About the Authors

The contributors to this blog are Colorado State University students currently enrolled in “Writing Arguments” (CO 300).  Here are a few questions we have compiled so you can get to know us a little better.

KATIE ABBOTT

Katie is a sophomore in college majoring in Biology to peruse the pre- vet career.  She grew up in Naples, Florida and is an animal lover.  She has a horse named Stu.  She has always been an animal lover, and plans on becoming a small animal veterinarian. She has done a lot of volunteer work at animal shelters and always seems to come across a disproportionate amount of Pitt Bull type dogs.  For the welfare of these dogs stereotypes must be changed and Breed Specific Legislation only encourages the fear ignorant people have of certain breeds.

KIM DUROCHER

I am currently a senior in college majoring in Health and Exercise Science (sports medicine) at CSU!!!  I am a huge animal lover and I have one year old American Pit Bull Terrier, named Tripp.  I am born and raised in Colorado and hear about the Pit Bull ban in Denver a lot.  Because I have a Pit Bull, I am aware of their negative reputation.  I can never live in the city limits of Denver while I have him, and I think it is unfair because he is the sweetest and funniest dog I have ever had.  He has never displayed any signs of aggression nor have we ever had a problem with him.  I have seen a few aggressive Pit Bulls, but I have also seen aggressive Golden Retrievers.  This proves that all breeds are capable of being aggressive.  Even if the overall stereotype cannot be eliminated, I want to change the mind of one person who feels negatively about them.

KYL RANDOLPH

Major: New Venture & Innovation Management

Year: Junior

Where are you from? Aurora, CO

Pets: Dior (Rottweiler)

Why this issue is important to you? My brother and one of my best friends have had their pit-bulls taken by the cities of Denver and Aurora, respectively.

ANDREW DIBALA

My name is Andrew Dibala and I am proud member of Colorado State University. GO RAMS!! I am currently and Senior pursuing a major in Communication Studies coupled with a Business Administration minor. I am a Colorado native born in Littleton, a suburb of the greater Denver area. I love the mountains and am actively involved with snowboarding, hiking, camping, and mountain biking. This issue is important to me because of my love for animals. I’ve been an animal enthusiast all of my life. Growing up, I was surrounded by pets, including dogs. Today, we have a 12-year-old dog named Sasha and she is always the center of our attention.  Having dogs throughout my life made me sympathetic towards all dog breeds. This is why I believe the Denver pit bull ban is unfair and irrational. No dog deserves to be banned from an entire city because of poor training, handling, and a negative media bias.

JILLIAN SMITH

I am currently a senior Psychology major at Colorado State University. I was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado and moved to Fort Collins, Colorado for college. I have a two and a half year old dog named Molly. She is a German Shepherd Chow mix. I got her when she was eight weeks old and she is my everything. This issue is important to me because I think it is wrong to be discriminatory to a breed. Any dog can be aggressive toward people and animals if that is how you teach it to be.