PBRC News and Views

Marlins Pitcher and Family Back Campaign to End Miami Breed Ban

2012-01-25T00:20:00.008-05:00

A few weeks ago, we posted the story of how new Miami Marlins pitcher, Mark Buehrle, and his family couldn't move to his team's hometown because of Miami-Dade County's breed specific legislation.

Now, the Buehrle family has started a campaign on Change.org and released a PSA with Best Friends Animal Society in support of state legislation that would repeal Miami-Dade's pit bull ban. Below is a re-post of Jamie Buehrle's recent guest blog on Change.org.

Jamie Buehrle is married to All-Star pitcher Mark Buehrle. Mark recently signed with the Miami Marlins.

Mark and I have always been avid animal lovers. When Mark was playing for the White Sox, we hosted “Sox for Strays,” a public-service announcement campaign that featured adoptable animals once a month during the baseball season. Before our 18-month-old American Staffordshire terrier, Slater, came into our lives we already had three Viszlas: Diesel, Drake, and Duke.

When it became a reality for us that Mark was no longer going to be playing for the White Sox, so many things started going through our minds. Instead of worrying about what team he would be playing for, what schools our kids would go to, and how to transition our lives to a new city, our biggest concern was ensuring our new city would allow Slater. Doesn’t that seem ridiculous?

Slater is a member of our family. We had always agreed to make sure that wherever Mark ended up playing, Slater would be welcome. So, when Mark had the opportunity to sign with the Miami Marlins we were harshly confronted with Miami-Dade County’s 20-year-old pit bull terrier ban and immediately knew we would have to live a county over, in Broward.

Mark and I are fortunate to have the resources to accommodate Slater. But, it breaks our hearts that so many families are faced with losing their family pet simply because a local government has deemed their dog “dangerous” based on nothing more than appearance.

We can't imagine ever having to give Slater up simply because a city says we can't have him. Not only would we be distraught at that prospect, but our kids would be devastated. So, when Best Friends Animal Society reached out and told us about their legislative effort to repeal Miami’s breed-discriminatory legislation, Mark and I were happy to help however we could, especially after our first-hand ordeal.

House Bill 997 and its companion, Senate Bill 1322, will repeal Miami’s pit bull terrier ban and finally relieve law-abiding families from making unfair decisions about their family dog.

Mark and I encourage Miami-Dade residents and everyone who agrees that it is time to remove this law to ask Florida state legislators to support these bills by signing my petition.

Our family is excited to be in South Florida. After this legislation is passed, we hope more families with good canine citizens will be able to move to Miami-Dade without worry or hesitation.

Dress Up Your Pet on January 14th!

2012-01-13T13:36:00.006-05:00

January 14th has been designated "Dress Your Pet Up Day". From dressing our pit bulls in coats and boots to protect them from poor weather conditions, to holiday costumes, our dogs do not get much say in their wardrobe!

More and more companies are selling clothing for dogs, even dogs with a more athletic build such as pit bulls. No longer are sweaters, dresses and costumes only for toy breeds. Some of us even spend more on our dog's wardrobe than our own!

Because pit bulls have short hair, sometimes the clothing is truly functional. Winter walks become bearable with a warm coat and boots to protect paws.

Dressing up pets can also help shelters and rescues. A cute sweater can help make a shelter dog appear more approachable. By adding a cute slogan on the side, such as "Adopt Me", the dog can be promoted without any words. It also opens up the doors for conversation, allowing education to the public in a friendly, casual manner.

Whether you own a dog or are promoting adoption of a pit bull looking for a home, showcase some cute canine couture on a pit bull on January 14th!

Activities to entertain your pet bulls

2012-01-08T19:04:00.002-05:00

ACTIVITIES FOR MORE THAN ONE DOG

Pit Bulls are like potato chips, most people can't have just one! As a general rule, they can be athletic and vivacious dogs, especially at a young age. Having more than one dog in a home means busy owners need to look for new ways to exercise and entertain pets, while also saving time. PBRC came up with a list of fun activities that can include multiple dogs. Some tips to help make play time enjoyable:

Usually it is best to have one handler per dog and if your dog is possessive of toys or treats, some of these activities may not be appropriate. To help avoid altercations it may be best to save high value rewards for one on one time. Always be aware of triggers that can cause an altercation and avoid them.

Pay attention to your dog's body language and what it is saying. While many dogs have a rough play style and can be vocal, it is up to us humans to be sure all the dogs are still having fun and playing. Over stimulation can lead to over the top play, which can lead to altercations between dogs.

If at any point your dog seems not to be having a fun or is over stimulated, a time out may be needed or perhaps playtime needs to end.

It is a good idea to have a dog already well versed in basic cues such as: sit, down, stay, walking nicely on leash and recall before adding another dog to the mix.

NEVER leave multiple dogs unattended.

When introducing new dogs, PBRC offers advice for the "first date": http://www.pbrc.net/dogintros.html

Recall races: While dogs are in a sit or down stay, move as far away as possible, call dogs to come to you in a happy, excited voice. The dog who gets there first, wins! Multiple handlers can be in multiple locations and can take turns calling different dogs.
Out for a Walk: Taking a walk can strengthen bonds and exercise your dogs. Dogs who learn to work around distractions have better self control. For tips on loose leash walking, check out our link http://www.pbrc.net/training_looseleash.html
Play Dates- Supervised play dates in a secure fenced area are great ways to let your dogs release energy! Typically Pit Bulls may have a "rough and tumble" sort of play style. Dog social dogs with similar play styles, paired with responsible owners makes for a happy, tired set of dogs.
Muffin Pan Game- Each dog has its own muffin pan. Randomly put treats in a muffin pan. Place tennis balls over top of all twelve spaces. Let your dog play a nose work game and see who can find all of the hidden treats first.
Obedience Classes- Some classes are available for multiple dogs. (Usually one handler per dog). It is a great way to show off your ambassadors and teach your pups some new things!
Hide and Seek: Dogs are in a sit or down stay while the human hides. The dog is then cued to "Find him!" and is released from stay to track down his missing person!

These are just some examples of activities to share with multiple dogs. Get creative and see what you can come up with!

Miami Pit Bull Ban Forces Mark Buehrle's Family to Settle Elsewhere

2012-01-08T18:52:00.005-05:00

Chicago White Sox fans were upset when star pitcher Mark Buehrle was traded to the Miami Marlins. But even before his 2012 debut in a Marlins uniform, Buehrle is proving himself a supportive superstar in the pit bull community.
Buehrle and his wife are advocates for animal rights and were active when they lived in Chicago in promoting shelter adoptions. But Buehrle is also the owner of Slater, an American Staffordshire terrier, which Miami-Dade County has banned along with all other dogs classified as pit bull since 1989. Rather than giving up Slater, an all-too-common result when breed bans hit close to home, Buehrle worked tirelessly to find housing where he could keep his dog and his contract, even if it means traveling a little further to get to work. Even more significant, in an article with the Miami-Dade Herald, Buehrle noted that he would not have signed with the Marlins if he wouldn’t have been able to find housing that allowed him to keep Slater. A state representative is currently advocating to overturn the county’s breed ban. Hopefully Buehrle’s fame and public stance against such bans will help to push the cause. To read the Yahoo/Sports article about Buehrle and Slater, go to http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/big-league-stew/miami-pitbull-ban-forces-mark-buehrle-family-settle-182451604.html

B-More Dog Community Pit Bull Day in Ellwood Park

2011-11-28T20:46:00.013-05:00

On Saturday, November 19, 2011, B-More Dog (an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) hosted Community Pit Bull Day in Ellwood Park. With the help of veterinarian Dr. Johnny Slaughter volunteering his time, more than 70 dogs were vaccinated in this Southeast Baltimore neighborhood. It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday and more than 200 people came out with their pets!

B-More Dog is a group of dedicated pit bull owners and advocates who volunteer their time, knowledge, and experience with the goal of "Making Baltimore a better place for Pit Bulls and their families." While not a dog rescue organization, B-More Dog focuses on education and outreach. In addition to hosting neighborhood outreach events like this, B-More Dog provides free humane education seminars to schools and community associations, partners with local shelters, and stays abreast of local and state legislation with the potential to affect dog owners.

Inspired by similar pit bull events hosted by organizations across the country, Community Pit Bull Days in Baltimore assists Baltimore dog owners with keeping their dogs healthy and happy. B-More Dog focuses their efforts to pit bull owners because pit bull-type dogs (over)populate local shelters in Baltimore (and across the country).

