mix

Roughly two years ago I fell in love with Donovan. He was saved from a shelter in Georgia where his fate had he not been rescued would have been euthanization (death). The first time I met him he sat on my lap and licked my face. What can I say I am a sucker.

On the left was when he was in the pound and on the right was about a year in my care. Not knowing his history I was a bit nervous to bring him to the dog park but I knew socialization was vital in his young stage of his life. So, to the park I went ready for anything. I unclipped him once safe in the dog park and watched all others start to crowd him, 'the inspection' if you will. I was delighted when his tail went up and wagging incessantly. Only interested in a playful game of chase.

Now, I find that dog parks are not really the best place for him. That is because there is always one dog who decided to dominate him and push him around. Even when being seriously bullied by another pup never have I seen him get vicious. Now tell me, arent pitbulls supposed to be dangerous?

BSL Awareness

BSL- Why should you care?

So, what is BSL you may ask? Well, it is Breed-specific legislation. Due to incidents in which dogs of a certain breed were vicious or caused harm; a government legislation was born. This legislation enforces certain limitations and restrictions for owners of the dangerous breeds list.

In lamens terms; they created a list of dog breeds and allowed for them to be discriminated against, exterminated, banned, etc. Among the different restrictions housing falls into BSL. That means if your beloved pet/companion belongs to that list of breeds deemed dangerous good luck finding a suitable apartment to rent without having to pay additional in liability insurance. Even with liability insurance which by the way any renter can obtain, finding a home owner willing to house a dangerous breed is next to impossible.


In some states and regions you can not even possess a 'dangerous breed'. If they discover you are housing one of these animals you have to either move, or essentially permit extermination of your furry friend.

Here is my opinion on the matter; it is completely unjust and unfair. I call it breedist. It really is a type of racism, I feel discriminated against.

So, I am just one person. Maybe no one cares about what I think or how I feel. But I am willing to bet my life on the fact that there are countless dog parents who feel just as I do. It is time we change this legislation. Nothing is black and white there is always a grey area and this BSL needs to be severly amended. I ask not for donations but for your time and open mind as I use my voice; one small voice in the smallest state, to make a positive change.