I am looking forward to seeing this! Thank goodness for DVR.

FINALLY!!! Media focus on the GOOD PART OF PITS AND PEOPLE!!! thank you!!!!!!!!! we need more!!!

I know Tia, lovely woman, but I disagree with her. Pits are not pets and should not be promoted on Animal Planet or any other place. According to www.DogsBite.org, pits and pit types are responsible for 58% of the fatal dog attacks when their population is only about 5%. These are not dogs that need to be glorified in the media, they are killing people at the rate of one every 21 days for the past three years. Tia needs to place her loyalities with other breeds that do make good family pets.

VERY EXCITED TO SEE THIS SHOW!! It's about time we hear the other side of the story. The media is always focusing on the negative of this breed which produces ignorant bloggers, such as "No Pits", who believe Pits ONLY need to be promoted in a negative light. There are millions more people who like me OWN PITS and know the beauty of this breed. People with negative ONLY viewpoints are just as ignorant as those who fight them. Maybe they have not experienced their loyalty, playfulness and LOVE!! They are also one of God's creations and need to be treated as such. THANK YOU TIA & ANIMAL PLANET FOR THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY!!!!!

Blogger "NO PITS" listen, you have your statistics and millions more have their own personal experience with this breed. HAve YOU ever OWNED a PIT? HAVE YOU EVER RAISED a PIT from PUPPY TO ADULT?? If not, reserve your comments & judgments until then. I'm a PIT owner and RESPECT the power of this breed. Just because there are people who need MORE EDUCATION on the breed DOES NOT MEAN THEY CAN"T BE A PET!!! ELEVATE YOUR MIND!!!!

WOW>>>just went to the site NO PITS posted and what he fails to mention, is this is a site totally biased against Pits and like breeds!! It is a site that promotes death to the breed by scarring people with one-sided facts. I love pits and believe they are wonderful pets! -I know all the facts. Kudos to Animal Planet, Tia and education.

oh no pits--- closed minded. dogbites.org is a one sided lobbyest group against pit bull breeds. for true accurate and researched information on dog bites please visit The National Canine Research Council, and read "The Pit Bull Placebo".
also, go spend a day with a pibble and get kissed - no better way to open your mind about the breed!

I'll be on my couch with my pibble watching TIA tonight!

I just had a comment about why Am. Pitbull Terriers deserve a good life as much as any other dog. In the 1920's they were commonly referred to as "nanny dogs" as they were extremely watchful and conscientious of family children. They are extremely intelligent, and will do whatever necessary to please their owners. If that means be nice to the kitty, they will be nice to the kitty! Unfortunately, that also means if they receive rewards and praise for aggression, they'll catch on. Remember, pitbulls have individual personalities, just like people! To say a specific breed as a whole is dangerous, brings a poison to our society that stinks like racism to me. The lady D that responded has listened to sources that I cannot locate. There is ABSOLUTELY NO evidence that pitbulls are killing people every 21 days. Completely absurd. Cite your reference material please before you get on the media hysteria bandwagon, try to crosscheck your material, please! I did, and I found that the GOLDEN RETRIEVER is responsible for the most reported dog bites on children. And that a child is 9 times more likely to die at the hands of a caregiver ie parent stepparent, than ANY dogs bite or mauling.
I encourage everyone to understand that this anti-pitbull sentiment and legislation is another form of bias, just as discrimination on the basis of sex,race,age etc is wrong. These animals have no control over what they were born as, but many of them surmount incredible odds to become model citizens, capable of incredible acts of heroism, bravery, and love.

I am a CVT and a pit owner/rescuer. My dad has raised them as well. I have 2 children & they're lots of little kids around. I have never had A PROBLEM WITH THEM! PUNISH THE DEED NOT THE BREED! Any dog any breed has the capability of being aggressive. Its the owners who turn these animals into killers. Just because a dog is dog aggressive doesn't mean its a bad dog. My PIT & Am. Staff are PETS & are FAMILY dogs. People around where I live know & respect my dogs & I have been fortunate enough to educate the about these breeds. Don't believe they can't be family pets because they can. I can go on & n about national bite statistics & how they show labs & poodles have higher rates of injury bite along with shepherds, and dobies & rotts but they aren't hated or banned why should pits or similar breeds be? PUNISH THE OWNERS not the breeds. it takes responsibility & love to make a great pet regardless of breed

Bravo Animal Planet and Tia for your committment to these animals and parolees who are being given a second chance. Animal Planet you continue to restore my faith in mankind. NO ANIMAL is a waste and these pits deserve a chance just like every other animal. Shame on you nopits for being willing to just throw an animals life away.

Thank you APL & TLC for showing why so many law abiding, tax paying, 'normal' people own & love the pit bull breed. I currently own a female brindle that was severely abused & now, 1.5 yrs later, you couldnt ask for a more loving, gentle dog. She just wanted someone to love her & not hit her. Thanks again APL & Tia, God is watching & your blessings will abound for all you've done!