During Community Pit Bull Day, B-More Dog provided Rabies vaccines for dogs of age, as well as DAPPv (Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus vaccine) for dogs who previously received their booster. As part of our mission, pit bull-type dogs were vaccinated for free; nearly 75% of the dogs receiving rabies shots were pit bulls or pit bull-mixes.

B-More Dog also provided a Leash and Collar Exchange booth. This supplies dog owners with sturdy, properly fitting, clean equipment for their dogs. In exchange for the new gear, dog owners have to swap out their old gear which included both leashes and collars made of chains and rope. Unfortunately, we quickly ran out of leashes.

This interaction presented a great opportunity to discuss spaying and neutering animals. Many dog owners were receptive to the idea and 10 responsible pet owners were given free vouchers to use before the end of the year!

Other activities included an “Ask The Trainer” segment, as well as a training demonstration. All of us at B-More Dog were overjoyed with the day’s results, as well as for the many times we heard “thank you” and “bless you.” B-More Dog is unendingly grateful to veterinarian Dr. Johnny Slaughter, DVM, CVA, who generously volunteers his time to make Community Pit Bull Day happen. Information about Dr. Johnny is available at www.camdeninnerharborvet.com/

Many special thanks to Caroline Griffin, Chairperson of the Baltimore Mayor’s Anti-Animal Abuse Advisory Commission, who stopped by to visit and graciously let us put her to work by driving to pick up more copies of our rabies certificates! We almost ran out (our goal for the day was 50 dogs and we only had paperwork for this amount), and Caroline made it possible for many more dogs to be vaccinated.

We also can’t thank our dedicated volunteers enough! (Not everyone is pictured, but we know who they are.)

B-More Dog is planning quarterly Community Pit Bull Days throughout the City in 2012. A “wish list” of donation items (leashes, collars, flea preventives, etc.) will be available shortly. We’d love your support!

More information is available about B-More Dog at:
Email: b_moredog@yahoo.com
Website: http://bmoredog.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/35638834718/10150395379909719/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/bmoredog

Tips for a Dog Friendly Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T15:21:00.005-05:00

A celebration of family, friends, and food, Thanksgiving is among the favorite holidays of many Americans. The delicious feast is anticipated well in advance of the actual day. But while preparing for the celebration, it’s important to keep mindful of our four-legged family members and remember what we can do to keep them safe.

Our dogs are part of the family and it is tempting to make a plate for them when doling out heaping helpings of all our favorite Thanksgiving dishes. However, overdoing it on high-fat holiday foods—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and other favorites—can upset a dog’s stomach and result in gas, diarrhea, or life-threatening pancreatitis.

It is fine if you want to give a small taste of some of the holiday dishes, including the turkey—but make sure the meat is fully cooked, boneless, and skinless.

Following are some additional tips to keep in mind:

Before the guests arrive, exercise your dogs so they are tired and on their best behavior during the meal.
Make sure guests in your home know the house rules regarding your dogs. Make sure that children know the dangers of roughhousing with the dog and that everyone knows not to feed from the table. Placing your dog’s crate in a quiet room will allow for a quiet break from the action.
Have stuffed Kongs prepared in case the dog is begging for food and needs to be distracted. Very small portions of Thanksgiving food stuffed into the Kong could make for a nice treat.
Keep the turkey carcass and plates with bones out of reach, as cooked turkey bones are sharp, can cause extensive damage to internal organs, and can go undetected for several days.
Keep toxic foods such as sage and onions, as well as uncooked cake batter (to avoid food poisoning from raw eggs), out of reach.
Do not give uncooked bread or roll dough to your dogs. Heat makes dough rise, and in the dog’s stomach, the dough can expand and cause stomach pain, vomiting, and bloat.

We wish our PBRC supporters and their families a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Sources: Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Dog Owners (http://www.dogster.com/dog-food/thanksgiving-safety-tips-for-dog-owners)
Thanksgiving Safety Tips (http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/thanksgiving-safety-tips.aspx).

Guilty ‘Til Proven Innocent Documentary

2011-11-10T15:53:00.005-05:00

Guilty 'Til Proven Innocent is a documentary film chronicling the history of Breed Specific Legislation in Ohio since its conception, and challenging its future. Here's what Producer, Director and Assistant Editor Jeffrey Theman told PBRC about the inspiration and creation of this documentary:

The day my whole life changed was not as obvious back then, but in retrospect is starkly apparent. That day has become the reason I wake up every morning. I have always been an animal lover, especially dogs, and I wanted to raise awareness about the cruelty that exists against our four-legged companions. In early 2007, I decided to put my creative talents to use and produce a documentary about animal abuse in general. I wanted to narrow down the topic to one of the many types of cruelty, so I embarked on a mission to find the issue that needed the change the most.

After many weeks and countless hours spent barricaded in my Lakewood, Ohio apartment, brainstorming possible topics for this film, a well known star NFL quarterback was suspected of dogfighting crimes. On April 25, 2007, I had an epiphany, this was sign I was looking for, and started planning my new film with the idea of exposing dogfighting, with an emphasis on the victims - the dogs. It wasn't until nearly a year later that "Guilty 'Til Proven Innocent" became the film that it is today. The city in which I lived in proposed a ban of Pit Bull-type (and "Canary") dogs, just as I was in the middle of adopting my American Pit Bull Terrier, Preston. Preston is a little black dog, who was saved from an Akron, Ohio house during a drug bust where they used him fighting. The first day I met him, I knew that he was my soul dog; I knew he was meant for me.

Preston had spent two years in the rescue getting passed over when potential adopters came to see available dogs, mostly due to his color (black dog syndrome), and the percieved challenges of sharing a home with a dog scarred both physically and emotionally. Add in the mix that he resided in the most restrictive state when it comes to Pit Bulls, due to its statewide breed discriminatory laws. My struggles to adopt Preston and my status as an Ohio resident, which has harbored its breed specific laws for the past 24 years (and counting), prompted me to start seriously investigating the impact of BSL. It felt like negligence if I didn't probe further. I quickly found breed discrimination presented a compelling type of abuse. Hidden behind a cloak of institutionalized legitimacy, these laws target millions of innocent dogs and impact good families across this country and around the world. These laws seemed to grow in popularity, particularly around where I lived. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I never knew these laws even existed prior to 2007. I've heard the media hype about Pit Bull dogs, but I didn't know there were laws in place that could allow animal control to take and kill or label vicious and restrict a dog for no other reason than the opinion of a person with little to no knowledge about dogs, dog behavior, dog breeds, or any other pertinent factor. It became obvious to me that this documentary would transition into a film about these laws and the dogs and owners who battle the accompanying intolerance.

It took five months and a new residence outside of Lakewood to finally bring Preston home. We've now had three years to bond, and to prove to the public that dogs should be judged on a level playing field, based on their actual actions. Because everything that Preston has endured, and as friendly as he is to any human willing to give him a chance, he continues to change people's minds, and makes them question the same things I did not long ago.

It is these questions that the the tagline of the film asks: "Do we have a dangerous dog breed problem..., or just dangerous laws targeting dogs?" When people ask me why I chose to explore breed discrimination with this documentary, I tell them, I didn't choose the film, the film chose me.

Jeffrey Theman
www.GTPIfilm.com - official film website
www.facebook.com/GuiltyTilProvenInnocent
www.facebook.com/Preston.aka.Pig - Preston's facebook fan page

The Joys of Adopting a Senior Pitizen!

2011-11-09T08:11:00.006-05:00

When it comes to adopting a dog many people automatically think of adopting a puppy. Though puppies are cute and sweet and they get a lot of attention, they also require patience and energy to help them become wonderful family members and companions. The advantage of adopting an older dog is that they can be just as cute and lovable as a puppy, and they already have their personality and training. Most are already housebroken and over the chewing on inappropriate objects phase. There is no guessing what your dog will become, as what you see is what you get when you adopt an older dog!

You may not want to adopt a senior dog because you fear that your time with your new best friend will be too short and too painful when the dog passes. However; the privilege of bonding with and loving a senior dog makes every day special! The knowledge that you have given an older dog a second chance at life will help create a strong and deep bond, and the love that grows from this knowledge is stronger than the pain of eventual separation.

Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pitizen

Senior pitizens are generally low maintenance. They love to sleep and cuddle the day away. They enjoy a brisk daily walk, but the best part of the day is their nap, and they love for you to join them at nap time!
Senior pitizens have learned many of life's lessons. They know, for example, that shoes are for walking and bones are for chewing. They also know that outside is for doing business and indoors is for relaxing! Your carpet will last longer with a senior pitizen vs. a puppy!
Senior pitizens can learn new tricks and be valuable family and community members. Because they have mellowed, they can focus on you and learn more quickly than a puppy.
Senior pitizens leave you time for yourself because they don’t require the same kind of time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.

Don’t delay! If you are looking into adopting a dog consider a senior pitizen today! Not only will you be saving a dog, you will gain a dedicated companion for life!

Wash For Paws

2011-10-28T11:11:00.004-04:00

GET YOUR CAR WASHED WHILE HELPING TO DONATE TO PIT BULL RESCUE CENTRAL (PBRC)!

Pro Wash Auto Spa is excited to hold its 1st annual CAR WASH fundraiser to benefit PIT BULL RESCUE CENTRAL (PBRC).

PBRC tirelessly helps to prevent cruelty to dogs identified as pit bulls and pit bull mixes, as well as helping to facilitate the rescue & placement of homeless pit bulls into responsible homes. PBRC is dedicated to educating the public on the breed & to serve as a hub for many pit bull organizations, shelters & online communities.

Pro Wash Auto Spa will donate 25% of the day's profits to PBRC!

October 29th
PRO WASH AUTO SPA
9 am- 3 pm
10000 Old Columbia Rd
Columbia, MD 21046
FOOD, PRIZES, FUN!

RAIN DATE: 10/30/11
YOU NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN RAFFLE
Sponsored by:
Pro Wash Auto Spa, LLC

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

2011-10-26T14:10:00.004-04:00

(Info From Whats New at LA Animal Services)

Make this holiday fun for your furry family members, too!

Halloween can be a festive and fun time of year for children and families, but for pets it can be stressful and even dangerous. Here are some ways to keep it fun and safe:

This is the perfect time to make sure your pet is licensed, microchipped and wearing up-to-date identification. A dog license helps our Officers get your lost pet safely home.
Plan ahead to keep your companion animals in a room away from the front door when trick-or-treaters are visiting. It is too easy for them to become frightened by the goblins and slip out the door.
Chocolate and other seemingly harmless ingredients can be poisonous to dogs and cats, so keep them out of reach. Dispose of the wrappers where pets can’t get them to avoid choking. Also, remember that children may not understand why Fluffy can’t share their treats, so use this as a teaching opportunity.
Tail wagging is a good thing – unless it’s done around a lit candle! Keep candles and lit Jack-o-Lanterns at an appropriate height where your pets can’t knock them over or get burned.
A decorative collar is far more comfortable than a costume for your pet. Make sure your pet thinks a costume is as much fun as you do before you dress them up for Halloween.

By following these helpful tips, Halloween can be a fun and safe holiday for pets and people alike! Trick or Treat!

PBRC's 6th Annual Howl-o-ween Photo Contest!

2011-10-20T09:26:00.004-04:00

If the flame of a candle turns blue on Halloween night, a ghost is near. But in the weeks before Halloween, if a room suddenly flashes white, that means a pit bull is looking adorable in a Halloween costume and its owner has broken out the camera!

So what will your pit bull be for Halloween? A rock star? A politician? Another animal or insect? A ghost or goblin? A household appliance? Be sure to snap a photo and send it to us.

PBRC invites you to submit photos to our
6th Annual Halloween Photo Contest!

Please submit your photos no later than

11:59 pm EST on October 26, 2011.

Voting begins 12:00 am EST October 28, 2011.

Voting ends 11:59 pm EST October 30, 2011.

We will announce the winners on October 31, 2011.

Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners on Halloween!

Submission rules:

Submit only one photo per dog.

Include your name, your dog's name and your e-mail address.

Contest is limited to photos of pit bull dogs.

Send your photos to pbrccontest@gmail.com

Happy Howling and Good Luck!

June or November, 70 degrees is 70 degrees

2011-10-13T08:21:00.002-04:00

The leaves changing from greens to bright oranges, yellows, and reds is a telltale sign that fall is upon us. Lowered humidity and temperature drops are also expected once the calendar reaches mid-September. But summer-like temperatures occasionally come roaring back in late September and October—sometimes even November.

As responsible dog owners, we need to remember that 70 degrees is 70 degrees, and even though it may be fall according to the calendar, dogs may succumb to the heat if locked in a car.

Consider that on a 70-degree day, even if the car is parked in the shade with the windows open, the temperature inside the car can reach near 100 degrees in minutes. And because of the excess heat in the car, the dog’s ability to self-regulate its temperature—exhaling hot air and inhaling cool air by panting—is compromised as it forces the dog to take in hot air.

So remember: if you must take your dog with you in the car, be sure to heed the actual outside temperature—not the typical temperature based on calendar month—and take all necessary precautions to keep your dog safe.

Pit Bull Awareness Event - Oct 22 - St Paul, MN

2011-10-10T07:55:00.002-04:00

Kindest Cut (http://kindestcutmn.com/) and the Animal Humane Society are sponsoring a subsidized spay/neuter day for client owned Bully Breeds.

Event will also includ free microchipping for the public, education on positive things to do with your pit bull, training tips, Kindest Cut tours and kids activities. Event takes place at the Neighborhood House from 10am - 2pm. For more info, 763-489-SPAY (7729)

ADOPT A SHELTER DOG MONTH

2011-10-01T08:51:00.003-04:00

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog month. If you are looking for a new companion, don’t forget that shelters and rescues are filled with amazing dogs waiting for their forever home. Dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds, and personality types are available. You can even begin your search from home! Sites such as www.PBRC.net and www.Petfinder.com offer a free listing service for rescues to showcase available dogs. Many shelters and rescues also list adoptable pets on their own websites.

Before you add a dog to your family, there are a few questions to consider:

Is now the right time to add a pet? Pets are a lifelong commitment. Adding a new dog to the home during a busy time—such as a new baby, a move, or a change in career—can make things challenging. If it is not the right time for your family to adopt a dog, you can help in other ways: Sponsoring a dog's adoption, volunteering at a rescue, or even just getting word out about the amazing dogs looking for homes are just a few examples.
Am I financially ready for a new dog? The cost of a dog is not just the adoption fee! Although reputable rescues provide a great start by vaccinating and spaying or neutering before the dog goes home, vet care is ongoing. Always factor in the cost of food, training, toys, and other items to determine if now is a good time to adopt.
Does my housing situation allow dogs? If you are a renter or live in a planned community, check your rental agreement/contracts to make sure you are allowed to have a dog and if there are any restrictions. Also check the local laws to ensure there are no breed restrictions to make note of.
What kind of dog am I looking for? Although you may be drawn to a particular dog because of its coat color, size, or particular look, consider that particular dog’s traits with your lifestyle. If you are a couch potato, an active dog may not be the right match. If you love to exercise, a low-energy dog may not be able to keep up with you! Seek further information regarding the dog's medical status and behavioral/temperament evaluation. Are there training obstacles that may seem too challenging for you? Are there any underlying health issues that you will need to address?
Will a new dog fit in with the pets I already have? If you have other pets, you will need to determine how will you acclimate or manage the pets to prevent unneeded stress. Taking things slowly is very important for both the new arrival and the current resident.

Once you feel that you are ready, take your time looking for the perfect companion. Be sure to research the type of dog you are looking for. The rescue or shelter can help you find the perfect match for your family. Many dogs in rescue already have a training background, are house trained, and are just waiting to be a part of a family. Rescuing is a rewarding experience that offers innumerable benefits!

The Poppy Mart Online Auction Has Begun!

2011-09-19T07:56:00.000-04:00

PoppyMart 2011 is Here! Let the bidding begin!

PBRC's on-line auction, Poppy Mart 2011 is finally here. Through September 25, you can bid on over 700 exciting items for auction! Dog stuff, people stuff, gifts, jewelry and collectibles. There is something for every taste and wallet.

Pit Bull Rescue Central, Inc. (PBRC), a 501(c)3 organization, started its eighth annual on-line auction at 10:30PM Eastern (7:30PM Pacific) , on September 18th, 2011. All proceeds from Poppy Mart will go directly to PBRC's Fund - which finances Pit Bull Spay/Neuter; assists with medical procedures beyond the financial reach of rescuers, caretakers, owners and shelters; and supports the website that enables us to list dogs for adoption and provide educational resources. PBRC is staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers.

We are once again using eBay as our venue. To register for the auction and for instructions - Register Here! (Note: Everyone bidding needs to register with eBay.) If you are already registered with eBay, all you need to do is start bidding! Before you bid, we ask that you review our Auction Guidelines page.

Please visit our sponsor page to support our generous donors. PoppyMart would not be possible without the many retail vendors, volunteers, and friends who donated to PBRC's auction.

Click this link to go directly to PoppyMart!

Please note that the individual auctions will end at approximately 10:30PM Eastern (7:30PM Pacific), September 25th. The start and end times were changed this year to allow more bidders to be present for the closing bidding. Feel free to contact us at fundraising@pbrc.net with any questions!

The Volunteers of PBRC

P.S. PLEASE cross post this message!

Back to School Time!

2011-09-09T09:09:00.004-04:00

Back to school can be an exciting time for families, but it can be a stressful time for our pets. With family schedule changes that can lead to increased time alone and decreased activities, our dogs may end up feeling like they are in detention!

Fortunately, there are easy ways to help our dogs stay safe while adjusting to these changes.

Keep new school supplies, including glue and pens, stored safely away from your beloved pet. Make sure your dog has its own "dog approved" items to chew, such as deer antlers, hollow bones, and so on.
Set aside some one-on-one time with your pet for training and exercise. School and after school activities are not just for humans. Activities including group obedience classes and running are important for keeping dogs active and engaged.
Keep a set schedule that includes your dog. Dogs thrive on consistency. Consistent feeding, exercise, and nap times are important.
Give your dog something to do when left alone. Items like Kongs stuffed with peanut butter and frozen can help tire out your dog while keeping him or her engaged and easing anxiety
Children who are new visitors to your home should NEVER be left unattended around your dogs. Always supervise interactions and look for stress signs that the dog is not comfortable, such as lip licking, yawning, and avoiding eye contact—these are all signs that Fido needs a break.

These tips should help keep your favorite pet well adjusted and happy during the back to school transition!

Northeast PA - FREE Spay/Neuter for pit bulls for a limited time

2011-07-14T14:52:00.003-04:00

FIREWORKS ARE NO FUN FOR PETS!

2011-06-29T15:24:00.003-04:00

More pets get lost and end up in shelters on the 4th of July

Independence Day is fun and festive for many families; let’s also keep it SAFE for you and your pets! Big gatherings, loud noises, and fireworks are the things we love about the 4th of July and those can be very frightening for our pets. With a little planning, you can ensure that this holiday will be enjoyable for everyone.

Pet Safety Tips:

• KEEP PETS INDOORS

Keep your pets in a safe, enclosed room, preferably one without windows. If you’re having guests over, consider keeping pets in a room that’s off-limits to guests, with plenty of water and food.

• CREATE A CALMING ENVIRONMENT

Surround pets with their favorite toys and other familiar objects. Sometimes the smell of an article of clothing from your laundry can help comfort them. Play soothing music and keep the room as quiet as possible by closing doors, windows, and blinds.

• KEEP AWAY FROM FIREWORKS

Even if your pet doesn’t seem obviously upset by fireworks, they can still cause harm to pets. Avoid potential burns, injuries, or possible ingestion by keeping all pets out of the vicinity of fireworks.

• UPDATE IDENTIFICATION

The biggest risk of all this 4th of July is that pets will get loose and become lost. Even if a pet is secured inside, the sound of fireworks can cause them to panic – sometimes even breaking through glass windows. Make sure your pets are microchipped and wearing identification tags. Dogs should have a City License on their collar. Call to confirm that the pet’s veterinarian and the microchip company have your current address and phone numbers.

Enjoy your Holiday and play it safe! Happy 4th of July Los Angeles!

The mission of the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services is to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of animals and people. Call us at 1-888-452LA-PET1/1-888-452-7381 (TTY Hearing impaired: 877-875-8205) or visit the website at www.LAAnimalServices.com to learn more.

Take Your Dog to Work Day!

2011-06-23T11:04:00.006-04:00

On Friday June 24th, work places across America are literally going to the dogs! That’s right- it is Take Your Dog to Work Day! Started in 1999, this fun day helps promote the human- canine bond with both owned pets and shelter dogs. Having a dog at the office can decrease stress and increase motivation to work.

In order to make this an enjoyable day for both dogs and people, here are a few tips:

Get permission from your place of work, before bringing your dog.
Work on obedience cues before bringing your dog to work with you.
Have a reliable contact to pick your dog up, if a full day at the office is too stressful for your canine companion.
Have your dog on leash at all times, to keep everyone safe and secure.
Respect other people and their dogs, never forcing interactions
Take plenty of treats that your dog enjoys, to reward good behaviors.
Find out where designated potty breaks are.
If your workplace is not appropriate to bring your dog, ask if you can promote local adoptable dogs instead.

Enjoy this day with your dog or by helping a dog who needs a loving home. For more information, go to: http://www.takeyourdog.com/

Standing Against Breed Specific Legislation

2011-06-13T21:32:00.010-04:00

Last week, a bill was introduced in Michigan that sought to end "pit bull" ownership across the state. The good news is that Rep. Hugh Crawford, chair of the House Regulatory Reform Committee, said he has no intention of taking up the legislation. Rep. Crawford accurately stated: "I don't think it's a dog problem, I think it's a people problem."

The bad news is that this is not the first nor the last we've seen of breed specific legislation. The Michigan bill can still be resurrected, and policies that target pit bulls are being proposed, discussed, passed or repealed in cities across the country.

Pit Bull Rescue Central is opposed to all breed-specific legislation. Below is the letter sent from PBRC's President to Rep. Tim Bledsoe, who introduced the Michigan pit bull ban, urging him to research the issue further and seek alternatives that judge a dog based on behavior rather than appearance.

There are few things as emotional as the prospect of losing your dog. But if BSL comes to your neighborhood, remember to always remain polite and professional. The facts are on our side.

Feel free to use the talking points below. For more resources, including the latest news and tools to fight BSL, check out Understand-a-Bull.com and PBRC's website.

*****

Dear Rep. Bledsoe,

I was dismayed to read the text of HB 4714, “the pit bull regulation and prohibition act,” introduced last week. While Rep. Hugh Crawford has indicated that he will not be hearing the bill in the Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee, I wanted to reach out to you to provide information on the issue and to encourage you to seek more effective alternatives to protect Michigan citizens.

In recent months, Dearborn, Lincoln Park, Rochester Hills, Southfield, and Sterling Heights all opted not to pursue breed-specific measures after researching the issue. While HB 4714 was introduced in Michigan, Ohio, the only state that currently regulates dogs based on breed, was hearing testimony on a bill that would overturn its breed-specific law. In addition to being constitutionally challenged, Ohio’s law has proven ineffective and expensive.

The media has reported that you introduced this bill in response to a constituent who had been injured in a dog attack, based on the belief that some breeds of dog are a greater threat to public safety than others. This belief, while unfortunately common, is not supported by facts. Consider the following:

- Dog bite statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are often cited as support that some breeds of dog pose a greater threat than others. However, the CDC and the authors of that study have stated that its purpose was to show that it is not one breed that is responsible for dog bites. They have also admitted that the data is inaccurate because media reports were a major source of the information.

- There is no statistical evidence that some dog breeds are more dangerous than others. The CDC dog bite fact sheet states: “There is currently no accurate way to identify the number of dogs of a particular breed, and consequently no measure to determine which breeds are more likely to bite or kill.” In fact, the CDC stopped tracking dog bites by breed years ago.

- The lack of information on how many pets or what breeds are owned is exaggerated when you consider that dog breeds in bite reports are identified by the victim, police officers, or reporters -- none of whom are trained in dog breed identification. A study by Dr. Victoria Voith found that, when compared with DNA tests, visual identification by animal shelter workers (who are experienced in dog breed identification) was only correct in 25% of the cases.

- Dog bite studies that rely on media reports (e.g. The Clifton Study, Dogsbite.org) are particularly inaccurate. In addition to the reasons cited above, the media is inconsistent in reporting bites by other breeds, or may initially report that a “pit bull” was responsible for a dog bite when it is later discovered that the dog involved was not, in fact, a pit bull breed.

- I understand that you are the owner of a Golden Retriever, a breed which has a great reputation as a family dog. According to the American Temperament Testing Society (http://atts.org/), which administers standardized temperament tests, 84.9% of Golden Retrievers tested passed their temperament evaluation. Yet 86.4% of American Pit Bull Terriers, 84.2% of American Staffordshire Terriers, and 89.7% of Staffordshire Bull Terriers also passed the test, disproving claims that they are less stable than other dogs.

