"Mr. ASPCA"-- My Interview With an Expert

"The only vicious ones are the ones who are mistreated and bred to fight." Those were the words of "Mr. ASPCA", also known as my father, whose name we will keep confidential just for his protection.

He worked for the ASPCA from 1983-1993, 10 years strong in the five boroughs and in conjunction with the tri-state area. He says it was one of his greatest jobs he's had. He specialized in pit bulls, rescuing them, arresting their owners for malpractice of ownership, closing fighting rings and whatever else was entailed in saving this breed. The words of "MR. ASPCA" will show you the light at the end of this tunnel. With asking him a few questions, it became evident to me why I love pits and always have, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Becci B.: What was it like working with pit bulls on a daily basis?

"Mr. ASPCA": Everyday working with pit bulls was challenging because you never know what to expect because these dogs came in with various temperaments; but to my surprise, after all that was said about pit bulls, I found them to be very gentle animals.

BB: Were you ever scared by a pit during work?

"Mr. ASPCA": In the back of your mind, there's always a sense of fear, but you can never really show it or express it while in the presence of the dogs.

BB: Why was it your choice to specialize in/with pit bulls?

"Mr. ASPCA": {Because} the dogs were so stigmatized and I felt differently about them and I had to prove they weren't as vicious as they were said to be. The only vicious ones were the ones that were mistreated and bred to fight.

BB: Were you ever bitten by a dog?

"Mr. ASPCA": Yes! I was bitten by a dog that was nothing like a pit. It was a small Chihuahua who bit my finger while I was checking the license around its neck. I was also bitten on the buttocks by a Pomeranian while I was walking out of a front gate. But I was never bitten by a pit.

BB: What was the scariest encounter you've had with a pit bull? Saddest?

"Mr. ASPCA": I was trying to remove an abused pit who wasn't sure whether I was trying to hurt him or save him and he was getting very aggressive, until he realized I was trying to save him. The saddest would have to be an encounter with one dog who was beaten and abused because he wasn't aggressive enough to fight and we were lucky enough to get him out in time and save him.

BB: How many pits have you owned in your lifetime?

"Mr. ASPCA": 6! I loved each and everyone of them.

BB: Have you ever had any bad experiences with any pit bulls that you've owned?

"Mr. ASPCA": No! They were so loyal to me, no one could have even believed.

BB: What was your most rewarding experience while working for the ASPCA?

"Mr. ASPCA": Rescuing pit bulls from those owners who abused, starved and beat them. Those had to be the best moments ever. Knowing that not only did I save a life, but I was also able to find them loving homes where they would soon progress onto being those loyal dogs I know they could be had to be the greatest reward ever.

BB: What should most people know about this breed that they don't?

"Mr. ASPCA": They are very sweet animals if they are not wrongly treated and abused, just as in any other animal. I wish people knew that they are far from vicious and the name they have received is due to hearsay and people who tend to be narrow minded.

BB: What is the biggest stereotype about pit bulls that you want to clarify?

"Mr. ASPCA": That they are killers and they attack children and any other negative or absurd stories you hear. They're not true! These dogs are always provoked and made out to look like the bad guys.

BB: Have you ever responded to any other dog fighting rings, aside from pit bulls?

"Mr. ASPCA": Sad to say, but no!

BB: What was their legal status when you worked for the ASPCA?

"Mr. ASPCA": They were legal, and I hope they stay this way. This breed is unfortunately very misunderstood and I find them no more aggressive than your "average" pup.