Hi Jennifer,

I enjoyed your article [The Skinhead and the Pit Bull, by Jennifer Lunden] in Downeast Dog News (June 2009) and believe that it is very important to bring up often that the American Pit Bull is not inherently a vicious or aggressive breed. Rather, it is certain owners who encourage or actuate asocial behavior. I see it often: people shying away from Pit Bulls simply because of their bad, undeserved reputation. It's important to remember that, breed-to-breed, canines are far more alike than different and it is their nurturing that most affects their temperament.

I summer in Boothbay Harbor with my Blue Weimaraner, Mercury. We live in Fort Lauderdale and have several pit bull friends which are well socialized and a joy to play with.

Thanks for your article,

Robert Leslie

Boothbay Harbor, ME