Game Dog Guardian. It’s Our Turn To Fight For Them.

Kami and Cooper

Peter Gelzinis of the Boston Herald (who apparently learned his research skills from Jayson Blair) recently said that people “like you” only want pit bulls for the same reasons people want machine guns.

Why did you get a machine gun err pit bull?

Well, I wasn't planning on getting a pit bull or any dog at that time, but when I picked up the 7 pound little guy... I fell in love!  I was a little worried...After everything I heard about the breed I was waiting for him to turn into a “monster.” However, as time went by he'd graduate from three training programs, plays with dogs: big and small, and adores every person he meets.  Absolutely no glimpse of a “monster.”

Sounds like a crummy machine gun.  Gelzinis makes judging pit bull owners really convenient by grouping them into tidy stereotypes.  Did you grow up dealing in drugs, belonging to a gang, committing crimes or all of the above?

Call me sheltered, but I have never seen or taken drugs. I have never gotten a DUI/DWI or been in any kind of trouble with the law. The only time I have been near a court room was when I participated in 8th grade mock trial and the one time I had to serve jury duty.

There weren't too many gangs at the private schools I grew up in. Not to be a brat, but I couldn't be further from Gelzinis stereotype of the so-called typical pit bull owner. I do love to water ski, snow ski, sky dive, paint, fix up our new house and spend time with my friends and family!

Since you own a "pit bull," I assume you have no education beyond what was required by the state?

Receiving a BFA is enough school for me! In high school, I was the class vice-president and was involved in many varsity sports. I went on to be a cheerleader at the University of Kansas (Go Jayhawks!) and graduated with a degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Business communications. I now live in Colorado, own my own home, and work at a Land Rover/Range Rover dealership.  Oh and...I have full benefits and life insurance!

Please detail how you use your "pit bull" as a "weapon on a leash," as Gelzinis describes.

It is really funny to me when I hear Cooper referred to as a “weapon.” The only thing dangerous about him is his handsome good looks and his gas! Some of Coopers favorite things to do that are far from being a “weapon,” are: playing with his brothers: Comear (cat) and Baloo (wheaten terrier), playing with his BALL, tug rope and any bone/treat, going “Bye Bye,” on a walk, or to Dog Day Play, and playing "hide and go seek" around the house! (He is so good, he never hides, but he finds me every time)

Have you experienced other means of discrimination and stereotyping since you've had a "pit bull" as part of your family? 

At first when I got Cooper I was told by my best freind and her dad that "he might freak out and bite her…," my mom told me to get rid of him and that I could "never come home with him," then after graduation my fiance and I decided to buy a house where he was working..Denver.  Probably one of the worst places for discriminating against the breed right now.

However, it never takes long for everyone to come around...Cooper and his "brother from a different mother" (wheaten terrier, Baloo) have achieved their Colorado Canine Good Citizens Award!  Cooper also lived with my mom and dad while I was moving and they nearly refused to give him back. My parents and their Maltese (Yogi) fell in love with Cooper. My best friend fell in love with him as well. She came out to visit for a week and insisted Cooper sleep with her every night. He was more than happy to - he loves to cuddle.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I feel so incredibly lucky to have Cooper in my life. He has helped me to open my heart and mind, and he has shown me such amazing love and happiness.