Precious Pit Bull Therapy Dog's Sweetness Is Stealing Hearts Everywhere
Duke brings smiles to so many people, it's impossible to believe that anyone would judge him — but they do. That's because Duke is a Pit Bull. A breed that has gotten the reputation for being aggressive. But Duke is proof that this is definitely not true.
Not only is the Pittie an absolutely sweetheart, he is a volunteer therapy dog.
Yep not only is Duke not aggressive, he actually helps others going through a tough time. In the video his owner shared, it shows the Pit Bull looking like an absolute cutie in front of the hospital where he works. Here's Duke, ready for work!
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"When your dog is considered an 'aggressive breed' but he's a volunteer therapy dog," his owner wrote in the onscreen caption. "People are always taken back that Duke has the ability to be a volunteer therapy dog," they added.
Commenters could see that Duke is the best pupper. "They are the best therapy dogs cuz they are so in tuned with our emotions," wrote one person. "My sisters Bully dog helps my foster cats get comfortable around dogs — she’s so sweet and gentle," someone else added. "I think they meant to say 'We can’t believe how cuddly and cute your dog is,'" another person joked. "Not the ears! The ears ALWAYS get me," gushed another person.
Pit Bulls as Therapy Dogs
Duke isn't the only Pit Bull who works as a therapy dog. Today it's a pretty common thing. Pit Bulls have long been stigmatized because of breeders who would pit them against each other in dog fighting rings. Before these dog fighting rings, Pit Bulls were seen as kind and nurturing animals. They were considered family dogs!
Today it's important to keep in mind these good qualities. It was ill-intentioned breeders who caused Pitties to fight, it's not innate to their personalities. Pit Bulls are smart, affectionate, eager-to-please, and love humans. Like any breed, they need to be properly socialized early and go through therapy dog training to earn the official distinction. Pits are very devoted to their people.
There are lots of different kinds of therapy dogs out there. Like Emotional Support Animals, who provide support and unconditional love to their humans. Assisted Therapy Dogs can be found in places like hospitals or schools to help patients or students with anxiety or stress. Visiting Therapy dogs do similar functions and go to hospitals, schools, hospices, and nursing homes, but only for short periods of time.
It's really a testament to dogs that they can impact us humans so much. Just a little time with a dog can turn things around.
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