People traveling with pets are one of the fastest growing groups in the country. Travel and tourism offices everywhere are scrambling to keep up with the booming demand for pet friendly accommodations and activities. I travel with three various sized dogs and sometimes a cockatoo. My pets and I are often discriminated against dues to their size, species or the sheer number of pets with which I share my wanderlust. We struggle to find truly pet friendly lodging that won't break the bank and recreation that allows multiple animals. However, I am thankful I can travel pretty much anywhere I desire with my beloved companions. Anyone who shares their lives with a "pit bull" isn't so lucky. Even though the overwhelming majority of "pit bull" owners are responsible dog owners like me, unfounded discrimination against a certain breed of dog means that the amazing bond created when traveling with dogs is not available to all loving pet people. Prejudice in the form of Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) in states and towns as well as breed discriminatory rules set by private businesses prevent wonderful dog owners from traveling freely with their dog. Many pet owners are willing to go through the rigmarole of responsibly hitting the road with their pets yet laws say if that dog is a certain breed, it can't possibly be safe to have it out in public. However, BSL laws have never effectively reduced dog bites or improved public safety. I say anyone who wants to safely travel with their dog should be able to.
The not-for-profit Animal Farm Foundation agrees with me. They also know that I am the majority both in being a pet traveler and a "pit bull" advocate. The Majority Project is an opportunity for people who disagree with the discriminatory stereotypes placed upon the owners of specific breeds to show that their responsible, loving lives with their dogs is the true majority. Even actor Jon Bernthal is a part of that majority and has joined the The Animal Farm Foundation to create an upcoming public service announcement that will include some of The Majority Project photos: