Pit Bull and Black Cat Owner Makes Cute Bows and Hats to Change ‘Scary’ Perception of the Breeds (Exclusive)

Ani Ram set out to change stereotypes around certain types of dogs and cats by hand-making adorable outfits for her own

Ani Ram was a touch intimidated when she began caring for her dad's pit bull Akira years ago. But once she put her in a homemade flower crown, her perspective on the breed changed — and ever since then, she's worked to shift others' perceptions, too.

Ram, 22, now makes outfits for all of her pets, which include black cat Azuki and pit bull Asahi (plus camera-shy cat Ash).

"I like sharing how much it's helped with the stereotypes," says content creator Ram, 22, who shares photos on Instagram at @akirablackpit, @ashandazuki and @asahithepuptato. "I get lots of messages [from people] saying they're less afraid, or even adopted one of their own."

Some of Ram's colorful bows have been such a hit she started selling them via Instagram (she's currently sold out). She never intended to be so public with her pets, but once an early post of Akira in that initial flower crown went viral on a pit bull owners' Facebook page, it was the encouragement she needed to share.

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"When people see her dressed up, they don't mind that she's a pit bull," Ram shares of Akira. "They see the cute little Crocs and the bows and the dresses."

Ram went a step further and trained Akira to be a service dog. "She can do a lot," Ram says. "It helps with the stereotype: she is a service dog and she's also dressed cute!"

Azuki, her black cat, has become another poster child, changing the way people see black cats who are often associated with superstitions and bad luck.

"Azuki is like a mini-Akira," Ram says. "She doesn't care about putting on the outfits." (On the other hand, "If I dressed Ash, I would not be alive," Ram jokes.)

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Outfits aside, Akira is "so lovable," Ram says. "If you're sitting next to her, she'll come and lay on your lap or try to push your hands so you pat her. She loves to play a lot, too."

Azuki is equally sweet, Ram shares. "She's always there like a shadow when you're doing something, and she loves following Akira too," she says.

A pinned post of the pair on Akira's Instagram feed has nearly 2 million likes; though Ram never expected such a following, she couldn't be happier to see it.

"I like sharing," she says, "and seeing how much it helps change the stigma."

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