"Pit Bulls: The Battle Over an American Icon” by Bronwen Dickey
Listen to the a great podcast on the topic by clicking the link below!
Fresh Air 5/10/2016 - Pit Bull: The History Of America's Most Feared Dog
To purchase a copy of the book from a local book seller: Click Here!
I’m always cheering for the underdog. Maybe it’s because I’m from Cleveland and I grew up watching the Browns and Cavs get in their own way of success? Perhaps it’s my love of cheesy 80’s and 90’s action comedies that taught me to never underestimate the nerd in glasses?
But really what it is - and this is the thing with my entire life - it’s because of dogs. It’s always because of dogs.
While I grew up with Golden Retrievers and Maltese I never thought of working with dogs until my wife and I rescued Cuyahoga, A.K.A. - Hogie. She was a 7 year old sweetheart that lived to explore the woods and melt into the sofa and was what most shelters would refer to as a “pit bull mix.”
Off-leash and unleashed
She was gentle, sweet, and fantastically aloof - which is why I was confused by people’s apprehension or outright fear of her. Previous to Hogie I had never thought much about dogs that looked like her - the dogs that most people erroneously label Pit Bulls. Her big head, wide smile, and muscular build had those unfamiliar with her expecting the worst. She spent her whole life fighting those prejudices. It undoubtedly made life harder for her - which is likely why she spent so long in the shelter system before we scooped her up.
Cuyahoga, Cuyahoga, (I’m not joking - they’re both named Cuyahoga!) and Otto
Over Christmas my wife bought me a book by Bronwen Dickey titled, “Pit Bull.” It’s a sociological non-fiction piece about the heroic journey and tragic misunderstanding of America’s dog - The Pit Bull Terrier as well as its many genetic cousins such as the Staffordshire Terrier. Coded in racial bias, the eradication of the middle class, and misguided media portrayals the story of the Pit Bull Terrier is a uniquely American story that any canine and pet lover deserves to learn. Plus, it all started in Massachusetts - the dredged local angle! I cannot recommend the book enough and I hope you take the opportunity to learn more about these sweet and misunderstood creatures.
Click the image to pick-up a copy from a local book seller!
For your enjoyment Boston Fetch presents an interview of Bronwen Dickey by NPR’s Terry Gross of Fresh Air, WHYY.