“Pit-ography” Stars Pit Bulls as The Good Guys

For anyone who isn't familiar with the sweet side of pit bulls, a recent photography exhibit in Chicago offered convincing evidence.

Students and community members associated with a group called the Pit Bull Training Team documented a day in the lives of their pit bulls. The Humane Society of the United States sponsored the exhibition as part of the End Dogfighting in Chicago campaign.

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Enjoy these images from Pit∙ography.

	The winning photo shows pit bull Karma snuggling with her family. ©The HSUS/Summerville

Getting to know some of Chicago's pit bulls was a snap on April 11.

In a photography exhibit dubbed "Pit∙ography," residents of the Austin neighborhood were the photographers and their pit bulls served as subjects.

What developed was a myth-busting look at the silly, affectionate nature of these dogs.

Photos with a Purpose

Each Saturday, the stone-walled room of the Carroll Care Center echoes with raucous barking and cheering when End Dogfighting in Chicago's Pit Bull Training Team holds class. Here, young pit bull owners at risk of becoming involved in dogfighting teach their pit bulls obedience and agility.

This particular Saturday, though, visitors to the center were greeted with soothing violin music and fine food, yet for the same purpose as the action-packed classes—to bring awareness to the plight of the urban pit bull.

"In this season of rebirth and renewal, Pit∙ography shows us it's time to revise our stereotype of the pit bull as a fighter," said Sandy DeLisle, End Dogfighting in Chicago campaign coordinator.

"We aim to change the way pit bulls are treated and perceived, not just through this event, but through every aspect of End Dogfighting in Chicago," she continued.

The Pit∙ography project began in December 2008, when Pit Bull Training Team students and community members were given disposable cameras and asked to document a day in the lives of their pit bulls. When the cameras were returned, Ryan Eichberger, a student volunteer from Northern Illinois University, developed and put the finishing touches on the photos in preparation for display.

The project's finale was the showcase of 33 portraits of beloved Austin pit bulls in cuddly, whimsical poses.

Will The Real Pit Bulls Please Stand Up?

Kim Turner, a Pit Bull Training Team student, was thrilled to see Ms. Bescoe, her pit bull, featured in Pit∙ography. Ms. Bescoe can often be seen wearing rhinestone-studded pink collars and fuzzy pink coats in the cold Chicago winters. Turner described her dog as "very prim, there's no mean streak in her."

	Pit bulls are loyal companions in all weather. ©The HSUS

"We wanted to show the way pit bulls really are," said Jackie Summerville, the site coordinator for the Carroll Care Center. Summerville embraces End Dogfighting in Chicago because it reinforces the center's mission of promoting respect and denouncing violence.

"How we treat our animals is how we ultimately treat others."

End Dogfighting in Chicago staff and volunteers have already seen a change in the Austin community. "I've noticed a lot of people come here [to the Pit Bull Training Team class and events] to be part of what's going on, even if they don't have dogs," said Jonathan Jenkins, dog trainer for the Pit Bull Training Team.

"Outside, people may feel that they have to walk around with tough, hard attitudes, but when they come to these events they let their guard down and have fun."

Attendees were asked to vote on their favorite photo and a $100 prize was awarded to the winning photographer. Once the votes were in, the event came to a bittersweet ending.

Winning Photo, Lost Dog

The winning photo, taken by Summerville and her partner Tim White, was of Karma. The 8-month-old pit bull was recently stolen from their back yard. Summerville said her dog's mild demeanor allowed her to be stolen, commenting that her 4-year-old grandson often rode the dog "like a horse."

The heartbroken couple is offering a $500 reward for Karma's return. If you have information about the whereabouts of Karma, please call The HSUS's Laurie Maxwell at 301-258-3066.

Laurie Maxwell is Deputy Campaign Manager for Animal Cruelty and Fighting. Katie Tegrar is an intern for the End Dogfighting campaign.

Related Links

Campaign Tackles Urban Dogfighting

End Dogfighting in Your City

In the Streets, Out of the Ring

Fighting Dogs Learn New Tricks in Chicago

Ending Dogfighting in Chicago: A View from the Streets