Basil’s owner, Zoe was a community carer when they first met. One of her clients were no longer able to keep Basil due to a change in circumstances and because of neglect in the past and not having the best start in life, he had bite history, no one was interested in giving him a home. This sad truth meant that he was at risk at being euthanised. Zoe took him in and that was that “he’s here to stay”.
​
"pulling their children away from Basil"
​
Since taking in Basil, Zoe has experienced many forms of breed stereotyping. From the little things, such as people crossing the road when they see Basil and Zoe walking down the street to parents pulling their children away from Basil. The older generation seem to be “very suspicious” of Akitas, perhaps because in the past Akitas were known for being Japanese fighting dogs. They have had positive experiences such as Basil making friends with local children and loving the fuss. The good experiences make the negative experiences for Zoe 10 times harder because she sees how good and understanding people can be.
​
"be careful, I've never trusted Huskies"
When out with Basil in public, Zoe has had many incidents where breed stereotyping has been the main factor for hurtful remarks being thrown in her direction. One man who’s two off lead spaniels approached Basil, who was on the lead, went behind him and started nipping at him. The man walked off without apologising and then said to another dog walker “be careful, I’ve never trusted Huskies”. This was ironic because Basil isn’t a husky but it was just another example of breed stereotyping.
​
Even a neighbour on one occasion when Basil was sat patiently next to Zoe having his ears stroked commented “watch with dogs like that. They might like it one day but bite you the next day when you do the same thing. You can never trust them”.
​
"should be put to sleep"
​
You would think that once in your home you wouldn’t have to hear peoples hurtful opinions but this was not the case for Zoe. After posting a picture of Basil and his two doggy friends enjoying a sunny walk on Basil’s Instagram page, one user implied that he should muzzled to stop his from attacking the other dogs because that was what “the breed is known for”. The user even went further by saying that Basil “should be put to sleep” just because of the breed that he is.
​
"listening, reading and believing everything that we see and hear in the news"
​
This experience has stuck with Zoe and heartbreakingly she isn’t the first person to experience this and she will not be the last. Isn’t it about time that we learn about breeds before judging them on what society has made them out to be? Isn’t it about time that we make our own opinions towards certain breeds instead of listening, reading and believing everything that we see and hear in the news? Or has it become human nature to only remember the negative stories and disregard the positive ones.
​
To read the full interview click here
