Do we have a ham in the family, or what?!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Is it Pit Bull or pit bull? - Capitalization is more than a grammar issue
The term "Pit Bull" is not only applied inconsistently in practice to dogs that may or may not have Pit Bull blood in their veins, but it is also used carelessly by those who have the breed's best interests at heart. How do I mean?
When was the last time you saw the words "Pit Bull" capitalized?
Frequently the term is "pit bull" - where the "p" and "b" are not capitalized. If the entire breed is used, only American is capitalized, as in: American pit bull terrier. Sometimes only one word is capitalized, like "Pit bull." But this is incorrect. American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed, a proper noun, and as such every word in that name should be capitalized.
Then why, you ask, is there such inconsistency? I myself have found this mistake in the most renowned newspapers in our country, on rescue websites, blogs, and magazine articles. The mistake is made by PhDs and high-school grads alike. Most commonly, the breed is referred to as "pit bull" - no caps anywhere, but people have taken to adopting whatever combination suits them, leaving me to wonder if I shall soon discover an American piT bUll teRRier the next time I open the paper.
Does is matter? What is the value in pressing the Shift key a couple extra times?
It matters a lot.
You wouldn't spell golden retriever or new orleans or jessica without capital letters, would you? If you were reading an article in the New York Times and your eyes ran across the words martin luther king, jr. - wouldn't you pause? And why is that? What does capitalization DO, exactly?
#1) It denotes importance and value. While this is not true in all languages (in German, for instance, all nouns are capitalized), in English, we only capitalize things of significance - cities, countries, names, titles, etc.
#2) It creates separation. This ties into significance. If you were to examine a sentence visually with the height of its letters rising and falling along the page, your eye gives extra attention to the words with the tallest letters - the capitalized words. They stand out. They let us know that, Hey! These words are special! Capitalized words even let us know when a thought is finished and a new one has begun (capitalizing the first word of every sentence).
Why is this significant for Pit Bulls?
For one thing, they're the only breed that is consistently misnomered in this way. There is no question that a Beagle has a capital B and a Doberman Pinscher should have a capital D and P. Pit Bulls are also the most devalued breed in our society. They're considered "kennel trash" by shelters who deem them unadoptable and euthanize them in record numbers. They're persecuted by journalists looking for a sensational story. They're feared by many, misrepresented by unscrupulous and image-obsessed people, abused by the evil and the ignorant, and ignored by legitimate animal-rights groups (and I'm not talking about PETA, here. Operative word is legitimate).
The fact that we do not make the effort to acknowledge them as a separate breed worthy of capital letters is of concern. It is no small accident that we devalue them in writing as we do in life. The names we give things and the language we use to describe them reflects the beliefs we hold about those things.
One excuse I've heard for this continual error is that because Pit Bulls have such varied lineage, they are seen more as a "mutt" than a "pure breed" and thus the lack of capitalization. Wow, really? In that case, we've made a dire mistake in capitalizing most every breed in existence. And for that matter, why even bother capitalizing "American" at all? Are we not a conglomeration of ethnicities, ideas, and values?
Lack of capitalization not only reinforces the myth that Pit Bulls are "different" from other breeds, but it also devalues their status as a breed, and thus their status as dogs - capable of love and companionship like any other.
There's a reason civil rights groups are careful about the language they use and the language they want others to use. Words have power - to evoke images, to create impressions, to limit or expand how something is treated. For those of us who fight to restore the reputation of this wonderful breed, it's time our writing reflected our purpose.
It's Pit Bull, folks. Plain and simple.
Stephanie
When was the last time you saw the words "Pit Bull" capitalized?
Frequently the term is "pit bull" - where the "p" and "b" are not capitalized. If the entire breed is used, only American is capitalized, as in: American pit bull terrier. Sometimes only one word is capitalized, like "Pit bull." But this is incorrect. American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed, a proper noun, and as such every word in that name should be capitalized.
Then why, you ask, is there such inconsistency? I myself have found this mistake in the most renowned newspapers in our country, on rescue websites, blogs, and magazine articles. The mistake is made by PhDs and high-school grads alike. Most commonly, the breed is referred to as "pit bull" - no caps anywhere, but people have taken to adopting whatever combination suits them, leaving me to wonder if I shall soon discover an American piT bUll teRRier the next time I open the paper.
Does is matter? What is the value in pressing the Shift key a couple extra times?
It matters a lot.
You wouldn't spell golden retriever or new orleans or jessica without capital letters, would you? If you were reading an article in the New York Times and your eyes ran across the words martin luther king, jr. - wouldn't you pause? And why is that? What does capitalization DO, exactly?
