Advocates for Pit Bulls Work to Dispel Image

The pit bull has long been considered a breed prone to violence—a generalization the Michael Vick case did nothing to help. But a California couple is working to show people that the dogs have become victims of stereotype and, more importantly, widespread abuse. And they're using some of the dogs rescued from Vick's home to prove the point. The Los Angeles Times profiles the couple and their mission.

"The Vick case is a milestone," said Donna Reynolds, who runs the BAD RAP rescue group with Tim Racer and helped convince authorities not to immediately euthanize Vick's dog. "For once, these dogs were not destroyed, dismissed as ticking time bombs. They were seen for what they are—as victims." Most have now been placed with families.
(More pit bull stories.)