The pit crew: Story of a pit bull therapy group
It is easy to identify an attack dog. Usually it is by the dog’s breed or its appearance. Like Alsatians and Dobermans, pit bulls are prone to the same wariness and avoidance since they are recognized as dangerous attack dogs. This unfair misconception is losing ground, thanks to groups and people who are training pit bulls as therapy dogs, allowing them to shed their reputation as killers.
The Pit Crew, a pit bull training group, was started in 2007 with the aim of spreading education and guidance, both for pit bulls and owners. The Pit Crew has embarked on another endeavor intended to change people’s perception of the breed. Pit bulls as therapy dogs is the latest venture by the group in collaboration with another non-profit organization called Love-A-Bull.
Started in 2003, Love-A-Bull has been doing a lot for pit bulls in Austin, from advocating against Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) to educating the public about the breed. Its founder, Lydia Zaidman fought a harsh battle to introduce the Pit Crew therapy group consisting of pit bulls and pit bull mixes as many people were skeptical about the idea and persisted in harboring fear of the creatures.
The Pit Crew under the guidance of Love-A-Bull is striving to change the status of pit bulls as the first pit bull therapy group. The Pit Crew is making remarkable headway in encouraging greater admiration and love for these animals.
Once their project took root, the Pit Crew began working towards their goals with complete dedication. Members of the Pit Crew pay visits to the following important places where they can make a difference with their canine companions; Gullett, Blackshear and Perez Elementary in Central Texas, Heart House (an after school program for school-age children from lower socio-economic areas in Austin) and local wellness clinics.
Gullet Elementary School has many students are disabled and special needs children, who cherish the time the Pit Crew takes to work with them. One of the group’s much-appreciated activities is offering reading assistance to special need students, some with dyslexia.
Zaidman and her doggy partner Mocha joined Barking Buddies to provide solace and with their companionship, infuse confidence in struggling readers. Additionally, the Pit Crew works with adults too. Members have donated their time at Ft. Hood to help soldiers coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD).
As a result of the group’s efforts, many people have grown in awe of the breed. Amy Fuller, volunteer director of the afterschool program at Heart House Austin says the group sends a valuable message about pit bulls and social interactions. The kids, especially the ones dealing with bullying, reach an understanding that bullying is never acceptable, whether it’s with peers or innocent animals like pit bulls. The presence of the Pit Crew has had many positive effects on young minds.
Pit Crew canines also find a place in the hearts of the physically disabled, they help kids to hone their motor skills. In therapy, the dogs have exhibited significant feats that prove their character.
Julie Eskoff, dog trainer and co-founder of Love-A-Bull elucidates the importance of understanding the nature of the dog. Pit bulls are human-friendly and not inclined towards aggression. The number of fighters in the breed is rare and is often the consequence of bad human “parenting”.
Pit bulls are very capable of being therapy dogs; it is simply the matter of controlling the very same characteristics that stereotype them as killers. Pit bulls are much disciplined, hence it is easy to train them to be obedient and follow commands.
Another favorable characteristic, most dogs are empathetic and actually express pain over the torment suffered by others. Consequently, many therapy dogs grow depressed as they sense such low feelings in humans. The pit bull can overcome these stressors and remain optimistic in the therapy session.
Evidently, the Pit Crew will meet great success as both the canine and members share the same determination and resilience to change lives.
