“Briefing”: How a Tiny Drawing Reflects America’s Big Love for Pit Bull Dogs
If a picture is worth a thousand words, this one speaks volumes about the public’s feelings toward pit bull dogs these days. Check out the “Briefing” section of the September 9, 2013 issue of TIME magazine:
To illustrate the 367 dogs rescued in a recent animal cruelty case, the artist drew a pit bull dog and a police officer hugging….with hearts floating above them.
Pit bull dogs are currently among the most popular pets in America, so it didn’t surprise me to see an image like this. I viewed it as further proof (in a growing collection of evidence) of where things stand in 2013: pit bulls are dogs and America loves dogs.
It’s no secret that pit bull dogs and their owners went through a dark period, falling out of favor with the general public. But that era is over and today we’re onto the next chapter, where pit bull dogs are popular family pets and the public is on our side. The past still exists, but it’s just that: the past.
I tracked down the artist, Kate Francis of Brown Bird Design, to get the scoop on this illustration.
Photo Credit: Kate Francis, Brown Bird Designs
Beyond Breed: What was the process for creating this image?
Kate Francis: “Every week my editor sends me stats to illustrate for the ‘Briefing’ section. It’s kind of like problem solving, because I only get an inch of space per drawing. So I have to create an illustration that represents the story as quickly and as straight-forward as possible.”
Beyond Breed: Why did you draw this image, in particular, to represent the dog fighting story?
Kate Francis: “It was easy to visualize how grateful a dog would be to get rescued from a situation like that. They’re such sweet animals.”
Beyond Breed: So far we’ve been talking about dogs, in general. How do you think the public views pit bull dogs, like the one you drew?
Kate Francis: “Pit bulls are really popular. You see them everywhere. People love them. People love dogs.”
So there ya have it, folks. This wasn’t “propaganda” put forth by pit bull advocates, nor was it even created by a pit bull dog owner; it was an unbiased reflection of America’s love of dogs and the human-canine bond, as it exists in 2013.
Pit bulls are dogs and they’re back in the circle of compassion where they belong. Though there will always be a small minority who doesn’t share the sentiment, progress like this speaks volumes. Usher it in and embrace it, the dogs are having their day!
With the era of pit bull PR campaigns and “ambassador programs” entering retirement, we can shift our focus to the most common challenges facing pit bull dogs and their families today:
- Addressing the risk factors that cause most pit bull dogs to enter shelters;
- Removing barriers to accessible and affordable pet care; and
- Supporting “at risk” dogs in under-served communities.
Shout out to Kate Francis for her beautiful work and for sharing her time with me! Please check out her other illustrations at http://www.brownbirddesign.com.
Kudos and thank you to the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office, local police departments, HSUS, and the ASPCA for rescuing the 367 dogs. The dogs are now being cared for at locations around the country, receiving the medical care, love, and support they each deserve.