Gigi, a friendly and energetic dog, often found herself sidelined in the park. Her owner recalls the painful scene of exclusion, “That just made me feel so awful, watching my dog not be able to have fun with other dogs.” This was a regular occurrence because other pet owners would avoid letting their dogs interact with Gigi, influenced by the stereotypes surrounding her breed but Gigi’s owner refuses to give up.
Overcoming Prejudice
Despite the isolation, Gigi’s owner tried to maintain a positive perspective. They explained their approach towards the misunderstanding and fear from others: “I never get frustrated or mad because, in my mind, I’m just like they don’t know us; they’re going off something that they believe without even meeting us.” This statement reflects a deep empathy and understanding of the root of people’s reactions.
Determined to shift this narrative, Gigi’s owner initiated a “Bully Breed Meetup.” The goal was to provide a space where Gigi and similar dogs could freely interact and play. Before the first event, they expressed their excitement, “Hey, we’re about to have our first very bully breed meetup. Very excited, never thought we’d get to this point, but I’m super stoked.” The meetup turned out to be a joyful occasion, and Gigi’s happiness was evident, “The tail was wagging, she was happy, everything you kind of hope it was,” her owner happily recounts.
Growth and Healing
These meetups became vital for the community, allowing dogs to find their place and comfort with their owners. The most rewarding part for Gigi’s owner was witnessing the positive change in the dogs. They shared, “Just seeing these dogs grow in that space and find their happy place with their humans.”
Gigi was initially adopted to keep an aging labrador company, quickly becoming a beloved family member. However, the loss of the lab was a sorrowful time for both Gigi and her owner, marking a period of mutual grief. “In the first month or two after he passed, it was probably the hardest time because not only did I lose my first adult dog, she lost the only dog that she’s ever known,” he reflected. Through this tough time, their bond strengthened, often spending time just sitting together and absorbing their environment.
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Toledo, United States.