The fact is that dogs do not bite because they look a certain way. Banning breeds will only punish responsible owners and innocent dogs, while those whose recklessness endangers others will ignore the law or simply switch to a different breed. Successful dangerous dog legislation, in states like Illinois, focuses on the responsibility of the owner and on the dog’s behavior, rather than its appearance.

As a pit bull owner and a Michigan taxpayer, I would be happy to work with you on alternative legislation that can achieve our common goal of enhancing public safety based on a deeper understanding of the issue.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Feldstein

Resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan

Pit Bull Rescue Central President

Saving Audie

2011-06-06T09:40:00.003-04:00

If you are looking for a great family and pit bull friendly book, check out "Saving Audie". This book highlights Audie, a former Vick dog, and his journey from a fearful dog to a breed ambassador.

His website is: www.savingaudie.com

He even has his own Facebook page!

This brave, adorable dog is getting lots of well deserved publicity! Check out the links below with just some of the reviews:

From Best Friends Animal Shelter website about the book: http://network.bestfriends.org/campaigns/pitbulls/16600/news.aspx

Here's the review from Publishers Weekly: Saving Audie: A Pit Bull Puppy Gets a Second Chance

“This polished photo-essay by frequent collaborators Patent and Muñoz will tug at the heartstrings of readers--especially those sympathetic to the plight of the often-maligned pit bull. In cogent, conversational prose, the author chronicles the rehabilitation journey of one of the dogs rescued in 2007 from NFL quarterback Michael Vick's illegal dogfighting operation. Named Audie by his eventual owners, the dog first spent months caged in a shelter until animal rights groups successfully petitioned the courts to allow the rescued pit bulls to be tested to determine if they were safe to handle. Placed in a permanent home, Audie gradually learned to trust people and get along with other dogs. After undergoing knee surgery, he began training for agility competitions and, in a satisfying cap to his success story, now acts as a "canine coach," helping shy and fearful dogs. Muñoz's crisp, candid photos include many endearing shots of Audie--both solo and interacting with humans and other rescued dogs. Bright backgrounds and caption-like commentary keep this uplifting and informational book lively.” – Publishers Weekly

And the starred review from School Library Journal:

“This is the story of one dog’s journey from NFL star quarterback Michael Vick’s insidious dog-fighting kennel to a good home. With the help of animal-rights groups like the ASPCA and BAD RAP (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls), Audie was tested, trained, and taken into foster care. His foster family identified his needs and potential, and continued his training until they found Linda and William, who loved and adopted him. Patent and Muñoz bring to life each step of progress and show how the bandy-legged, shoe-chewing puppy grew and graduated from Canine Good Citizen and obedience classes. Due to court-ordered reparations pertaining to the Vick case, the pup received knee surgery that allowed him to participate in agility work that turned out to be one of his talents. From cowering against a wall to learning self-esteem, the pit bull became a coach to other dogs learning to live with people and animals. This book has a positive impact to counteract the myths about the breed. The back matter includes information about pit bulls, BAD RAP, advocates of the breed, the Vick case time line, and a list ‘for further reading and surfing.’” – School Library Journal

Hot Cars and Loose Pets ~ From the AVMA

2011-05-31T08:26:00.003-04:00

(No, it's not the name of the latest tell-all tabloid bestseller. We're talking about seriously risky situations that happen every day, but are entirely preventable.)

Brutus, Duke, Coco, Lola and Jake...sure, they're fairly common pet names, but they're also the names of just a few of the pets that died last year because they were left in cars on warm (and not necessarily hot) days while their owners were shopping, visiting friends or family, or running errands. What's so tragic is that these beloved pets were simply the victims of bad judgment.

Want numbers? An independent study¹ showed that the interior temperature of vehicles parked in outside temperatures ranging from 72 to 96° F rose steadily as time increased. And cracking the windows doesn't help.

Elapsed time	Temperature rise inside vehicle
10 minutes	19°F
20 minutes	29°F
30 minutes	34°F
60 minutes	43°F
1 to 2 hours	45-50°F

Click here to view an animated video of the temperature rise in a car over time.
(Courtesy ggweather.com/heat)

...add to that the fact that most pets are not properly restrained while in the car, and you've got some dangerous situations – for people and pets alike. Unrestrained pets can be seriously or fatally injured, or could even hurt you, in a collision or sudden braking situation. In addition, they're a distraction for the driver, which increases the risk of driver errors. According to a 2010 American Automobile Association (AAA) survey, 2 out of 3 owners engage in distracting behaviors (playing with, feeding or petting their dog, or letting their dog sit in their lap) when pets are in the car...and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 20% of injury crashes involve distracted driving .

Please don't become another statistic: only take your pets in the vehicle with you when you absolutely need to, and always properly restrain your pets while in the vehicle.

How can you help prevent these injuries and deaths?

Learn more about keeping your pet safe during travel;
Set a good example by leaving your pet(s) at home except when you need to have them in the vehicle;
Set a good example by always properly restraining your own pet(s) while in a vehicle;
Educate clients, family and friends about these issues and how they can keep their pet(s) safe;
Download and distribute our posters to help educate pet owners about the dangers of hot vehicles and lack of restraint:

Other AVMA resources:

MyVeterinarian.com: Pets in Vehicles (information for pet owners about the risks associated with pets in vehicles)

FAQs about Traveling with Your Pet

7 Sneaky Ways to Keep Pets Slim

2011-05-28T20:43:00.007-04:00

According to the latest veterinary surveys, more than half our nation’s dogs and cats are overweight. This means almost 90 million pets are at a higher risk for developing arthritis, diabetes, kidney and heart disease, high blood pressure, and many forms of cancer. So how can you slim down your super -sized pet and reduce its risk of these serious diseases? The answer is easier than you think. These seven tips can help you trim excess pounds off your pet and keep her healthy.

1. CALCULATE CALORIES If you don’t know how many calories your pet needs each day, you don’t know how much food to offer. And don’t think you can trust the bag—feeding guidelines are formulated for active, adult, unspayed or unneutered dogs and cats. This means that if you your pet is an older, spayed or neutered, indoor lap lounger, you’ll likely be overfeeding by 20 percent to 30 percent if you’re following the manufacturer’s instructions. Instead, ask your veterinarian to calculate the number of calories your pet needs each day. Or use this formula: Divide your pet’s weight in pounds by 2.2. Multiply this figure by 30. Then add 70. This number will give you a good idea of how many calories a typical inactive, indoor, spayed or neutered pet needs. Of course, each pet’s metabolism is different, so consult your veterinarian before starting your pet on a diet.

2. MEASURE MEALS Your greatest tool in the fight against a pet’s excess weight is a measuring cup. Too many pet owners simply fill the bowl or guesstimate how much they’re feeding. Studies have shown that feeding as few as 10 extra kibbles of food per day can add up to a pound of weight gain in a year for indoor cats and small dogs. Keep in mind that for the average 10-pound cat or small dog, this is a 10 percent weight gain. After you calculate how many calories your pet needs, determine how much food you should feed at each meal—and measure it.

3. VITAL VEGGIES I’m not against treats; I’m against junky treats. Too many pet treats are calorie grenades laden with sugar and fat. If you’re going to give your pets extra goodies, choose low-calorie, sugar-free options with health benefits. I recommend single-ingredient treats like sweet potatoes or functional treats that help keep teeth clean or promote mobility. As an alternative to highly processed store-bought treats, try offering dogs baby carrots, green beans, celery, cucumbers, sliced apples and bananas, and ice cubes. For cats, try a flake of salmon or tuna. While you’re at it, put down the potato chips and share a carrot with your pooch. You’ll both be healthier for it.

4. TREAT TACTICALLY Whatever treats you give, be sure to count those calories. Many pet owners feed the proper amount of food but sabotage their efforts by adding treats throughout the day. As few as 30 extra calories per day means your pet may gain three pounds in a year.

5. HUSTLE FOR HEALTH When it comes to a long, pain- and disease-free life, research proves our most powerful partner is daily exercise. For dogs, as little as 20 to 30 minutes of daily brisk walking is all it takes to boost immune function, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce many behavioral problems. For cats, try playing chase (using a laser pointer, remote-controlled toy, or ball of paper) for five to 15 minutes each day.

