The dreaded walk

Okay so walks have become this whole thing and I need to vent about it.

Duke is—as I wrote about last time—literally the cuddliest dog Ive ever met. At home he is a giant baby who wants belly rubs and will fall asleep on your feet. But when we go outside? People act like Im walking a monster.

Today we were doing our normal route around the block. Theres a woman who walks her little fluffy dog, I dont know what breed, something small and white. We've seen her like five times now. Every single time she sees us she picks up her dog and crosses to the other side of the street. Every. Time. Duke isnt even doing anything, hes just walking. Okay hes pulling a little but were working on that.

The thing that gets me is he actually loves other dogs. His tail goes crazy, he does this little wiggle thing with his butt, he just wants to say hi. But people see a pitbull and they just... assume. I get it, sort of. Theres all this stuff in the media. But its hard watching people literally change direction to avoid my dog who was just sleeping on my lap with his tongue out like an hour ago.

A guy at the park yesterday pulled his kid away. The kid was actually walking toward us, probably wanted to pet Duke, and the dad just grabbed his arm and walked the other direction. Didn't say anything just left. Duke sat down because thats what we've been practicing when we see people—sit and wait. He was being so good. And this guy acted like we were dangerous.

The worst part is Duke notices. I think he does anyway. When people avoid us his ears go back a little and he looks up at me like 'what did I do wrong.' Nothing buddy. You didnt do anything wrong. People are just... people.

I've started timing our walks for when fewer people are out. Early morning or later at night. Which is kind of sad if I think about it too much so I try not to. Its just easier when theres less chance of someone making a scene or giving us that look.

I dont know. Its frustrating. I knew this would be part of having a bully breed but knowing it and living it are different. At home hes my velcro dog who cant sleep unless hes touching me. Outside hes a threat apparently.

We did have one good interaction though. An older guy stopped to ask about him, asked if he could pet him. Duke was so happy he did the full body wiggle and leaned into the guy. The man said 'beautiful dog' and went on his way. Said he used to have a pit mix years ago and they were the best dogs hed ever had. That made me feel a little better.

So thats something I guess. For every five people who cross the street theres one who gets it. I'll take what I can get.

Anyway. Walk is done. Duke is now passed out on his bed snoring. The scary monster is asleep. Tomorrow we'll do it all again.