If pits can't be pets, why are there 3 of them lying with me on my couch?? They are wonderful loving dogs in the right hands NO PITS needs to get a life!

dogbitelaw.com posts:
The Problem With Statistics:
Consider five fatal attacks included in the CDC statistics.

A man was bitten in the forearm by a Pit bull. The bite was not serious but introduced into the wound was a virulent and fast spreading bacteria. The man died 4 days later from this virulent bacterial infection.

A teenage girl give birth to a infant, distraught and frightened, she tossed the hours-old infant into a neighboring-junk-strewn yard where two Pit bulls resided. The dogs killed the newborn.

A German shepherd mixed breed dog went into a bedroom, lifted a newborn out of a crib and carried the infant (by the head) into the living room where the adults were seated.

A man restrains his girlfriend, while ordering his Pit bull to repeatedly attack her. He is eventually convicted of murder and is serving a 20-year sentence.

An elderly man attempts to stop his German Shepherd dog from fence fighting with his neighbor's dog, the dog turns on his owner, severely mauling him, inflicting fatal head and neck wounds.

The CDC was right, in that five people died as a result of a dog bite. But were all these bites the result of aggression? Were they the same type or level of aggression? Which behaviors initiated the attack, human or canine? So the number of deaths by dogs (as per the CDC) cannot be used to define aggression, or the aggression of certain breeds, as aggression is not defined or qualified.

The disagreement among experts, and the dearth of recent statistics, were two of the reasons why an appellate court for the State of Ohio ruled in 2006 that a pair of breed-based dangerous dog laws were unconstitutional. City of Toledo v. Tellings, 5th Dist. No. L-04-1224, 2006-Ohio-975 (Ohio App. 2006). The supreme court of the state accepted this case for review in August 2006 (110 Ohio St.3d 1435). The court of appeals began its analysis by noting:

Breed-specific laws were enacted because, in the past, courts and legislatures considered it to be a "well-known fact" that pit bulls are "unpredictable," "vicious" creatures owned only by "drug dealers, dog fighters, gang members," or other undesirable members of society. [Citing State v. Anderson (1991), 57 Ohio St.3d 168.] ... As scientific information advances and becomes available, courts have a duty to reconsider issues and make decisions which are supported by the actual evidence presented, instead of relying on "common knowledge" and opinion generated by newspaper sensationalism and hearsay, rather than accurate, scientific evidence. [Par.] "The trial court noted that all the animal behaviorists from both parties testified that a pit bull, trained and properly socialized like other dogs, would not exhibit any more dangerous characteristics than any other breed of dog. After considering all the evidence before it, the trial court agreed, finding that pit bulls, as a breed, are not more dangerous than other breeds."

i HAVE A RED NOSE PIT AND I GOT HIM FROM THE SHELTER AT 2 YEARS OF AGE HE WAS IN THERE FOR A MONTH THEY WAS GOING TO UTHINIZE HIM BUT THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS GOING TO LET HIM NOT BECOME APART OF MY FAMILY ,HE IS NOW 4 AND HES THE BEST DOG I HAVE EVER HAD !

Pit bulls are the most wonderful loyal dogs ever bred. My wonderful precious pit bull changed my life for the better. Tragically, she died a month and 2 days ago from a blood disease. I still tear up thinking of her. Once you've loved a pit bull, your heart is never the same. She loved every creature she came into contact with. She fostered my kitten and brought peace to my grumpy Australian Shepherd. She was a one in a million dog...but I suspect all pits are one in a million. Because of her, I love all pits. Even more, my mom loves pits too, just from knowing Princess.

citing dogsbite.org as your resource for ANY information shows complete ignorance. they are a VERY biased site providing the public with false information.

Tia, youre doing a great thing girl! Props!!!

No Pits, the big problem with dog bite statistics is that dog experts are NOT brought in to identify the breed involved. I have personally seen cases where a black lab (yes the all american family dog currently) mauled a girl to near death and the responding police officer labeled it as a pit bill. The biggest problem is the "pitbull" is not a breed of dog, but a whole group of various dog breeds with similar build. Over 20 different breeds are identified as a "pit bull." Take any other 20+ dog breeds, lump them together and then lets compare statistics. As far a temperament of "pitbulls" According to the American Temperament Test Society which (www.atts.org) tests all breeds the statistics show that the temperament of the American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire bull terriers all tested between 84 and 86% for a stable temperament which is similar to the beloved lab or golden retreiver and higher for many of the smaller breed dogs. It's not the "breed." Any dog regardless of genetics is shaped by their owner. Please don't pass judgement on all "pitbulls" because overall they are truly fantastic canines.