6. SMART SUPPLEMENTS When it comes to keeping fit and trim, supplements may help. Many dogs, cats, and people can benefit from taking a daily omega-3 fatty acid supplement. These powerful fish oils pack a potent antioxidant punch that has been proven to help prevent numerous diseases. In addition, they may help ease achy joints and encourage weight loss. L-carnitine has been shown to aid weight loss and promote lean muscle mass. Ask your veterinarian if these supplements make sense for your cat or dog.

7. CUT DOWN ON CARBS Most pet cats and dogs don’t need a high -carbohydrate diet, yet that’s exactly what most of us feed them. Instead, look for low- or no-grain options with a protein source as the first ingredient. Your veterinarian can recommend the best food for your cat or dog. As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to help your cat or dog maintain a healthy weight. Even though they might love eating pizza and ice cream every day, you know that’s not smart. It’s up to you to feed healthy, nutritious foods and treats and to exercise your pet daily. By using these seven simple suggestions, you’ll be on your way to your pet’s best—and healthiest—year yet.

May 15-21 is Dog Bite Prevention Week

2011-05-19T10:03:00.001-04:00

The week of May 15-21 is Dog Bite Prevention week. Dogs and children can become lifelong friends. However, no child should ever be left unattended around a dog. Most children are at a height in which they are at eye level with dogs. If a dog is aggressive or is uncomfortable with interaction and is not properly managed, it can result in a bite.

Dog bites can be prevented by managing both four and two legged companions. Most bites can be easily prevented. Always keep interactions between dogs and humans (especially small ones!) a positive experience.It is always a good idea to be aware of your dog’s body language. Teaching your dog basic manners helps to ensure safe interactions with children. It is also important to teach children how to safely interact with dogs.

Dr Sophia Yin has wonderful information regarding canine body language. Click here.

Our own Poppy’s Place offers information on dog safety. Click here for a great article written by Karen Peak:.

Be Kind To Animals Week 2011

2011-05-04T15:42:00.006-04:00

We love our family pets.They provide companionship, affection, humor and so much more in our daily lives. The month of April was Anti Cruelty towards Animals month. The first week in May celebrate national Be Kind to Animals week.

Below are just some ways to celebrate:

Help a local shelter or rescue by donating needed items or your time. Many local organizations have wish lists to make a dog waiting for its forever home more comfortable. This may include: unopened food, blankets, towels or toys. Volunteering your time can also make the difference in a dog's life. Click here to see if there is a shelter or rescue near you.

Speak for the animals by reviewing legislation that can affect the care or well being of beloved pets. From puppy mills to breed specific legislation, one can usually find a cause that hits close to home. Well written letters are recommended.

Sponsor a dog in need. PBRC has thousands of Pit Bulls waiting to find their forever home on our website. By featuring a dog, it can help promote that dog's adoption. To feature a Pit Bull on our site go to: http://pbrc.net/dom.html

Report any cruelty witnessed to save a dog from neglect or abuse. Contacting local humane agents or authorities is a only phone call away. Click here for our recent What Can I Do? blog for more info.

On a lighter note, spoiling your dog is also an acceptable way to celebrate! PBRC's Poppy Shop offers lots of fun ways for you and your dog to celebrate and help the dogs of PBRC! http://www.pbrc.net/shop/shop.html

Happy Endings 2012 Calendar Photo Submissions

2011-05-02T15:48:00.005-04:00

Hello Friends!

Have you ever envisioned your rescued pit bull gracing the pages of a calendar? Does your pup have good looks, charm, a touching story, really cute costumes or active in sports?

If so, here is your chance to make your dreams a reality and share your rescued pit bull with the world!

We are opening submissions for PBRC's 2012 Happy Endings Calendar! An annual tradition since 2002, our Happy Endings Calendar is full of accurate breed information, heart-warming rescue stories and 12 months of GREAT color pictures of your rescued pit bulls! We are accepting pictures now through July 3, 2011.

All the information you need to enter regarding type of photo, submission and cost, can be found here: Happy Endings Photo Submission.

All the proceeds from the photo submissions, as well as the sale of the calendars, are used to help pit bulls in need.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to have your furry friend be a pin-up, and to help others in need!

What Can I Do? - April is National Animal Cruelty Prevention Month!

2011-04-30T07:36:00.005-04:00

What Can I Do?

You’ve seen something that just doesn’t seem right….As a witness of cruelty and/or neglect YOU can be the voice for a dog who cannot speak for themselves. Cruelty and neglect towards animals is often unreported. So what can you do?

While laws vary by state, if you witness the inflicting of physical pain, suffering, emotional abuse, abandonment or death, you can report it. If you witness neglect such as, lack of food, water, adequate shelter or veterinary care, you can report it.

In recent years, a strong connection has been documented linking domestic violence abuse and animal abuse. Animal abuse can often signal a lethal domestic situation and is one of the risk factors authorities use to determine whether a domestic violence situation is high risk. Reporting cruelty to animals may save the animal being abused as well as a human who is at the mercy of the abuser!

Who Do I Contact?

Many times individuals do not know whom to contact or what constitutes cruelty. While local rescues may be able to provide phone numbers to take action, the rescues themselves typically do not have the authority to confiscate animals from the situation. Contacting local authorities such as humane agents or local law enforcement is the most efficient way to take action. Documenting calls and incidents may also prove to be useful.

The Humane Society of the United States provides more information: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/abuse_neglect/tips/cruelty_action.html

The ASPCA also provides information:
http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/report-animal-cruelty.aspx

Your action CAN make a difference!

Thank you Core Power Yoga!

2011-04-18T15:27:00.003-04:00

On March 5, Core Power Yoga hosted a donation class to benefit Pit Bull Rescue Central. Lead by yogi and PBRC representative, Greta Glimm and prominent yoga instructor, Kristin Marie Breheim, the event raised over $700. Pictured is Harlow, a six month old Pit Bull being fostered by Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue, who greeted participates with love at the CorePower yoga studio front door.

Breheim’s mission is Karma yoga; making yoga approachable and accessible to everyone while helping out a great cause, specifically Pit Bulls. Breheim has two Pit Bulls; Ruby, a six year old American Pit Bull Terrier, saved from the South Side of Chicago and Obie, an adopted, two year old Pit Bull, Boxer, Corgi mix. For more information and other donation classes, see Breheim's website kristinmariebliss.netbiz.com. Look for next year's PBRC donation yoga class March, 2011!

April is National Animal Cruelty Prevention Month!

2011-04-15T07:53:00.009-04:00

All this month, PBRC will be sharing stories that highlight rescue, and advocates for our dogs. Some of these stories will be from PBRC volunteers, other articles will highlight rescues and organizations striving to help animals in need.

The dog was walking down the middle of the Texas highway, head hanging down trying not to get hit by the 18 wheelers that were zooming by...

Of the many people who saw this mama pit bull wandering down this busy highway on this hot July day, one woman decided to stop. She pulled over and called to the dog. But the frightened dog took off in the opposite direction and headed into a creek bed. This special woman was determined to rescue her, so she went into the creek after her. The dog seemed surprised, but it was so hot (Texas in July is HOT) and she was so heavy with pups she didn't have the energy to protest. It just so happens that the rescuer was a volunteer with the Humane Society of North Texas SW Adoption Center, so she headed there with her.

While on her three day stray hold at the shelter, the dog delivered her pups... eleven in all! Although she so wanted to, due the many other foster dogs at her home, the rescuer was not able to take in this girl and her pups. However, she aptly named the dog Little Miss Sunshine. Then this rescuer, as hard as it was, said her goodbyes. LMS and her four surviving pups (sadly the rough start in life took its toll on the young family) began their journey to Massachusetts to find their forever homes.

One of the pups, Brady, was fostered by PBRC volunteer Sarah Roies and her husband. Brady was a 3 month old pup who had spent his entire short life up to that point in a kennel. The world of being in a home, was new and scary to him. He didn't know how to walk on carpet. So unfamiliar was this surface, he would lift his feet up really high, like a prance. Brady was very unsure of the world away from his siblings and the shelter, and was shy for weeks. With lots of training, love and reassurance, he quickly bonded with his people and blossomed.

When a potential adopter came along Sarah couldn't imagine him living with anyone else. And then, she joined the club of foster failures. Those of you who are also members, know what a special club this is!

April is National Animal Cruelty Prevention Month!

2011-04-10T17:11:00.006-04:00

All this month, PBRC will be sharing stories that highlight rescue, and advocates for our dogs. Some of these stories will be from PBRC volunteers, other articles will highlight rescues and organizations striving to help animals in need.

