Three Final Sources

1) I used the on-line database through D2L and simply typed in the key word "pit bulls". I went to point of view, as instructed in the screen cast, and several pages appeared. I went through a few articles that all had the same topic: pit bulls. I found several I really liked but what I ended up choosing was an article titled, "Pit Bulls can make wonderful pets" by Kiarash Zarezadeh. There were several good points made but what made this article stick out was the way he explained. For example, he compares pit bulls to other breeds. Other breeds don't get focused on very often since pit bulls have a bad rep automatically. The author also brought up the idea that owners' play a large roll in any dog's attitude, something I advocate as well, therefore it's not always the dog's fault for possible aggression. He put this in perspective by stating, "why not outlaw sport cars since their drivers tend to speed?" He put reason and relatable ideas behind each point he made.

Zarezadeh, Kiarash. "Kiarash Zarezadeh: Pit Bulls Can Make Wonderful Pets." (2012): n. pag. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.

2) I wanted to read a good book about pit bulls for my own entertainment. This was the perfect time to do so! I wanted a credible book with sturdy facts. I went to amazon.com and searched "pit bull" under book, since I am able to "look inside" and I have a kindle to download it on. I went through a few pages and skimmed through a few books and found one that caught me called Pit Bulls: Villans or Victims by B.G. Boucher. I was hooked while only reading the preview, that's a good sign. I felt safe buying a book like this because I can always double check facts, statistics, stories etc. Also, there are pages of sources for borrowed material based on the chapter. This makes me feel secure in what I am reading and again, I can double check with the multiple sources in the back of the book. One of my favorite and controversial section I discovered while skimming was a story about a six year old girl killed by two pit bulls. Media ran with the idea stating things such as, "The girl knew the Pit Bulls since they were puppies" and "Family Pit Bulls maul girl". Further investigation of the case and an autopsy of the two pit bulls uncovered the truth about the situation. The pit bulls were confined in a basement, no dog food was found in the gastrointestinal tract of either dog, the stomach contents of both dogs had multiple foreign bodies (including rat poison), and the pit bulls were owned by the mother's boyfriend until he passed away. These facts were not released to the public, only the media driven ideas. I think this would shock anyone, pit bull advocate or not. It made my heart race, I hope with information like this I can do the same to my audience.

Boucher, B.G. Pit Bulls: Villans or Victims? Lana'i City, HI: PUFFA &, 2012. Print.

3) A website that I figured would be helpful for my research is ASPCA.org. The ASPCA group works towards having a voice for animals. I felt secure at this website because of the org and the end of the web address right off the bat. Also, I know ASPCA advocates for all animals not just pit bulls, therefore it won't be biassed. There is a whole section on the website dedicated to pit bull facts that range all over the place. For example, the lock jaw myth, the pit bulls' history, and the pit bull temperament. These will all be useful for my paper considering they all will back up what I am defending on several different levels. Also at the bottom of the page there is a section called helpful websites and great books that are credible for information on pit bulls. I will use this site for credible research from a reliable foundation.

"The Truth About Pit Bulls." ASPCA. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.

Picture via: "Picture Of Pit Bull With Bird On Its Head And Surrounded By Bunnies Goes Viral."Huffingtonpost.com. Huffington Post, 24 Mar. 2013. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.

Pit bull research

My first step was going to CNN, rather than google, and simply typing in the word pit bull. There was hundreds of articles with different and varying titles. I have to say I was impressed because I often doubted the quantity and quality CNN would provide me on my research question. On the first page there was an article titled "A pit bull perception problem: What's a dog owner to do?" This caught my eye and once I clicked on it I was welcomed by a picture of an adorable pit bull with a ball hanging out of it's mouth and in the "story highlights" column all reputable and positive comments. Johnson uses court cases, quotes, statistics, history and facts to back up each of her strong yet valid points. One being a police officer with a pit bull service dog has made headlines and created controversy by challenging a breed ban. Another being an interview with a landlord who allows pit bulls in her apartment complexes along with owning three pit bulls herself. This is rare and quite remarkable for someone to not only allow pit bulls for renting families, but defend it (trust me I know). The article turned out to be exactly something I was looking for and exactly what I am trying to defend. 

Johnson, Morieka. "A Pit Bull Perception Problem: What's an Owner to Do?" CNN(2012): n. pag. Web. 14 Apr. 2013.

