Hospitality executive urges community action and empathy for misunderstood dog breeds through education, adoption, and storytelling.

CHICAGO, IL, IS CALLING ON INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES TO RETHINK PERCEPTIONS AROUND BULLY BREED DOGS / ACCESS Newswire / October 22, 2025 / Katherine Rosecrans, Director of Marketing for a leading hospitality group and a longtime animal advocate, is calling on individuals and communities to rethink perceptions around bully breed dogs - including pit bulls, Staffordshire terriers, and boxers - as part of a growing movement to promote empathy, responsible ownership, and rescue awareness.

Known for her success in brand strategy and leadership, Rosecrans is using her platform to highlight how marketing principles can change hearts and minds - not just sell products. "Storytelling drives connection," she says. "If we can shift the narrative around bully breeds through facts and empathy, we can save thousands of dogs every year."

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), nearly 3.1 million dogs enter U.S. shelters annually, and over 40% are bully breed types. Despite being among the most affectionate and loyal dogs, they remain some of the least adopted and most euthanized, largely due to stereotypes and misinformation.

"People often fear what they don't understand," Rosecrans explains. "When you meet these dogs, you see their resilience, intelligence, and capacity for love. They're not dangerous - they're just misunderstood."

Turning Advocacy Into Action

Rosecrans has been involved in animal rescue efforts for over a decade, organizing community events, fundraising initiatives, and awareness campaigns to support shelters. Her advocacy is personal - she's a proud dog mom to a rescue pit bull named Harrison, who she calls her "daily reminder of why this work matters."

"Rescue dogs like Harrison come with their own stories - many of them painful," she says. "But when you give them patience and care, they return it tenfold. They teach you about resilience, trust, and unconditional love."

Beyond her own rescue efforts, Rosecrans encourages individuals to take small, meaningful actions in their own communities. "You don't need to run a campaign to make a difference," she says. "Volunteer at a shelter, foster a dog, donate supplies, or even share adoptable pets on social media. Every action helps shift the narrative."

She also emphasizes that empathy should extend beyond animals. "This isn't just about dogs - it's about compassion in general," she notes. "The way we treat animals reflects the way we treat each other. When we lead with understanding instead of judgment, everything changes."

Bridging Marketing and Mission

As a hospitality marketing executive, Rosecrans sees parallels between her professional life and her advocacy work. "In marketing, you build stories that connect with people," she says. "In advocacy, it's the same - you use storytelling to change perceptions, one heart at a time."

Her strategy-driven approach to awareness mirrors her business philosophy: data meets emotion. "It's not enough to just post cute photos of dogs," she says. "You have to educate people - share facts about behavior, training, and breed history. When people are informed, they make better choices."

Studies from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) show that breed alone is not a reliable predictor of aggression, and behavior depends far more on training, environment, and treatment. Yet, nearly 900 U.S. cities still enforce breed-specific legislation (BSL) restricting ownership of pit bulls and related breeds.

"Policy should be based on behavior, not appearance," Rosecrans says. "When we educate instead of discriminate, we build safer, more compassionate communities for everyone."

A Call to Lead with Empathy

Rosecrans hopes her message encourages people - especially business leaders - to use their platforms for positive impact. "Leadership isn't just about results," she says. "It's about how you use your voice. Whether it's for your team, your customers, or your community, you can always lead with empathy."

She adds that small acts can spark big change: "If even one person chooses to adopt instead of buy, or learns to see these dogs differently, that's success."

How to Get Involved

Rosecrans encourages individuals and organizations to:

• Volunteer or foster with local shelters and rescue groups.

• Share positive stories about bully breeds on social media to challenge stigma.

• Educate others about responsible ownership and breed misconceptions.

• Support legislation that promotes humane treatment and fair adoption practices.

"Change doesn't happen overnight," she says. "But it starts with awareness - and that starts with each of us."

About Katherine Rosecrans
Katherine Rosecrans is a hospitality marketing executive and advocate for community-driven leadership. A Minnesota native and former collegiate athlete, she built her career by combining creativity and data-driven strategy. Outside of her professional work, she's a vocal supporter of animal rescue efforts and recipient of the American Pit Bull Foundation Community Impact Award and Women in Business Community Leadership Award.

Contact: info@katherinerosecransmarketing.com

SOURCE: Katherine Rosecrans