By illustrating stories of pit bulls sharing their lives with a variety of people and animals, we hope to inspire a better understanding and appreciation of pit bulls, and combat the negative stereotype held against these dogs.

Jyotshna O'Hare founded THE UNEXPECTED PIT BULL in 2004. Jyo wanted to support her local animal shelter, while dispelling myths and rumors surrounding her favorite dogs. Inspired to create something that would stay with supporters all year long, she teamed with photographer Laura Moss for the inaugural 2005 edition. Today, THE UNEXPECTED PIT BULL produces and promotes calendars celebrating Pit Bulls of all shapes and sizes. As always, the organization donates all net proceeds to top rescue and advocacy groups from coast to coast.

Originating in 19th-century England from combined Terrier, Bulldog, and Mastiff stocks, Pit Bulls immigrated to the United States, along with their owners, throughout the 1800s. Known to be loyal and trainable, they spent the early 20th century awash in positive popular-cultural currency. Even today, people remember Petey from the Our Gang and Little Rascals comedies. But at the time, Americans were also in love with the RCA Victor dog, the Buster Brown dog, and Stubby, the national mascot during World War 1. Today, Pit Bulls provoke strong feelings. To detractors, they're vicious... dangerous... unpredictable. To supporters, they're the ideal family pet: attractive, affectionate, and easy to adore. Certainly, Pit Bulls are strong animals and can be abused and tortured until they become violent. (Unscrupulous owners have been known to starve their dogs, feed them illegal drugs and crushed glass, and employ other techniques to prompt and provoke aggression.) However, despite urban myths and rumors, Pit Bulls don't have locking jaws, nor do they turn on a dime, nor are they essentially and fundamentally a threat to public health. What's more, when responsibly trained, and lovingly incorporated into a household, Pit Bulls can be unexpectedly, sometimes shockingly, playful and comedic. As the photographs and stories in this calendar prove, the Pit Bull remains a worthy American mascot; we, his fellow Americans, merely forgot that this brave, noble dog came to this country with our immigrant ancestors... blazed a trail across the Wild West with the pioneers... worked alongside us in times of hardship, and fought alongside us in times of war. Join us in saluting a dog that’s American to the core: the Pit Bull.

The Unexpected Pit Bull was founded to celebrate these wonderful dogs and to give them a positive visual voice. With the aid of dedicated volunteers and you this project has been a hit since 2004.

- Adopt a homeless pit bull from your local shelter, a pit bull rescue group, or online at Petfinder.com.

- Buy The Unexpected Pit Bull Calendar whose proceeds go to pit bull rescue and advocacy groups around the country.