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Dawn Levitt's avatar

I did animal rescue in Detroit for several years. Pitbulls were the #1 breed in the shelters. Despite the bad rap, they are usually the biggest Velcro dogs, clinging to you. We used to call them "velvet hippos."

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Julia Park Tracey's avatar

What's not to love about this snuggle bunny? We don't deserve all this love!

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Kate Mapother's avatar

That poor baby— I didn’t know her story! 😭 I’m so glad you have each other.

And no. Literally none of what “they” are saying is the problem. “They” are the problem.

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Amy Brown's avatar

What a beautiful essay & such a loving sweet dog, 🐕 (my niece & brother have pitbulls & yes they’re exuberant but so loving). I appreciate the way you extend the thread of empathy to LGBTQ+ and immigrants, we need more empathy like this!

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Sarelle McCoard's avatar

What a great essay. I love how you connected everything all together. Your dogs are beauties.

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Joy V.'s avatar

🥹 this is so, so sweet

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Julie Snider's avatar

Sissy is a jewel! I agree that othering is the problem, not the targets the haters project their awfulness onto. And I’m sure that when people “other,” they are also rejecting something within themselves simultaneously. We have to learn to accept and love all parts of ourselves in order to love what is separate from us.

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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

I got so lost in Sissy’s story and her sweet face, I didn’t see a deeper message coming until it came. Another beautiful, poignant post from you.

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Joanie Madsen's avatar

That last picture… Sweetest hind end I’ve witnessed in ages. You are a weaver of all that matters in this life. I catch and enfold myself within the threads each time. Loving and gentle care as you heal with the assistance of your four legged miracles. 🐾💕🐾

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