The show definitely brought tears to me eyes. Amazing show! My new fav!

No Pits, how much real life hands on experience do you have with pit bulls ? Are you one of those people that just eats what the media spoon feeds you ? I've had pit bulls in my life for 11 years now & have been involved with pit bull rescue for the last ten years. My oldest pit (a rescue) is now 13 years old, my youngest is 3 years old. Never had a more loyal, loving, eager to please breed of dog in my 40+ years of life. Please educate yourself with facts not propaganda before you form your opinions.

The Pit Bull breed is no different then any other breed!!! I'll admit 10 years ago my husband brought our first Pit Bull home she was so cute but I was alot like other people I thought she was going to kill us when she got older...Boy was I wrong before we got her I cant even remember ever seeing a Pitt Bull. Only thing I new of them is what other people said. I was young dumb and plan wrong... Point is I'm a dog lover and I've had many different breeds over the years. I can truly say that I didnt just get lucky and get 1 good Pitt Bull out of the hole world I've had many they were all wonderful dogs and I DID NOT have to do anything special to make them a wonderful dogs but love them...So you should'nt knock them unless you;ve own a Pitt Bull!!! We still have Nia our 10 year old and she is my life!!!!

LOVED THIS SHOW. JUST LOVED IT.

I once used to beone of those people who automatically thought "PITBULL" BAD. Now i"m a owner of the most loving pitbull that loves my grandbaby. Gauge is the pit he has been one of the best dogs i ever had, he has never once gotten out of the way with my grandson and he tries to ride him he pulls his ears gives him kisses and the pit just loves all over him. We keep ours in the house. He is going on 3 years old and noone has ever been threatened by him in anyway. I LOVE MINE!!!! Your show made me cry, but i love what your doing i wish i lived closer so i could do something but i live in LaFayette Ga. I'm a firm believer you don't have a pet if your not going to take care of them.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK , I LOVE THE BREED , BEEN AROUND THEM MY WHOLE LIFE, THANKS FOR HELPING THIS BREED GLAD TO SEE SOMEONE STANDING UP FOR THEM THANKS AGAIN TOUCHES MY HEART AND SORRY ABOUT ROCK HE WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone who posted anything negative about these animals really are ignorant. It's not the dogs fault that a human being decides its fate. I have a pitbull that i rescued and she is the best dog that i have ever owned. I guess we should just ignore all the other people and animals of the world that have issues too??? It's people like that who dont need to make a comment or give an opinion. If you are not willing to help the situation you should just keep quiet! I guess the dogs should suffer because human beings make bad choices??? Yea, that's brilliant. It's scary to think these same people are actually raising children.

Jessica, I had almost exactly the same experience with my own son. He was brutally attacked by a neighbor's Lab mix and nearly killed; and everyone from the police and the hospital persisted in calling it a 'pit bull.' (And no, it had NO pit bull in it at all. It was 75% Lab, 25% shepherd.)

And our experiences are not unusual at all. Look at this site for pictures of some of the actual 'pit bulls' involved in fatal attacks on people in recent years.

Breed identification

Many if not most of those 'pit bulls' are not pit bulls by any stretch of the imagination. A huge percentage of them seem to be purebred or at least predominant Labs.

So when you see media stories and studies on dog bites by breed, keep this in mind.

I watched the show last night! It was great. I don't own a Pit, I have boxers, However my niece does own 2 pits and a liter of pups. Jasmin only weights about 110 lbs! She is the heavest lap dog I have ever seen. My Great nephew (who is 3) rides her, crawls all over her and even gets in her dog house. We call her a gentle giant! If people would do there research, the number one dog bit is a poodle. Its just not reported as much because theres not as much damange!

I also own a pitbull and I love her like I've never loved any of my previous dogs, absolutely the sweetest, funniest, smartest dog I've ever had.

I agree with the previous posters that are saying most people can't even identify a real pitbull because they've been so wrongly hyped by the media.

I always direct people to this site for education.
http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html
Most people can NOT find the real pit bull.
Alot of people see my Pitbull and say she isn't one, because they are so misinformed.

I didn't get to see the show last night but I'm going to put it on DVR so I never miss another one.

I just watched a "Dog 101" episode on Animal Planet in which the German Shepard and Golden Retriever were profiled. Both were cited as making excellent family dogs and being great with kids. Yet, they are #1 and #3 breeds, respectively, on the Dog Bite List. #2 on the list? Chows. Gosh - the Pit Bull is not even in the top three.

NoPits and DogsBite.org are doing a great disservice by focusing only on the Pit. If they were true to their cause to protect people and pets from aggressive dogs, then they'd report ALL dog bite cases.

I think the Pit's bad reputation is by association - they are the ones used in dog fighting rings like Michael Vick's and are popular amongst gang members and people in the hood. Hopefully, as more responsible people come to know and love and adopt the many pits needing homes, all the misinformation and misperception about the breed can be reversed.

