Proud to be an Amstaff Mom

The inspiration for my new alias

Here is my Amstaff. Currently she is sleeping on approximately 5 blankets and two large doggy pillows. I am a dog lover, of any size and shape. I grew up w/ dogs under the weight of 10 pounds and now have a 55 pound walking muscle. When I was a kiddo, the elementary school that I attended was located next door to a Dallas Public Library branch. Once a week was library day, where we would take a short walk over, return our books and peruse the aisles for the next great finds. My fourth grade year, I repeatedly checked out the AKC Manual of Dog Breeds, a maroon colored, dictionary-sized description of every dog breed belonging to the AKC. I bet I checked this book out 10 times, memorizing details of dog breeds and the black and white photos that accompanied them. (Yes I was, and still am an avid reader) This was a great marriage of two of my favorite things-dogs and books. (and doorbells and sleigh rides and schnitzel w/noodles-Sound of Music moment anyone?)

My hubby and his dad always wanted this breed of dog and both of them have studied and read every dog book possible on the American Staffordshire Terrier. This breed is one of the most loyal, heroic, and good-natured dogs around, and has suffered greatly all in the name of sensationalism and bad reporting. They are used as therapy dogs, assistance dogs, and many gave their lives willingly on the battlefield, protecting and serving their fellow soldiers. They are terriers, so they are fearless and spunky. They don't always get along w/ other dogs (although many of them do) so when they do, you will always hear about it as "Breaking News" on your local channel. The "problem" with this breed is that is fiercely LOYAL to its owner. Not fierce, just loyal. If the owner happens to twist this loyalty into something evil, then yes, this breed is capable of bringing about great harm. You will hear about every one of these unfortunate instances. This breed, and its cousin, the pit bull, are not naturally aggressive to humans AT ALL. Any aggressive tendencies would be against another aggressive dog, but never a human, unless trained to do so. My Amstaff, as do most, gets along famously with other dogs and breeds, playing chase, stick, and tug-of-war, of which she usually is proclaimed the winner. Contrary to popular belief, she does not have "locking jaws" either, another expression of ignorance.

So why am I ranting and raving on only my second day of re-entering the blogosphere? It is because I am tired of having to defend my loyal pooch to the insurance companies, the cities, and even the states that have deemed this breed and others to be unworthy of existence, and therefore banned. A few years ago, the city of Plano, TX decided that this breed, along with other "aggressive breeds" such as German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, etc. needed to be banned. Thankfully, they first conducted a study to see which breed has caused the most dog bites in the city. Hmmm, any guesses? It was the Golden Retriever folks. Thankfully, this ban was reconsidered after that. There are many irresponsible owners, and breeders who care only about money and not the breed who cause the rest of the owners and dogs to suffer. Please blame them whenever you hear the news-making stories. You won't hear the countless stories of everyday loyal, loving dogs of this same breed.

Thank you for listening.

Proud to be an Amstaff Mom