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| Hi - I'm Maci and I'm an American Staffordshire Terrier. In February 2008, at nine months old, I started working as store greeter at Charley The Pet Boutique. I was recently promoted to "Customer Relations." It's a good gig, although I thought the promotion would pay more than just treats. But I really can't complain because the treats are pretty amazing. When I start to get a little self conscious about losing my girlish figure, I switch to Lo-Cal treats. I was promoted to Customer Relations because my parents are frustrated with misinformation in the media about dogs like me, who some people call Pit Bulls. I'm an American Staffordshire Terrier, thank you very much. What's so crazy, is the American Kennel Club doesn't even recognize "Pit Bull" as a breed. It was a term people made up to call dogs they would specifically train for fighting in a pit - regardless of their breed. Personally, it frustrates me. I can't imagine myself a fighting dog. For one thing, I work way to hard to keep my nails and coat clean. But most importantly, there is no way my parents would allow that kind of behaviour! We are a peace loving family. Well, maybe not the cat. We are a family of three dogs, three kids and two parents who require manners, obedience and training. Well, except for the cat. I hear the parents tried for years to teach that cat. It didn't go so well. Anyway, the media always seems to name "Pit Bulls" whenever there is an incident regardless of the breed mix. It could be an Am Staff mixed with a Yorkie and the media will not say "A recent incident involving a Yorkie..." There are also cities, including right here in Idaho, who want to pass laws making it a crime to own a "Pit Bull." To do our part, my parents and I try to educate people about the misinformation, stereotypes and discrimination that follow dogs like me. It's important to me because I don't want to lose my gig at the store - did I mention the great treats? But most importantly, and this may sound conceited, but I'm an awesome dog. And it's insulting that people automatically assume anything different before they even meet me. I love kids, especially the littlest ones who carry candy at my height, I have a great time playing with all kinds of dogs at the store (when I'm on break of course), I win over adults with no problem whatsoever and I even put up with that darn cat. We recently learned that a franchise doggie daycare is coming to Boise called Camp Bow Wow. In their rules at www.campbowwow.com they say: "Camp Bow Wow doesn't accept Pit Bulls. Camp Bow Wow loves and respects all dog breeds. However, Camp Bow Wow prohibits keeping, exercising control over, or maintaining a pit bull in any of our Camps. Pit Bulls are a very energetic and playful breed and our facilities with our open play environment are not equipped to keep your pet, as well as our other campers, safe and happy. A pit bull is defined as any dog that is an American Pit Bull Terrier, an American Staffordshire Terrier, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of these breeds. We recommend families with bull terriers and pit bulls use smaller kennels with smaller play groups." Camp Bow Wow loves and respects all dog breeds? Really? Why am I not feeling the love? Yes, I am energetic AND playful. In fact, that's why I do so well with kids - in England I'm referred to as a Nanny Dog. So....is Camp Bow Wow hoping for lethargic, lazy dogs? Because THAT doesn't sound like a fun day care at all. And believe me, I know fun doggie day care -I've stayed at Reining Cats and Dogs and it was F-U-N! Please join my parents and I in our effort to address stereotypes and misinformation about dogs like me. Come say HI at the store! Support education not discrimination! And most importantly ALWAYS be a responsible pet and pet parent! |
| "And you saw the Poodle doing what?!" |