Dogs' demeanor and health are a reflection of their owners . . . and they are the ones that need to be held accountable - no matter what breed they own.

Kudos to Tia. I work with a pit bull rescue, I am a veterinary technician, and a dog owner--a basenji, a rottweiler, an american pit bull terrier, and an american staffordshire terrier. They all coexist in my home as if they were litter mates, and they did not grow up together. When an owner takes the time to educate themselves about the breed they choose to own, the result is a wonderful companion, whether the dog is a yorkie or a "pit bull" is irrelevant. Good owners = good dogs. As a technician, Ive had to be a part in cruelty investigations. One of which was an amstaff who had been brought in with a collar on it which had obviously not been lengthened to grow with the dog. The amstaff's neck had actually grown around the collar. Procedure dictates muzzling the dog, which I did. It's neck was bloodied and infected and literally falling off onto my scrubs as a cut the collar away. I can not imagine the amount of pain this animal had to be in. However, the through the entire ordeal he was licking my face through the muzzle. A great example of how truly forgiving this breed is. The collar ended up measuring 8 inches, the dogs neck, 16 inches. Thanks again Tia, you are doing something truly fantastic!

@ Chris: Thank you for your comments!! I watched the show & it was great, we need more shelters like this & what a way to help rehabilitate people...nothing like the love of a pit!! :)

I am so glad to hear there is actually a series on animal planet that shows pits in a positive light! Keep it up!

One up to Tia!!! Finally, a show that accurately portrays this wonderful breed. I am a pit bull owner and lover. This is one of the most loving, intelligent, and incredibly loyal breeds. I am ecstatic that the positive side of this breed is being shown to the world.

I loved this show, Tia is doing just what I've dreamed of doing, having a sanctuary for pit bulls and rescuing/saving them and finding them GOOD homes!!!! I wish I knew how to go about it because I would like to do what Tia is doing.

Loved the show, love the breed!!!!!

NoPits - if you know Tia at all then you should know how WRONG you are, saying that pit bulls should not be pets. First, the dog bite statistics are wrong for the simple reason that most people cannot correctly identify a pit bull or "pit bull type" dog (honey, it's either a pit bull or it's not) on sight. Don't believe me try this little test on your own. http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html

Second my family has had pit bulls as family pets for well over 30 years and none of them have ever bitten anyone. My niece teethed on her pit bull's ears when she was a baby. Of course, my family is intelligent enough to realize that 1. you should never leave a child alone with a dog. ANY DOG; 2. people need to be resposible dog owners and make sure that their dogs are properly trained, socialized and on a leash whenever they leave a fenced area; 3. NO DOG should ever be tied up and left unattended.

....and just to brag a little bit......my husband and I are on this Friday's episode adopting our dog Uggi! :)

I watched the show and it is great! You finally get to see what the breed goes through that makes them the way that they are. I own a blue female pit, she is the biggest baby in the world. It is going to be a long hard road but we gooing to get to show people that it is the person that owns the dog that makes the dog. It is not the dog. No dog should ever have to go through any abuse they are all here to be loved and cared for no matter what the breed!

Hey, I have been watching Tia the last couple of weeks on animal planet, and she's amazing with those dogs. Please keep up the good work and maybe we can change the minds of people who are trying to ban pitbulls in this country. I own a pitbull named Jet he is the most amazing dog, we also own a germanshepard, newfoundland,five cats, two birds and a jumbo rat we are animal lovers. I had never owned a pitbull until Jet came into our lives by mistake, he was starved and abused and left for dead. I would have never thought this breed could be submissive and loving at the same time. Please, Please people lets save this breed.

This show is fantastic. It's about time someone shows pits in a positive light. I have a pit and he is one of the sweetest animals there are. He is very protective of the family, as all breeds usually are. My two year old grandson rides on his back, hugs and kisses him all the time. My grandson took my pit for a walk the other day, usually the door opens and my pit is gone. He knew to stick by my grandson which he did until my son went out and brought the two of them in. He is a very loving animal and I wouldn't trade him for anything. He is a big baby, when my grandson gets out of my lap, he crawls in it. Pits are very hyper and he is no exception to the rule. I really get sick of people quoting statistics. All breeds can be mean if mistreated or provoked. It's about time someone has stood up for this loving breed. Tia, thank you for doing what you are doing with both the dogs and the dawgs. You are truly an amazing woman. Keep up the great work.

To Vi Suvius: I saw you on the show. Everytime Uggi's name was said my pit Agi perked up his ears. He watched the entire show with my husband and I. Congrats, on your new baby Uggi. He's adorable.

real people doing a great job of educating about pitbulls and what great dogs they can be just like any other dog.
great show! i wish them success!