#1) It denotes importance and value. While this is not true in all languages (in German, for instance, all nouns are capitalized), in English, we only capitalize things of significance - cities, countries, names, titles, etc.
#2) It creates separation. This ties into significance. If you were to examine a sentence visually with the height of its letters rising and falling along the page, your eye gives extra attention to the words with the tallest letters - the capitalized words. They stand out. They let us know that, Hey! These words are special! Capitalized words even let us know when a thought is finished and a new one has begun (capitalizing the first word of every sentence).
Why is this significant for Pit Bulls?
For one thing, they're the only breed that is consistently misnomered in this way. There is no question that a Beagle has a capital B and a Doberman Pinscher should have a capital D and P. Pit Bulls are also the most devalued breed in our society. They're considered "kennel trash" by shelters who deem them unadoptable and euthanize them in record numbers. They're persecuted by journalists looking for a sensational story. They're feared by many, misrepresented by unscrupulous and image-obsessed people, abused by the evil and the ignorant, and ignored by legitimate animal-rights groups (and I'm not talking about PETA, here. Operative word is legitimate).
The fact that we do not make the effort to acknowledge them as a separate breed worthy of capital letters is of concern. It is no small accident that we devalue them in writing as we do in life. The names we give things and the language we use to describe them reflects the beliefs we hold about those things.
One excuse I've heard for this continual error is that because Pit Bulls have such varied lineage, they are seen more as a "mutt" than a "pure breed" and thus the lack of capitalization. Wow, really? In that case, we've made a dire mistake in capitalizing most every breed in existence. And for that matter, why even bother capitalizing "American" at all? Are we not a conglomeration of ethnicities, ideas, and values?
Lack of capitalization not only reinforces the myth that Pit Bulls are "different" from other breeds, but it also devalues their status as a breed, and thus their status as dogs - capable of love and companionship like any other.
There's a reason civil rights groups are careful about the language they use and the language they want others to use. Words have power - to evoke images, to create impressions, to limit or expand how something is treated. For those of us who fight to restore the reputation of this wonderful breed, it's time our writing reflected our purpose.
It's Pit Bull, folks. Plain and simple.
Stephanie
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Day 6 - Meeting the Extended Family
At this point, I am completely thrilled and impressed at how seamlessly Miso has fit into my home. I have to give Harley and Chubby credit too - they are easygoing, accepting creatures that act as if Miso has been their sister all along.
I have yet to do a single tie-down. Perhaps this is breaking the rules, but there just hasn't been need for it. I went from crating on Day 1, to nothing at all (of course they are ALL crated at feeding time, and separated when I'm gone). Miso is excellent with voice commands, so if things start getting too excited for my liking, I simply issue some verbal warnings and physically "break things up" to make sure everyone has some space to calm down (usually just involves stepping into the play circle they have going and spreading everyone out).
Of course, once we start allowing Capone, my boyfriend's male Pit, and Miso in the same room together, tie downs for both will be in order. But as for my little pack of three, you'd never know things had ever been different. Amazing! Chubby, always one to play bow, has taken to engaging Miso in play sessions during his evening "crazies" - she loves it! They run around from room to room, slipping and sliding, with Miso even doing leap frogs over Chubby.
Miso got to meet the rest of her new family today too. My mom and dad (aka Grandma and Grandpa) think she is cute as pie! Miso has a new fan with my teenaged brother too. He absolutely adores her! They are all impressed with her sweet and affectionate nature.
Day 5 (Part II) - Miss Luvlee & the LoveSac
There's been lots going on at my house besides Miso's homecoming. I just recently moved into my new place, and I have been painting and remodeling from the moment I unpacked my suitcase. This week the floors are being redone! Miso, surprisingly (or maybe I should stop being surprised at her easygoing, hit-me-with-your-best-shot, rock-solid attitude) is taking the pounding and clutter in stride. Like Chubby and Harley, she curls up (albeit in a doggie bed not quite her size) and goes to sleep.
Since I didn't have access to my bed last night, guess what? The dogs and I spent the night in the LoveSac. I have a SuperSac, which accommodates two adults comfortably, or, in a pinch, one human, a Pug, a French Bulldog, and a Pit Bull. We watched the movie Shooter and Miso really got into it! On several occasions I caught her watching the big screen - helicopters and dogs barking really get her attention. After that, we all crashed out - Miso balled up to my left, Chubby on my right with his snout pressed into my neck, and Harley on my stomach. And yes, we all snore. Heaven!
