Today my beloved dog Yato was attacked by another dog, a pitbull.

I’m writing this now not because I have any hate for pitbulls, but to bring a different view to the community of people that have been affected by attacks and carry that around with them. 

I was alone at the house and I decided it would be fun to have some play time with everyones favorite ball. A rubbery orange one that lit up pink when it bounced! So it was me, my four dogs, two of which are puppies, and our friends pit bull. Everything was fine at first but then Yato had the ball in his mouth, and our friends dog lunged for it. Yato moved his mouth out of the way and this adorable pit that I love, locked on. 

It was hell trying to get them apart. I screamed and yelled, I punched and kicked the dog to no avail. I tried to lift him by his neck and he turned to bite me, Yato fell on me in a way that seemed to keep me from harm and the pit was back on him in a millisecond. Yato cried but made no move to harm or bite him unless he started lunging at me. This went on for what seemed like ages but was mere minutes. I was on the ground again when I looked over and saw a big piece of wood. I ran for it as our other dog, Molly, jumped on his back in an effort to get him off the father of her puppies. All the while the puppies screamed and cried in horror. Between Molly biting on his back and me beating him with the wood he finally unlocked his jaw after around 20 - 30 seconds. 

I quickly herded everyone inside as the other dog followed us, head down with foam around his mouth. I locked him out. I’ve known this dog for ages, I love and care about him deeply, and I have never seen that face on him once. It’s like he was a completely different dog. I looked out the window again a few minute later and his face had turned back to normal, deep puppy dog eyes and a gorgeous sweet face.

I’m writing this to say that I still love him, and that I don’t blame him. I now know this side of him exists and we will go through the proper ways to make sure it won’t happen again, but I DO NOT BLAME HIM. I will not hold a grudge against a breed of dogs, or the entire species for that matter, over one incident. I will not walk through my life with fear and hatred in my heart. I will forgive, learn, and continue to love.

Thankfully, my dog is fine, though I know that’s not true with most cases. The beloved pit is also fine and resting. As a person that has been harassed, repeatedly, by people on the streets because they are “scared of dogs” or “their dog was attacked once”, or my favorite “your dog looks like a wild animal!”, get over it and live your lives. That spike collar you’re all so afraid of saved my dog.

DO NOT breed more hate into the world because of one bad experience. Learn from it, stay strong, and keep loving. That’s what I will do.