The dog that started it all—Penny. Before her, I had no idea that society had attached such a terrible stigma to her breed. It wasn’t until I noticed people crossing the street when they saw us coming or heard a woman scream that we weren’t welcome in her neighborhood that I realized just how misunderstood these dogs are. It was heartbreaking to see fear in people’s eyes over a dog that was nothing but love and loyalty. But despite these negative encounters, Penny showed me the true nature of bully breeds—gentle, affectionate, and eager to please. Thankfully, for every fearful glance, there have been countless positive experiences with people who took the time to see Penny for who she really is. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate and advocate for these incredible dogs, knowing firsthand how loving and devoted they are. The stigma surrounding bully breeds is based on misinformation and fear, but those who truly get to know them understand their capacity for love. Penny opened my eyes, and because of her, I will always have a soft spot for bully breeds, championing their right to be seen as the wonderful companions they truly are.
