This past Christmas ART’s Pit Bull Awareness Coalition took home the Chairman’s Award in the Grand Illumination parade held in Norfolk. The theme of the parade was “A Sweet Life” and we decked out our float and dogs as Pup Cakes, a play on the word “cupcakes.” The dogs performed obedience moves such as “sit” and “lay down”, while the song “How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You” played.
“We are making strides with educating people about pit bulls,” said Rhoda Tucker, chairperson of the PBAC. “Our dogs are Canine Good Citizen certified. Some of them are even therapy dogs.”
Unfortunately we were declined participation in the Chesapeake holiday parade and in the Norfolk St. Patrick’s Day parade. We were told by parade officials that the dogs posed a threat to public safety.
“There is so much myth out there about pit bulls,” Rhoda said. “Although our group is making a difference and people are starting to see the truth, people are still so afraid of this breed when there is no reason to be. We will continue our work to stop the discrimination against pit bulls.” If you support our position, please visitwwwARTanimals.org and donate.