When I was a little girl, I had various dogs that would be my only playmates as I was an only child for a long time. However, it was not until I was six-years-old when I received an amazing gift from my parents: a puppy.

This puppy was not only the runt of the litter but also was not the prettiest puppy. No one wanted her and as I had wanted a puppy, my parents decided a new addition to the family would be great. Yet, I loved her and would take care of her. Of course, like any child, I would complain when I had to pick up her droppings. I named her Fiona because I was obsessed with the all-time classic “Shrek.”

Fiona was half pit-bull, half Rottweiler. I know, I know. A six-year-old with a dog that came from two “dangerous” breeds? However, I am here to tell you that she never once hurt me. Well only one time when I tried hugging her from behind while she ate, she pushed her head back and knocked my loose baby tooth out. But that’s a different story.

Fiona was my best friend and always protected me and my family. She always waited for me to come home from school and would take naps with me on the couch. She was a diva like me and there is even one photo of us where she pushed her face closer to the camera because she wanted to be the spotlight of attention.

Even when my little brother came into the picture, she loved him (although we all know her loyalty was to me) and would protect him. The three of us would have fun, playing with the hose, going to the dog-friendly beaches, or even a walk around the block.

There’s this stigma in society that pit-bulls are evil, murderous dogs that can kill. While Fiona did kill the usual bird or frog, she never bit anyone. See, the issue is not the dog, but rather how the dog is raised. If a dog is left tied up all the time and never gets to interact with their humans, that dog will not have affection for anyone. The dog wants to fend for itself. Dogs that are often abused or hit constantly become defensive and when they see strangers, they freak out.

Do not blame a breed but rather the humans that hurt these dogs. I can assure you chihuahuas can be just as bad if not worse. Personally not a chihuahua fan (they bark as if they would die if they did not) and can attest that pit-bulls, Rottweilers, any “dangerous” breed are not all mean.