Otter, a former stray Pit Bull found on the streets of Philadelphia, has recently emerged as *the* go-to funny-faced and well-dressed Pit Bull on Instagram. What a title. Please observe:
After being picked up and treated for various injuries and malnourishment by the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Team in the fall of 2011, Otter was taken in as a foster dog by his new doting parents Leslie O’Neill and her husband.
Since taking in Otter when he was a mere 18 months old, Leslie has not only grown to love Otter as the precious gem of a pooch that he is, but she has slowly built his Instagram account by posting photos of his outrageously goofy faces and spectacular outfits.
Over the course of his two-and-a-half year stint as an internet celebridog, Otter has amassed an astounding 13,000 followers and even more fans by becoming an ambassadog for causes such as animal adoption, Pit Bull breed discrimination, and the importance of spaying or neutering your pet.
In the United States, more than 700 cities have breed-specific laws prohibiting the ownership of Pit Bulls, and an estimated one million Pit Bulls are put to sleep each year.
Leslie says Otter’s playful demeanor and lovable pictures help to bust myths about the Pit Bull breed which has plagued Pibbles and Pibble lovers around the country for years. Seriously, who can resist this face?
As laws in the United States become more accommodating of dog’s rights as each year passes, there is still a long way to go before Pit Bulls are viewed in the same light as more popular breeds. Leslie hopes Otter’s continued influence on Instagram and other social platforms will help to make the world a better place for Pit Bulls and rescue dogs like Otter, one picture at a time.
Featured image via @otterthepitbull
