Mitzi Bolaños explains how dogs are individuals, not defined by their breed, looks, past, or even how they’re raised. This is evident by the many victims of dogfighting, mainly pit bulls, who have become therapy dogs. When we focus on the heart of the issue-that people abuse dogs-and realize that like humans, dogs cannot be labeled by how they look, we’ll be one step closer to safer communities. Even with the odds stacked against them-with unfounded fears perpetuated by the media-these dogs give us a daily lesson in forgiveness, starting over, and unconditional love.
Mitzi Bolaños is an animal rights attorney and advocate, currently serving as the Executive Director of StubbyDog. Growing up in Miami-Dade County where pit bull type dogs have been banned since the 1980s, Mitzi initially knew very little about these dogs. After graduating from law school at Florida International University, she moved to New Orleans. While volunteering at the Louisiana SPCA, Mitzi met Bubba, a pit bull type dog who wanted nothing more than affection (and maybe a treat or two). She knew right away that he was meant to be in her life.

Bubba started Mitzi on a path working for breed equality, and eventually led her to Portland, Oregon to pursue an advanced degree in Animal Law at Lewis & Clark Law School. Now, they take on breed discrimination together and help spread the message that pit bull type dogs are loving family companions. Mitzi and Bubba currently live in Anchorage, Alaska where he is the proud big brother to two other rescued pups.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx