Marty
06-05-2005, 11:19 AM
San Francisco, CA -- Lisa Geduldig, San Francisco No, because when I catch a glimpse of one, I head for the other side of the city.
Michael Santo, Castro Valley No, never. And I know several people with pit bulls and own two myself. Frankly, I never wanted a pit bull, but after having shelter volunteers practically push Ascii out the door with us -- they loved him; he eventually became a pet therapy dog -- I have learned how loving they are.
Leslie Earl, Dixon No. As an AKC-approved dog judge, I have very few problems with any breed's individuals and no problems with any breed in particular. It could be interesting to ask, "Have you ever had good experiences with a pit bull?" I could answer "yes," and expect many others could as well.
Yvonne Sullivan, San Mateo It was a taller-than-a-toddler pit regularly running loose across the street. One day, I got in my car and turned to shut the door. I couldn't, because the pit bull was about to set his head on my lap! He came from out of nowhere in no time at all with no owner in sight. It made me catch my breath. What if he hadn't been friendly that time?
Peter Beagle, Oakland The only pit bull I know lives across the street and doesn't seem to have any idea that that's what he is. His owners keep him on a leash, but he frequently comes bouncing over to me, laughing and wagging himself, asking if I don't think it's a lovely day to be alive. But I've seen strange, unleashed pit bulls trotting down the street from time to time, and I keep my distance, always.
Marty Hogan, Hercules No. That's because I go out of my way to avoid them. Those animals were bred to be vicious and should not be allowed to be outdoor pets.
Rudy Rivers, Castro Valley I was attempting to deliver mail to a house where a pit bull and small child were playing outside. The child told the pit bull to "get him!" As trained, I put my satchel in front of me and sprayed the dog when it came at me; it turned away. I was relieved, because some dogs even seem to like that and keep coming. But with all the stories I have heard, when someone offered me a pit bull puppy, I couldn't resist!
Two Cents is a pool of Bay Area residents we tap for comments and anecdotes. Columns are a representative sampling of responses to questions we pose via e-mail. To join the pool, e-mail us at twocents@sfchronicle.com.
Michael Santo, Castro Valley No, never. And I know several people with pit bulls and own two myself. Frankly, I never wanted a pit bull, but after having shelter volunteers practically push Ascii out the door with us -- they loved him; he eventually became a pet therapy dog -- I have learned how loving they are.
Leslie Earl, Dixon No. As an AKC-approved dog judge, I have very few problems with any breed's individuals and no problems with any breed in particular. It could be interesting to ask, "Have you ever had good experiences with a pit bull?" I could answer "yes," and expect many others could as well.
Yvonne Sullivan, San Mateo It was a taller-than-a-toddler pit regularly running loose across the street. One day, I got in my car and turned to shut the door. I couldn't, because the pit bull was about to set his head on my lap! He came from out of nowhere in no time at all with no owner in sight. It made me catch my breath. What if he hadn't been friendly that time?
Peter Beagle, Oakland The only pit bull I know lives across the street and doesn't seem to have any idea that that's what he is. His owners keep him on a leash, but he frequently comes bouncing over to me, laughing and wagging himself, asking if I don't think it's a lovely day to be alive. But I've seen strange, unleashed pit bulls trotting down the street from time to time, and I keep my distance, always.
Marty Hogan, Hercules No. That's because I go out of my way to avoid them. Those animals were bred to be vicious and should not be allowed to be outdoor pets.
Rudy Rivers, Castro Valley I was attempting to deliver mail to a house where a pit bull and small child were playing outside. The child told the pit bull to "get him!" As trained, I put my satchel in front of me and sprayed the dog when it came at me; it turned away. I was relieved, because some dogs even seem to like that and keep coming. But with all the stories I have heard, when someone offered me a pit bull puppy, I couldn't resist!
Two Cents is a pool of Bay Area residents we tap for comments and anecdotes. Columns are a representative sampling of responses to questions we pose via e-mail. To join the pool, e-mail us at twocents@sfchronicle.com.