Photographer Goes On Noble Crusade To Help The Very Breed She Once Feared

French photographer Sophie Gamand spent a large part of her life being scared and nervous around Pit Bulls.

Like many others, she was also conditioned to fear this breed because of their highly publicized “attack” incidents.

But over time, Sophie realized that most of these so-called “aggressive” Pit Bulls were only victims of being “demonized” by malicious owners.

Source: CBS Evening News/YouTube

However, it was the plight of shelter Pit Bulls that triggered Sophie to embark on a crusade to atone these misunderstood dogs.

She noticed that almost a million Pit Bulls languish in shelters and get euthanized every year in America alone, all because most people refuse to adopt these “vicious” dogs.

That’s when she grabbed her camera and worked out a unique way to soften the unjust image of Pit Bulls!

Source: CBS Evening News/YouTube

As a part of her heartwarming mission, Sophie began traveling across the United States to capture the true beauty, vulnerability and individuality of Pit Bulls.

With the help of flower crowns and pastel accessories, she started clicking gorgeous portraits of shelter Pit Bulls that highlighted their loving and innocent souls.

Source: CBS Evening News/YouTube

So far, Sophie’s charitable initiative has been a grand success. Her portraits have enabled positive visibility to many Pit Bulls and eventually led to people falling in love with them!

Today, hundreds of Pit Bulls are happily situated in their forever homes thanks to her. We just love how Sophie uses her art to challenge the prejudiced stereotypes that haunt Pit Bulls!

Click the video below to watch how Sophie is transforming “floral-crowned” Pit Bulls’ lives through her noble crusade.

Next Story – Stay for one more story!

 

10 of the Smartest Dogs in the World:

 

A friend of mine has a beautiful Dalmatian. Friendly, energetic and lovable, she was a perfect family pet… but she wasn’t the smartest pooch on the planet. See, she knew how to go through the pet door out into the garden, but she had no clue how to get back inside. It never occurred to her that the flap could swing both ways. So she would sit outside and howl until my friend would open the door.

Repeated demonstrations of the dual movement of the flap had no effect; it just did not compute. The dog breeds on this list, however, probably don’t have that problem. They’re widely considered to be among the cleverest canines in the world. Take a look and see if you agree.

1. German Shepherd

Wikimedia Commons

No surprise here. German Shepherds are the world’s best police dogs, military dogs, and some have even been movie stars (remember Rin Tin Tin?). Brave, loyal, smart and strong, they’re the total package.

2. Beagle

Public Domain Pictures

Also on the list of the best family-friendly dogs in the world, the Beagle has an incredible nose that lets them sniff out just about anything. Born detectives, they’re not the most trainable pets, but they are smart. And hey, nobody ever accused Snoopy of being dumb.

3. Golden Retriever

Public Domain Pictures

A popular choice for assistance dogs for their easy temperament, natural intelligence and loyalty, Golden Retrievers are natural guides and also serve as great rescue dogs. Active and fun to be around, they’re wonderful family pets.

4. Border Collie

Wikimedia Commons

Border Collies are considered by many to be the geniuses of the dog world. Expert herders, laser-focused (they’re known for their intense stare), and incredibly agile to boot, they’re workaholics and excellent athletes. Just don’t expect to keep one cooped up in an apartment.

5. Poodle

Pixabay

Did you know poodles were originally hunting dogs? They respond very well to training and are quick to learn tricks. So don’t let the fluffy looks and styled mane fool you! These dogs are among the smart canines around. Plus, they’re among the best dogs in the world for those who suffer allergies.

6. Belgian Malinois

Pexels

A terrific military dog, the Malinois is a natural herder, tracker and worker. Smart, trainable and protective, these dogs require an owner who knows what he or she is doing. In addition to the military, Malinois are often recruited as guard dogs and police dogs as well.

7. Papillon

Wikimedia Commons

Named for their butterfly-shaped ears, papillons are small, cute and pretty smart. They’re considered the smartest of the toy dog breed, with intelligence levels comparable to the über-smart border collie. They’re alert and focused pets, and loyal and lovable: an ideal friend for he family.

8. Doberman

MaxPixel

Sadly, Dobermans are known more for their ferocity than their smarts, but these are considered among the most intelligent dogs in the world, as well as one of the most effective guard dogs around. They’re outstanding students known to be affectionate and obedient.

9. Bloodhound

Wikimedia Commons

Don’t let the wrinkles and dopey expression fool you! Bloodhounds have the keenest of noses, and are often used for trailing (so much so that their evidence can be used in court against you!). These are loving but strong-willed dogs, and are often used on search and rescue missions.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

Wikimedia Commons

You need a smart, determined and energetic dog to control unruly cows. And that’s just what the Australian Cattle Dog, or ACD, does. They’re intelligent enough to herd these much larger creatures, and while they need their independence and wide open spaces, they’re eager workers who know how to get the job done.

Did we miss your brainy dog on this list? If so, write in and let us know about it!

Stay for one more – CLICK HERE

Please ‘SHARE' to pass on this story to a friend or family member


Add Comment