One afternoon I was headed to animal control to take photos of adoptable dogs. As I was driving by the dog park, I swore I saw a dog in the corner but no people. I decided to turn around and check it out. I walked through and didn’t see any cars or people. As I got to the very end of the park I spotted a pit bull type dog. I called to her and she cautiously headed my way. As she got closer, I realized she was in horrible condition. She was emaciated, her ears were so infected they looked like cauliflower, she had recently had puppies, she had a horrible embedded collar scar, she was covered in blood from fresh wounds, and she was covered in infections from old wounds. She came right to me with a tiny tail wag and fell in my lap. I called animal control to come get her so her condition would be properly recorded in hopes we could find the owners and seek animal cruelty charges. Animal control released her to Atlanta Bully Rescue and we named her Sadie.

Sadie recovered quickly and her sweet disposition amazes everyone considering the condition she was found in. The vet said she had been in many dog fights over the past few years judging by the scars. There’s no way to know if she was intentionally fought or if they were just random dog fights. She loves everyone she meets and does a little happy tap dance for them. It’s amazing to see how happy and forgiving these dogs can be after being so neglected. Sadly, in the year we’ve had Sadie, she hasn’t gotten a single application, but we are still hopeful her forever home will turn up. Until then she will remain with us. She would make an amazing companion for a lucky adopter. She is such a great dog with an inspiring spirit. Here is a video of Sadie taken a week after she was in ICU at the vet's office, so some of her infections had healed: http://www.vimeo.com/14619286

~ Atlanta Bully Rescue

Doggone Good! Spring Fundraiser

2011-04-07T11:17:00.004-04:00

PBRC and Doggone Good! are hosting an online fundraiser and you are invited!

We are teaming up to hold an online fundraiser to aid this organization. Shop through the link below during the event dates and 10-20% of sales will be donated to the organization. The more you shop, the more you help animals!

Friday April 7 through Saturday April 16
You must use this special link to have your sales count!
CLICK HERE TO START SHOPPING

Fundraisers are held concurrent with normal store business. Because we can't predict demand or stock at any given time, we offer some features for fundraisers to help maximize your shopping experience.

Special Order items: Our store normally sells only what is in stock, but for fundraisers some products will be offered as Special Order. You can order any quantity you wish as we place the order after the event is finished. These orders take 3-4 weeks to ship.

Rainchecks: Regular store merchandise that is out of stock will allow a Raincheck request. If the item is re-stocked within 60 days, the store will email you a link to order. Your entire return shopping trip will count towards the fundraiser total.

If you have any questions please contact office@doggonegood.com
Your organization contact is: Cyn Polite at cynmae@gmail.com

Your friends at Doggone Good!
www.doggonegood.com

April is National Animal Cruelty Prevention Month!

2011-04-05T19:58:00.002-04:00

All this month, PBRC will be sharing stories that highlight rescue, and advocates for our dogs. Some of these stories will be from PBRC volunteers, other articles will highlight rescues and organizations striving to help animals in need.

Ernie’s story is yet to be complete. He was rescued by Atlanta Underdog Initiative in December 2009. He had been tethered behind an abandoned house for some time with no food or water. Due to the scars he bears, he was either attacked by other dogs or intentionally fought. A kind lady in the neighborhood had heard about him and when she went to look for him, he had already broken loose. Fortunately, upon returning home, she found that he had discovered HER and had made his way to her home.

This lady already had multiple dogs and they did not want him coming inside, so she tried to make him as comfortable on her porch as possible and looked for help. Ami and I went over there to temperament test him and and see how he does with other dogs. We took Lenox, Ami's dog, to see how Ernie reacted. It didn't go over so well, but it wasn't horrible, either. We could see that he needed some work and decided to take him with us to try to find someone to work with him.

We took him to the dog wash, killed the fleas and I took him home to await neutering. When he was neutered we learned that he was heartworm positive. Because of his dog-aggression, and it being just before Christmas, it was difficult finding a foster home. Ernie went to a temporary foster for a month before beginning heartworm treatment. He came back to live in my basement to recover from the treatment, and although it was nice and heated, he had to be isolated from the rest of the family.

In March 2010 he went to a rescue in Florida. After a year there without any adoption leads, we decided to bring him back to Atlanta. He was evaluated by a highly respected trainer who determined that he has had so little meaningful interaction with people, that to he has not had an opportunity to bond with anyone. Since pit bulls crave and need human interaction he has not had the chance to learn what is appropriate behavior. We are going to put him through a training program, but after completion he needs a foster home that will give him positive social interaction with people on a daily basis without forcing him to interact with other dogs. Maybe once he has the chance to bond with someone he will eventually be able to be desensitized to other dogs, but we don't expect him to necessarily be friends with other dogs.

~ Atlanta Underdog Initiative

Ernie’s video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyvQ_LpRVbY

6th Annual "I Pittie, The Fool" Photo Contest!

2011-03-25T07:53:00.005-04:00

April Fool's Day - A Day for Tomfoolery

Who defines being a fool better than a pit bull? Are you entertained by your bully buddy's antics? Is your canine companion a constant comic cut-up? Share those silly moments with everyone by submitting a photo to our contest!

To enter your playful pooch in our contest, send your photo, the dog's name, your name, and your email address to pbrccontest@gmail.com.

Once all pictures are received they will be put into a gallery for the public to vote on. The owner with the best fool of a pit bull will win a t-shirt from PBRC featuring his/her contest picture.

Please submit your photos no later than Sunday, March 27, 2011 (Midnight EST). Multiple entries are welcome, but please submit only one photo per dog. And please remember safety first when snapping those silly pics!

Vote for your favorite fool March 29-30.

Winners announced April 1!

Book Promotion to Benefit PBRC

2011-03-14T10:22:00.005-04:00

For THREE days only, March 14th, 15th, and 16th, photographer Melissa McDaniel is having a promotional sale on her two dog photo books, Deaf Dogs and Rescued in America. Thirty percent of the sales from phone orders over this three day period will go to PBRC. Both books feature a large number of pit bulls, pit bull mixes and bully breeds.

If you'd like to purchase one -- or both! -- of these beautiful books and to help PBRC at the same time, please make sure you call in your order to 267-968-9973.

Books are printed and ready to ship!

For more on this special promotion, CLICK HERE.

Deaf Dogs

Seventy eight touching portraits and short biographies of deaf dogs. Thousands of deaf dogs are put to sleep each year simply because they are deaf. Deaf Dogs is the photographer and author's tribute to her deaf dog who has given her so much.

Rescued In America

One hundred and five gorgeous portraits and short biographies of rescued dogs. Millions of homeless dogs are put to sleep each year. The dogs in this book are some of the lucky ones - all of them, once homeless, found their forever homes.

Click here to view photos from the dog photo books and read more about the projects: The Photo Books

Melissa's next book will be on pit bulls. She is currently taking applications for the book. If you are interested, you need to fill out an application now. Sessions will take place nationwide and will begin in a few weeks. CLICK HERE to find out more.

Loose Leash Walking

2011-03-09T20:33:00.004-05:00

A daily walk is the perfect way to keep our beloved dogs slim and trim while also incorporating obedience training for good manners. Daily walks encourage a healthy lifestyle for both humans and canines. However, walks are not enjoyable if your dog is pulling you down the street or crossing in front of you throughout the entire walk! It is best to consult a trainer to find the method that works best for you and your dog.

Begin training in a place where your dog is comfortable. There should be minimal distractions, such as your back yard, front porch or even your living room. Before taking a walk outside, it can be very helpful to exercise your dog before the walk a bit. A game of fetch or tug (or whatever activity your dog enjoys) is ideal. This way, the dog will have burned off some initial excitement/energy.

What you will need:

One dog
A 3-6 ft leash. Preferably a sturdy nylon or leather. Chain leashes can snap or hurt us humans and retractable leashes are not ideal for teaching loose leash walking. This is because retractable leashes work on tension and make it difficult to maintain control.
A properly fitted collar and or training aid. Recommended collars are : flat buckle, no slide, or martingale. Recommended training tools: Easy Walk Harness(clips in front, across chest) or Gentle Leader Head Collar.
A portion of your dog’s kibble or healthy recommended treat. This will give the opportunity to reward good behaviors, while eliminating excess calories that can pack on the pounds.

There are many methods to teach a dog to walk politely on a leash.. Remember, with any training, always be consistent. Below are leash walking methods that are tried and true and simple.

