SPREADING THE PITTIE LOVE!: WILSON POTTER

“Wilson is just a really wonderful dog and an amazing bully ambassador.”

By Stacey Greenwald (Wilson’s mama)
Photos courtesy of Stacey Greenwald

Wilson’s full name is Wilson Potter Greenwald, but most people call him Wilson Potter or Baby Wilson. I first heard of Wilson through a friend of a friend. She had posted Wilson’s picture on Facebook with a plea to help rescue him. His doggie mom had rejected him because he was the runt of the litter, so he wasn’t getting much warmth or nutrition. Because the backyard breeders didn’t think he’d make them much money, they were just going to dump him at the shelter. Luckily, a good neighbor heard what was going to happen to Wilson and offered to take him before the family could drop him at the shelter.

The instant I saw his picture on Facebook, I knew I had to help him. I picked Wilson up the day after we heard of him. He was only 5 weeks old. At first, I had no intentions to keep him permanently. I just wanted to save him and help him find a good home. Little did I know—that home was going to be with me!

Since I adopted Wilson at such a young age, I have been able to be in control of his training and socialization from the very beginning. From day one, Wilson went everywhere with me and was taught basic commands and manners. He is very smart and willing to please. The only thing that really frightens Wilson is loud noises, especially fireworks and thunder. We are slowly working on lessening his anxiety, but it is quite paralyzing for him. I have spent many nights up all night because he gets so scared, he visibly shakes and his heart races. Putting a t-shirt on him and giving him little massages seems to help though. He’s a tough little guy.

The main reason I work hard to keep up with his Facebook page is that Wilson and I try to take every opportunity we can to educate people about BSL and what Pit Bulls and other bully breeds are really like. We have been really lucky to have gained the audience we have through his page, so I feel it’s my responsibility to use that platform to give other dogs a voice. We have come across many people who assume Wilson is mean just because of his breed. We have been told to leave parks, stay away from kids, and put a muzzle on him, for no reason. It makes me sad for him but I try to look at the positive and take every opportunity to educate people who are willing to listen. Wilson loves to attend events where he can meet people and other dogs. He is extremely social. We attended the Pups in Pink event at a W Hotel last year, and he even wore a special pink bowtie. Currently, we try to do as much as possible with two great groups in Atlanta: Atlanta Pit Bull Parents and Atlanta Underdog Initiative. They are run by some fantastic people and help to bring awareness and education to Atlanta, where backyard breeding, animal neglect and abuse, pet overpopulation, and dog fighting are all big issues.

When Wilson is not “working” he enjoys playing with other dogs every day! There are always multiple dogs at our house, and we visit other dogs too.We love it when dogs come over to play, and we even had a big party for his first birthday. There are lots of dog-friendly events in Atlanta, so we attend as many as we can. He also has a beautiful girlfriend named Gremlin (www.facebook.com/Gremlin) who is a rescue dog in Ohio. She is a former bait dog turned therapy dog and a big inspiration for Wilson. Wilson loves the dog park and used to go there a lot when he was younger. Now that he is bigger, I’ve decided it’s too risky because of how quickly blame goes towards the Pit Bull if there is ever an altercation.

Wilson has never been in a dog fight nor been at all aggressive, but it is not worth the risk of the blame falling to him if a fight breaks out near him. Once, a small dog bit him at the park and Wilson just stood there, shocked, and then went and pouted at the other end of the park. He didn’t retaliate; his feelings were just hurt. I really wish he could go to the park like any other dog, and Wilson loves it so much, but unfortunately being a Pit Bull parent means we have to take extra precautions. So, instead, I try to give Wilson as many opportunities as I can to play with his friends at home or in play dates. It’s a win/win.

Wilson is just a really wonderful dog and an amazing bully ambassador. He helps show off what Pit Bulls are really like—loving, funny, smart, and tolerant. It sounds cliché, but I didn’t rescue him. He rescued me. We are very lucky he has found such a great following through his Facebook page, because it gives us a platform to help give other dogs a voice and share positive bully information. We will go anywhere to help educate and combat dog fighting, neglect, and discrimination.

Become a fan at:
www.facebook.com/mrwilsonpotter