Man’s best friend is in trouble. They need our help and they need it soon. Why? Because we are the ones who put them in trouble.

Hardly a day goes by when I don’t hear about some kind of tragedy involving the world’s most misunderstood breed. And if you continue to think they are vicious, bloodthirsty awful animals after reading this then I’m afraid there’s no hope for you.

Websites like the disturbing dogsbite.org will encourage fear and ask for donations to support their organization that pushes for pitbull bans. I wish this was the only one. Unfortunately ignorance has no bounds.

For every story I hear villanizing the breed I have come to love; I hear three times as many about rescues and rehabilitations for these amazing dogs from California to New York, from Puerto Rico right up to New Jersey. The most incredible part of the stories is how these misunderstood animals learn to love and trust again. They are given a second chance and are taken in to be part of someone’s family forever.

By now I’m sure you have guessed that I have my own rescue. He is a 95 lbs, brail furred, muscular big boy with a pure white face and some seriously gorgeous eyes. When you look into those honey brown orbs you feel like you are looking into the eyes of a human. Seeing as how humans have a very hard time being civil to their own race, its no surprise that they have stabbed their best friend in the back.

Now Montreal is joining the ranks of cities banning the breed the American Kennel club has described as “Good natured”, “People oriented” and “Gentle”. Other cities include, Miami, Ontario and Denver, to name a few.

The outcry from many is of genuine horror and disgust at the discrimination bill. Many rescues and rehabilitation centers have increased their efforts in order to scramble to save as many as they can. The simplest explanation of the alternative is this: they will die.

Should these beautiful creatures not be given the fair judgment they deserve many will live out the remainder of their, tragically cut short, lives alone and scared in a cage. Heartbroken by the families that abandoned them and patiently waiting for someone see the size of their heart and give them a happy life filled with love before it is too late. They will be walked down the cold hallway to a back room where someone will try to comfort them before they drift off into sleep, never to wake again, never to have the chance run and play or be loved.

That is the reality of the bill.

A reality that was sparked after a woman was attacked and killed by a dog. A dog that happened to be a boxer. Thankfully the SPCA of Montreal is fighting viciously to get the law turned over. They even refused to follow through with the services and have noted an impressive increase in people coming in to adopt before its too late. Once gain proving not all heroes wear capes.

I will not pretend that it doesn’t happen. I will not say this breed never attacks people. I will not say they are for everyone. I will say that they are an animal and so are YOU.

Like any animal it has feelings, it has emotions and just like you if it is in a situation it does not like it will show it. It might even vocalize its displeasure. It can’t put into words how it feels. It is up to us as owners, dog enthusiasts and the highest evolved species to take care of our fellow beings and to do our part to understand them.

Be a responsible pet owner, be more giving of yourself, be the change you wish to see in the world. Be a hero.