Fifth Interview
Mike Carter outside one of the MDSPCA buildings.
Most people who come to the MDSPCA want small dogs that weigh less than 20 pounds. Carter said small dogs are certainly in. People want small dogs because they are easier to deal with and are more adaptable in comparison to large dogs. Carter said especially people who are older want small dogs for such reasons.
Carter also said owners who have a dog already come to the MDSPCA looking for a small dog. Large dogs tend to take charge, so owners look for a small one.
Small dogs also take up less space than large dogs. Large dogs require property, property that some people don’t own. Some pets, or more specifically breeds, are banned from rented property. Pit bulls are one of such breeds.
“A lot of people don’t understand the pit bull,” Carter said.
Carter said pit bulls have always been stereotyped. However, within the past eight to ten years, these stereotypes have gotten out of control. Pit bulls tend to be viewed as aggressive and dangerous.
The truth is pit bulls are hyper, energetic and mouthy. Mouthy is a term that is used to describe the teething of dogs. They tend to bite your finger and hands, but without any actual force. Carter said pit bulls stay in the puppy stage until they are about 2 or 3 years old, which is longer than other dogs.
Another fact about pit bulls is they require more property than other dogs. They also need to be socialized more than other dogs.
Carter predicts that the stereotypes will die down as people become more educated about pit bulls. But as for now, small dogs are in, while larger dogs, like pit bulls, are out.
I think you did a good job of tying your interview into your research. I especially like how you included a photo of your interviewee, which is in sync with effective online journalism techniques. After reading this, I’d like to know more about what other types of “big” dogs have become less popular and what small dogs are the most popular. I’d also like to know more about why this is happening. It would also be interesting to see if there is anything being done to change this misconception. This interview definitely opens the doors to other related ideas and opportunities. You could talk to pet owners, those who have a pitbull and those who do not, to get a better understanding of this issue. I think you did a good job of researching and interviewing a source on the issue, but I think you need to dig a little deeper to get an interesting/unique take on the topic.
This was a good idea for a post. I would have thought that most people still like bigger dogs (it seems that way in my neighborhood at least). Anyway, this Mike Carter seems like a really interesting guy. His thoughts on pit bulls should be expanded. I don’t like how you only have one short direct quote from him. Try to incorporate more direct quotes, because they are more effective than just summarizing what he said.