I know exactly where your coming from - about doing everything in your power, and still getting those nasty looks, etc. and not wanting to trade it in for anything. I love my dogs, more than life it's self. If they were gone, I know, emotionally and mentally, I would be too. When I needed someone to cry to, or understand me without haveing acusations (sp) my pets were right there for me, and I'd be right there for them anytime!
As for the pitbull awareness u mentioned ("If I could just carry around a big book of photos and positive pittie stories and hand it out to every passer by that said some stupid uneducated comment. I would, in a heart beat.") I think that's a great idea! But the paper and printing is pricey
But maybe you could do it verbally! These words could cost nothing more than a little breath and love. But where would something like that be able to be done? Maybe a beach, or park?
Putting up a flyer or two at a dog park, and mention bringing ppl might be able to help! Once you get acouple ppl's attention, u've got the whole lot of them!
The way I dress, my selection of music, and taste in makeup is who I am. I enjoy listening to that music, dressing the way I do, and wearing this makeup. It makes me feel good about myself. The comments and awkward looks I'm given is my reality, my sacrifice. But, there's many things in life that you get those from. Other's just look at things a different way. It doesn't bug me, I'm aware that because of my choice in lifestyle that I'll get these looks and comments. Sometime's, these aren't even bad ones. More often then not. It really depends on where I am at the time (what city, area of the city, etc) same with many types of dogs. But there's a difference. I can choose to look like this, they can't. They can't choose to have their reputation, like I can't for the 'gothic' lifestyle. Reputations are given by media. I am the opposite from a stereotyped 'goth.' I don't do drugs, I don't worship the devil, I sure as hell don't make human and/or animal sacrifices. What really got to me about this stereotyping stuff, was my grandfather (whom I'm not all that close with) asked my dad if I wanted some goat pee or cow blood for my birthday, because, didn't u know, I'm a freak vampire! (sarcasm) Pitbulls are the same way, the opposite of media's reputation. They're not all agressive, and if they are it's because they're raised that way. I've seen more and more breeders out there who have their sires or dams behavour tested and whatnot before they even breed them. The more ppl accept these, the less agressive they are. the more love you give, the more you get back.