Since I didn't have access to my bed last night, guess what? The dogs and I spent the night in the LoveSac. I have a SuperSac, which accommodates two adults comfortably, or, in a pinch, one human, a Pug, a French Bulldog, and a Pit Bull. We watched the movie Shooter and Miso really got into it! On several occasions I caught her watching the big screen - helicopters and dogs barking really get her attention. After that, we all crashed out - Miso balled up to my left, Chubby on my right with his snout pressed into my neck, and Harley on my stomach. And yes, we all snore. Heaven!
Day 5 (Part I) - Food, Glorious Food
Miso is finally getting to enjoy the great things in life - cuddles, long walks, soft beds, and great food! I've spent a lot of time researching dog diets in the past two years, and after a bout of raw and then home cooking, I've found two products I like that let me feed how I want without the work of daily preparation - The Honest Kitchen and Primal (although I microwave their raw patties as my dogs eat better when their food is cooked).
Miso's very first meal with me was a breakfast favorite: scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, and cheddar cheese! I've never seen a dog eat faster than my Pug, Harley, but wow, Miso licked her bowl clean!
Tim told me Miso has been on California Naturals kibble while she's been at the SPCA. I definitely think kibble is a smart choice for shelters (could you imagine their food budget otherwise?), but now that Miso is with me, I think she'll find the variety of beef, chicken, duck, lamb, and other protein sources a delicious alternative!
So far, she has been extremely well-behaved while waiting for her meals
(no whining or pacing - just an obedient, sitting Pit Bull), and a devoted eater once her crate door is closed! Since she's not overly fond of walking into her crate yet (although she does great once she's inside), I'm using feeding time as an opportunity to teach her the "Crate" command. Harley and Chubby know they have to walk all the way into their crates before their food bowl is set before them. Eventually, Miso will get that too.
The only caveat in switching her food like this is her getting the runs! I have been supplementing her meals with canned pureed pumpkin, which has helped in the battle against diarrhea. Especially since we're still working on potty training, it's important not to have to contend with the urgency (and frequency) of runny butt!
But other than the occasional soft stool, Miso is LOVING her new diet program and all the yummy treats and bully sticks she gets for being such a Luvlee Lady!
Day 4 - Quirky Miso!
Miso has already revealed some adorable quirks.
#1 - She likes the hammock! Can you imagine? I went outside to lay in my hammock for a moment and relax. Lo and behold, here comes Miso ready to jump, and jump she did! I was sure she would flip out from the unsteady landing and jump back off, but nope...she was so happy to join me she threw her whole wiggly body on top of mine. We sat there rocking back and forth like maniacs. She even tried to jump onto it after I had stood up! Of course, because it's so unstable, she ended up flipping completely over and landing on the ground - ouch! I tried reeeeally hard not laugh. After all, she meant to do that.
Now that I know she enjoys the hammock, we'll have to figure out a Sit-Look before she can just jump on top of me when she pleases. Nothing like a happy paw in the gut! :)
#2 - She's impatient when she's thirsty! Chubby likes to take his good ol' time at the water bowl. With his short little tongue I don't think he's able to get much liquid in a single lap, so it takes him a bit longer to satisfy his thirst than, say, Harley, who has a frog tongue.
Well, this afternoon, Miso was standing next to him waiting patiently for her turn, but after about 10 seconds she got fed up and pulled the bowl away from Chubby with her paw so she could have a drink! I've never seen a dog use her paws like hands that way before! Talk about entertaining. And when Chubby tried to wedge his head back into the bowl, she "grabbed" it again and pulled it away from him so she could finish her drink!
#1 - She likes the hammock! Can you imagine? I went outside to lay in my hammock for a moment and relax. Lo and behold, here comes Miso ready to jump, and jump she did! I was sure she would flip out from the unsteady landing and jump back off, but nope...she was so happy to join me she threw her whole wiggly body on top of mine. We sat there rocking back and forth like maniacs. She even tried to jump onto it after I had stood up! Of course, because it's so unstable, she ended up flipping completely over and landing on the ground - ouch! I tried reeeeally hard not laugh. After all, she meant to do that.
Now that I know she enjoys the hammock, we'll have to figure out a Sit-Look before she can just jump on top of me when she pleases. Nothing like a happy paw in the gut! :)
#2 - She's impatient when she's thirsty! Chubby likes to take his good ol' time at the water bowl. With his short little tongue I don't think he's able to get much liquid in a single lap, so it takes him a bit longer to satisfy his thirst than, say, Harley, who has a frog tongue.
Well, this afternoon, Miso was standing next to him waiting patiently for her turn, but after about 10 seconds she got fed up and pulled the bowl away from Chubby with her paw so she could have a drink! I've never seen a dog use her paws like hands that way before! Talk about entertaining. And when Chubby tried to wedge his head back into the bowl, she "grabbed" it again and pulled it away from him so she could finish her drink!
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