WOW...this a subject that I could go on and on about. (can you tell by my signature? lol)
But I will try and address some good points here.
First off.....please, please, please PLEASE do research on pit bulls....can I say please again??? This a is wonderful breed that is loving and sweet and has been portrayed in a terrible light by the media. These dogs have been abused and treated badly and forced to fight, the ones that won't fight back are made to be used as bait dogs and attacked.
I could so you pictures that would break your heart. It is a very sad state and breaks my heart to see number of cities and states increase in banning this breed. I wish we could make them see, thugs will simply move on to boxers, bulldogs, dobermans, etc, etc, etc. What happens when we have no breeds left to ban? (it will come to this if it contintues)
As far as owners not taking responabilty for their dogs angers me TO NO END!!!!! I have a boxer that was abused and is very leary of people and other dogs. We can not walk down certain streets because I know that people will be having their dogs run loose everywhere. The day a dog comes up to us and my CONTAINED CONTROLLED boxer attacks their dog you better believe I will not feel one bit sorry for them.
As far as children and dogs go. I will not want young children petting my dog, my lab (I usally do not let young children to pet my boxer at all), without their parents around. And my lab is SUPER FRIENDLY and LOVES KIDS!!! If a child approachs my lab and pets her its ok because she is friendly but I will usually tell them and their parents they should always get permission to pet a strange dog first!!
And about the person the orignal poster encountered who left their dog chained outside Starbucks, I have problems with that on many levels. It sad that so many people out there are just not responsible engough to own dogs so you need to take their responabilty and educate your children.
If anyone has any dog questions I would be happy to answer them and I will get off my soapbox now.
Thanks for the chance to talk about something I am so passionate about.