It’s no shock that during the month of October, people can observe others bundled up in sweaters by their fire, handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, and raking dead leaves off of their lawns. It may come as a shock to those same people that October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month.  

National Pit Bull Awareness month has been around since 2011; making this October the event’s second anniversary. The event was created in memory of a pit bull whose name was Tiffin. Sadly, Tiffin passed away in the spring of 2011. Tiffin’s owner worked hard and still works hard to this day, to educate the public on the American Pit Bull Terrier breed.

The majority of Americans, and even people from other countries, associate all pit bulls with violence. In reality, most pit bulls are no more violent than any other breed of dog and only show their violent side when they’re threatened just like any other breed would do.

Many rescue clubs, animal shelters, animal clinics, and organizations devoted to animal rescue are participating in this year’s National Pit Bull Awareness Month. On October 31, the event will recognize those people and dogs that helped make this such a success. The event’s goal is to help the public become more informed about the breed and even to encourage others to look into adopting a pit bull. Most pit bulls aren’t looking to hurt people; they are looking to give and receive love from their owners, and hopefully people become aware of this and form a more positive opinion and perception of pit bulls.

Even though October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month, that doesn’t mean all other dog breeds are forgotten and swept under the rug. If people have a dog that doesn’t happen to be a pit bull, that’s more than fine and there’s nothing wrong with taking time during the month of October for them to show a little extra appreciation toward their pups.