Sacrifice, pressure, and preparation exemplified by athletes are characteristics that are also demonstrated in dogs that participate in dog fighting. When looking at the issue of sacrifice, athletes have always been revered for their athletic success and have been worshiped across the globe, living up to the hype. Often in today’s society fans are quick to turn on the teams they love if expectations are not met, which makes the athletes have to live up to the high expectations. The same situation applies to dog owners who easily discard a dog’s love and trust if they don’t live up to the owner’s expectations. Sadly though, a dog’s sacrifice may come at the cost of more than just a bad season; it may cost them their life. Both the athletes and dogs deal with the pressure to perform. Athletes are held under high standards, applauded when they do something well and condemned if they make a mistake. They overcome physical strain to please the crowd, team, and community. They are expected to win because winning is considered the most important aspect of sport to society. This same intense atmosphere of successful performance comes in the dog fighting community, but on the next level. The dogs must perform well or face harm and brutal punishment from the owners that should always protect and support them. Due to the nature of society, both athletes and dogs are willing to prepare and train their hardest knowing that they will be cheered when they beat their opponents and praised when they destroy them. Much like dogs that are trained to attack at any moment, athletes must be ready to perform once they enter field. Both of these “athletes” are willing to put their lives on the line in exchange for love and acceptance from the crowd. It seems like we have a tendency of choosing entertainment over the well being of athletes.
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