The Game Dog Guardian is a steward not only of dogs, but also of people, ideas, liberty, critical thinking, equality and independent thought.
The Game Dog Guardian believes that if we really want to improve the lives of people and dogs, we must address the causes of problems instead of focusing on the symptoms. It is no coincidence that the worst places for people to live are also the worst places for dogs to live. The various social forces that bear down on the pit bull are the same ones that threaten the people of our society: Fear, bigotry, scapegoat-ing, endemic poverty, manipulation, sensational media, “easy answer” and “quick fix” policies, lazy and selfish politicians, special interest agendas, dishonest leaders, and in some cases a lack of instilled empathy and hope.
The pit bull’s fall from grace has been precipitous; from cherished family pet and respected national icon to hated social pariah -- at the drop of a headline. Our communities are faced with problems that have grown in scope and complexity over time. With politicians lacking real ideas to address these problems, and a media never hesitant to yell fire in a crowded theater, the pit bull makes an ideal smoke screen.
In order to accomplish this, people must be made to believe that pit bulls are not dogs. Pit bulls are demonized and attributed with supernatural and larger-than-life abilities so they can become the boogie man and the distraction they are needed to be. But the truth is pit bulls are just dogs, plain old dogs. Accepting this truth forces us to rescind their villain status and admit that they are creatures that feel pleasure and pain and are in the care of people who are ultimately responsible for their well being and their actions.
In accepting that a pit bull is just an ordinary dog, we can see why it is so extraordinary. Pit bulls are game dogs; dogs with such heart, tenacity and determination that they embody the core values of our culture. Through hard work, perseverance and sheer determination, we believe we can overcome any obstacle in our path and we can fight through any challenge to grow and mature and advance as a people.
Most importantly, in accepting that pit bulls are just dogs, we can acknowledge they are hardly worthy of being targeted using limited time and resources needed to improve conditions in our communities. Many pit bulls live in poor and working class neighborhoods with poor and working class problems. Just like the people of those neighborhoods, pit bulls would benefit from community leaders who want to improve life for everyone by presenting real solutions to these real problems.