As you may already know we are pro pit bull advocacy and love supporting people and ideas that represent the positive aspects of these dogs and put to sleep the ugly and misconstrued stereotypes, so naturally we had to share this special project with you. Why are we so "head over heels" about this project? Simple. There isn't really anything on the market right now that is specifically targeted towards children in the area of pit bulls. Most people think the words "children" and "pit bull" shouldn't even be in the same sentence. Well we say that's bananas and we introduce to you Galunker.
“Galunker is a pit bull. He looks mean, but is about as threatening as a marshmallow. The dog catcher is determined to capture Galunker, and bad guys want to make him fight. But Galunker just wants a home!”
The great thing about this book is that it is aimed towards children. Children are the most influenceable beings and acquire learned opinions and thoughts from their environment. This book can completely break down barriers with its educational qualities and acceptance of pit bulls.
I absolutely love this concept since I am a new mother and a pit bull advocate myself. I do not want my child to be surrounded by negative views about pit bulls and this book is another way of instilling a sense of respect and acceptance of these dogs. Discrimination against breeds is a lot like racism in the sense that it is absolutely ridiculous and shouldn't continue to be taught to our younger generations.
Here is a short excerpt from the book:
"Galunker was hated by all of mankind.
And it bothered Galunk. And I'll bet that you'd mind.
Because nobody likes to be hated, I deem,
No matter how hateful they happen to seem.
You would hate to be hated if you were a worm
Or a spider or lizard or rodent or germ.
You'd find this forlornsome if you were a snake
Who snuck through the forest and lurked in the lake.
(It is hardly your fault if you sneak and you lurk
If sneaking and lurking are just how you work.)
You'd resent this if you were a freak or a frog
And Galunker was none of these things.
Just a dog.
No, Galunker was not even hateful at all.
He bolted and bounced; he did not even crawl.
(And crawling is not such a rotten thing, too
If crawling is what you were brought up to do.)
But hated he was, and he always had been
For Galunker, though never his fault, Looked real mean.
His name was tattooed on the back of his ear
Which helped him look fierce (didn't help him to hear).
It was never his fault that the people he met
Upon meeting Galunker became so upset,
That they flinched or they frowned or they scrammed or they screamed --
He was not even slightly the way that he seemed.
And today poor Galunker was really a mess"
Author of the book, Douglas Anthony Cooper has written novels for adults and children and was featured on the Financial Times Bestseller List and has also received titles such as “Book of the Year”. Illustator Dula Yavne has had her work exhibited all around the world and featured in top magazines and newspapers. Together they have created a Kickstarter campaign, which you can access here: Galunker Kickstarter Campaign, to help raise funds for their project geared towards ending the pit bull stereotypes.
We first heard about this project via Instagram and immediately started to follow the journey. Now we are thrilled at the growth that has happened in the short time frame that we have know about Galunker. Not only are people starting to notice but they are supporting and donating to the cause.
People are sharing and talking about this project in a positive light. Galunker has already received support from Amber Benson, Actress from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Saturday night Live's Abby Elliot via Twitter.
We cannot wait to get our own copy of the book and give this project 2 big thumbs up!!
To read more about Galunker please visit the website at: www.Galunker.com