Next step I took is to go to an online animal encyclopedia. I, again, typed in the key word pit bull. The result was a short response and some information was not useful for my particular topic. Yet there was a few pieces of valuable information that can really play a key part in my essay. For example, a study done by The America Temperament Testing Society tested the natural attitude of a pit bull than compared it to the results of a family dog, like the golden retriever, supported my beliefs. More valuable information I discovered was how studies show how loving and loyal pit bulls can be if lead in the right direction by their owner. In addition, if not handled correctly, pit bull do have potencial to be stubborn and aggressive. I really trusted a cite like this because it seemed credible and professional, not driven on emotions which is common with pit bull information cites. Also, I discovered statistics I didn't know existed therefore the audience probably would not know as well. 

"American Pit Bull Terrier." A-Z Animal Encyclopedia. N.p., 2008. Web. 14 Apr. 2013.

I found this picture going through one of my favorite funny apps, 9gag. This was a couple weeks ago but once I read this assignment I knew this was a perfect picture for my topic. This picture shows a face of a pit bull split down the middle with two different owners on each side. Not only does it show how pit bulls CAN be a family dog considering there is a small child on the right side, but also how people influence a dogs attitude. On the left is an owner who has a "bad boy" look or at least indicating one. Therefore, the dog looks scary and more aggressive. On the right is a nice family including a small child, the dog's expression is very subdued and normal. My whole argument is that not every pit bull is bad therefore not every pit bull should be punished. This picture reflects just that. Just like you can train a dog to sit with a treat, you can teach a dog to love with your love. This picture also brings up a valid argument that "bad" dogs, or "bad" pit bulls for the sake of the topic, most likely had a less than ideal owner in the first place. Let's say the man in the picture is a known dog fighter, and his dog bit another dog walking down the street and was immediately deemed aggressive. We are quick to judge the dog but not willing to look into the owner's past. To elaborate even further, it is not uncommon for people who are trying to be "tough" and "cool" to want a pit bull since pit bulls are viewed as tough and aggressive. This picture is trying to grasp that concept with a hip, young guy smoking a cigarette on the left. I was attached to this picture for personal feelings right away, yet for a research question like mine, it spins my brain around in a good way. 

Oops, I forgot to cite my image.
Credit for image: 9GAG." 9GAG. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2013

Research Question

What is your research question?
"Is it justifiable to restrict, stereotype, and ban pit bulls as a whole?"
This will focus on the breed restrictions that take place in many towns including almost all of Colorado and the stereotype that most individuals subconsciously have that pit bulls are all aggressive and mean.

How would you currently respond to this question based on your guts and emotions?
Considering I am very passionate about this topic, my first instinct is very defensive and emotional. I work with dogs on a daily basis and I see sweet and loving pit bulls regularly. But most of the population picture an aggressive and horrible dog when they hear the word pit bull. Because of that, pit bulls are not allowed in certain cities and towns. This is causing unnecessary stereotype against pitbulls, shelters filled with a certain breed, and euthanasia. Because of my work experience and knowledge, the answer to my research question is no. It is not fair to punish a whole breed because of a few bad ones. Not to mention, who knows how the "few bad ones" were raised. We need to take into account how the person may have treated the dog. The well behaved pit bulls from my work all come from loving and family oriented homes, I don't think thats a coincidence.

What do you think people with other viewpoints would say about your topic?
I think many people would bring up statistics or stories that were heard on the news or the internet. Also, common misconceptions such as pit bulls have lock jaw and are naturally born aggressive. Another topic or point that may be brought up is dog fighting, pit bulls are the most common breed to be fought.

What else do you want to find out to gain a working knowledge and some credibility on this issue?
I would like to find out proof and statistics on certain issues like what is mentioned above. The lock-jaw myth needs credible evidence in order to convince readers. Also, how a dog's brain works, more specifically a pit bull's brain, when it comes to aggression.

Picture via: www.yourfriendandmine.org. Pit Bulls Are Your Friend and Mine, 2010. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.

My name is Alexis Autrey! I am a freshman at Front Range Community College in Longmont, CO and I am studying to be an elementary school teacher. I work at Longs Peak Daycare, a daycare for dogs to be exact. I love animals of all size and shape. I enjoy working out and being active. On my down time I enjoy playing video games and reading. I am very social so I love to be around my friends and family and go out and do activities and be outgoing. I graduated from Silver Creek High School in 2012 and started school immediately. I plan to get an associates degree through Front Range Community College then attend UNC to receive my teaching degree. My ideal grade to teach as of now is 3rd grade. I currently still live at home but recently signed a lease with a few best friends for a house in Ft Collins that is available August 1st. Myself and my animals will be heading up there for a new chapter in life!