PITsmart
by John Flores
A few weeks ago there was an article circulating about how Petsmart doesn’t allow any “bully breeds” into their pet hotel or doggie day care. As it should, it created a national backlash of bully owners saying they would never go to Petsmart again….including myself. My first thought was, “You’re gonna discriminate against MY dog? Well, you just lost my business.” I usually go to my local feed store for my pet needs but every now and then I end up in Petsmart.
After thinking about it and being reminded of how much we love our bullies, I retract my statement. I’m going to Petsmart every chance I get and I’m bringing my pack with me. You see, they’re not banned from Petsmart itself but if we keep our “pit bulls” away, they win. We prove them right. Let’s face it, if you own a “pit bull” you always get some look of fear or uncertainty whenever your dog is with you. In fact, some people actually get mad at you for having one! However, there is no better feeling than having your dog walk by them and either smile or ignore them while they’re almost waiting for your dog to “mess up”.
With that being said, don’t be surprised if you see me, Penny, Elvis, and Wally (he’s an honorary bully!) walking around Petsmart. If we, as “pit bull” owners, are so proud of our dogs and advocate for our dogs, let’s prove the media and all 
the uneducated people wrong. There are a lot of people out there who ONLY watch the news or read the paper. They don’t have social media and can’t see how great our dogs are. If we truly want to advocate, we need to get out there and show everyone. Even if that means dealing with the racism and the negative backlash you may receive, sometimes you have to walk with the snakes to get to your goal. Your dogs can’t talk so you can be their voice and let them do the rest! Trust in them, they won’t let you down!
I’m cutting this one short today; I think they’re having a sale on Halloween costumes at Petsmart. We need to find something that fits Penny, Elvis and Wally!
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Comments
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this is awesome…I hope you show those fools just how awesome your pack is..
you know I love and appreciate you john. & I appreciate this blog and the sentiment you just put in it however I cannot agree. I agree with walking your pit bulls in PetSmart but I don’t agree with giving them any money. Certainly walk your babies there so they can see how wonderful penny and Elvis and your honorary foster’s are but I still wouldn’t give them any money.
Totally agree with you! I still go to petsmart with my Nala and prove them wrong! Bullies are not the bad ones! The ones responsible for this bad reputation that this AMAZING breed have is thank to evil people that use them forcthecwrong thing! So we as pit bulls owners need to show the world they are nothing but amazing, loyal, kind, breed! My mission its to educate peopld about this breed!! So I’m with you ill go to petsmart and show them they’re wrong!!
Everytime I go into a Petsmart, my problems lie with the fellow patrons and not the employees. They always treat Lacey like a queen and know her name. However, the sneers and comments from other patrons make a horrible experience. It is very sad to even hear children express the same sentiments as their parents because they run and hide from her. Since, I’m very vocal, their comments do not fall on deaf ears and I can’t help but retort to the ill statements of these ignorant adults. I am in complete disagreement with the anti-bully policy. It is without a doubt, that it’s because of ignorant patrons this policy exists. Where is the policy that protects me from harassment from other customers? Let’s start there and maybe I’ll be a returning customer.
I agree with you John….I’d parade your pack up and down the aisles at Petsmart….and then leave without spending a dime. Only cowards give in to the social pressure. Petsmart is showing they are a coward. They’re a pet store for heaven’s sake — they should be catering to PETS (all kinds), not PEOPLE. It’s not called Peoplesmart — although I don’t think that name suits them at all!