MAKE LIKE A TREE

This method is simple yet effective. Begin the walk, the moment your dog pulls, simply make like a tree. Tugging on the leash will only encourage pulling, due to the natural instinct that animals have, termed “opposition reflex”. This simply means, when tension is created on the leash, the dog instinctively will pull. Stop moving, and do not tug back on the leash. The moment your dog stops pulling, use your marker word (such as “Good! or Yes!”) and reward your dog. Repeat the process any and every time your dog does this. You may only go two steps at a time, but soon your dog will learn that any time he or she pulls, the enjoyable walk is put on hold. The less he or she pulls, the more he or she gets to walk. Always remember not to create tension on the leash. A three-foot lead may be ideal to ensure your dog does not have too much leeway.

FIND IT AND THIS WAY

This game makes walks fun! Start your walk out and have some small, healthy treats or kibble in your pockets, bait bag or training apron. Toss the food on the ground, in the direction that you are headed and tell your dog to” find it”. When the dog finds the food reward, say cheerfully “This way!” And move backwards a few steps. Reward your dog for following you from your hand. This is a two part system that allows dogs to have fun but also requires the dog to check in with its handler. Dogs really enjoy “tracking” things, so the “Find It” cue is allowing them an appropriate way to sniff and explore on cue. After, when the “This Way” cue is given, it requires the dog to check in with the handler.

All in all, a win/win way to teach a dog to walk nicely.

SIT FOR EVERYTHING

Adding a sit cue throughout a walk is one of the fastest ways to ensure the dog is checking in with their human. A dog who is constantly checking in will be a very polite leash walker. This exercise is simple and begins the moment you are about to put the leash on your dog. Bring the leash out and give the sit cue. Once your dog is sitting politely you may put on the leash. The act of putting on the leash and preparing to take the walk is the reward. Before opening the door also require a sit. Immediately upon exiting the house require a sit. This is important, because at this point your dog is now outdoors, a place where it is more difficult for your dog to focus on you. By requiring a sit, your dog is now able to check in and offer good behaviors. While on the walk stop every 5 feet at first and ask your dog to sit. When they do, be sure to use a verbal marker (“Yes!” or “Good”) and reward. As your dog catches on to what is expected on walks, you can make the times and distance you require a sit more random. You can also vary the rewards, sometimes giving one, four or none. This will keep your dog wanting to work for its reward.

Please keep in mind that your dog is learning a brand new behavior. Be patient and do not get frustrated. Thus far, they have had a lot more practice at this point offering behaviors on a walk that we don’t care for, so it may take a time to learn what us humans expect from our dogs!

Seeking All Pit Bull Terrier Enthusiasts!

2011-03-04T13:08:00.003-05:00

Help us display twelve months of beauty, love, devotion and positive pit bull images! Show off your phenomenal pit bull and enter PBRC's People's Choice Pit Bull Calendar online photo contest. Sofa stealers, Frisbee players, hikers, swimmers and dogs out-and-about with friends and families are all encouraged to enter!

Each and every photo submitted will be viewed and enjoyed by thousands -- what a wonderful tribute to the dogs! The 13 most popular photos will be shared in the "People's Choice Pit Bull" calendar, with the top-rated photo gracing the cover.

Your entry fee and the public votes that follow ($1/vote) will help PBRC with our efforts to help pit bulls find loving, responsible homes through our listing and screening services, and to financially assist the people who love these dogs with our spay and neuter fund and financial aid fund for life-saving medical treatment.

Our volunteers work 365 days a year to provide free information that educates the public, encourages responsible dog ownership and helps promote a compassionate world where the positive image of these dogs is restored.

Don't forget to look for PBRC's 2012 Happy Endings Calendar. We will begin accepting pictures June 1, 2011. An annual tradition since 2002, our Happy Endings Calendar is full of accurate breed information, heart-warming rescue stories and 12 months of GREAT color pictures of YOUR rescued pit bulls!

Freshen Up Your Spring Wardrobe!

2011-02-24T10:35:00.012-05:00

Show your support for PBRC with mugs, t-shirts, stickers, sweatshirts, and more! Visit our CafePress store today!

Three Ways to Celebrate Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day With Your Pit Bull

2011-02-22T16:51:00.014-05:00

Today is one of your dog's favorite holidays: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day.

Dogs love their biscuits, and since we love our dogs, Pit Bull Rescue Central is celebrating, too!

Here are some great ways to celebrate with the pit bulls in your life:

1) Treat Your Dog and Help Homeless Pit Bulls!

Check out some of the yummy options at our Poppy Shop:

When you purchase delicious treats for your puppy pals through these partners, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to help PBRC!

2) Bake with Poppy: Peanut Butter Oatmeal Biscuits

Feeling creative? Whip up a batch of homemade dog biscuits. There are lots of simple recipes that are easy to make, inexpensive to create and can be tailored to suit any special dietary needs. Here's one of Poppy's favorites:

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit Recipe with Oatmeal

This peanut butter dog biscuit recipe is what you're looking for if you want an easy dog treat. With only four ingredients, one of which is water, even novice chefs can treat their pups to homemade cookies!

Ingredients:

* 2 cups whole wheat flour (you can use another type of flour if your dog is sensitive to wheat)

* 1 cup rolled oats

* 1/3 cup peanut butter, chunky or smooth

* 1 1/4 cups hot water

Additional flour for rolling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F

2. Mix dry ingredients together.

3. Mix in the peanut butter and hot water. You may need to add more flour if the dough is too sticky.

4. Knead the dough well.

5. Roll out the dough into 1/4" thickness and cut into shapes with dog cookie cutters.

6. Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 40 minutes.

Turn off the oven and let them cool overnight.

After cooling, the cookies get very hard, just the way dogs like them!

Storing: This peanut butter dog biscuit recipe makes biscuits that will last in a sealed air-tight container at room temperature for one week. You can store them in the refrigerator for 3 weeks and in the freezer for up to 6 months.
(from the Dog Treat Kitchen)

3) Join Our Dog Biscuit Celebration on Facebook

The International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day celebration idea with the most “likes” by 10pm EST on Feb. 23 will win a prize package (including dog biscuits, of course). Visit our Facebook wall to "like" your favorite ideas or share your own!

Where did Dog Biscuits Originate?
Back in the 1800s, a London butcher was seeking to expand his business. He decided that he would bake biscuits to sell along with his meats. He baked up a batch of his concoction; however, when he tasted them, he decided they tasted horrible and gave them to his dog. His dog thought otherwise and gobbled up the biscuits eagerly. The butcher watched and, being the innovative businessman that he was, continued to make the biscuits designed for dogs. (Source: Scampering Paws)

In 1908, an American businessman bought the recipe and the F.H. Bennett Biscuit Company was established. The name of the new dog biscuit was Malatod. In 1911, the recipe for the original biscuit was patented and, in 1915, the name was changed to Milk Bone.

Later, others started making biscuits for the puppy palate and today there are options that range from standard fair to organic to hypoallergenic. Dog biscuits not only communicate our love to our dogs in a language that they understand, but they can be a useful tool in training and a meaningful reward for a job well done.

Happy International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day!

Photo credit: stephpowell

Help dreams come true for the shelter dogs of Animal Care & Control of New York City

2011-02-15T10:27:00.004-05:00

This spring, help the dogs of AC&C by donating a Kong by March 31, 2011.

AC&C of NYC is a private 501c3 non-profit organization that contracts with New York City for animal control services. Each year, AC&C takes in thousands of dogs. Those not adopted are simply euthanized, sometimes within a matter of days.

Dogs residing at AC&C experience stress from many things including social isolation, barren environments, large numbers of other animals, noise, lack of exercise and boredom.

Your gift of a Kong will help:

Reduce anxiety and stress.
Stimulate the mind while providing a tasty distraction
Provide a durable toy/treat dispenser
Deter destructive behavior

The presence of toys in kennels has shown to increase adoption rates.

Mail Kongs to:

Miriam Bouchma
3 Times Square
11th Floor
New York, NY 10036

For more information and to stay updated via the Donate A Kong to AC&C Facebook page. Click here.

PBRC's First Annual Valentine’s Day Kissing Contest!

2011-02-13T15:46:00.001-05:00

Does your Valentine have a wet nose and a tail? Do you think your pit bull could be the star of a kissing booth on Valentine’s Day? Pit bulls are such loving dogs that we at PBRC thought it fitting that this Valentine’s Day is going to the dogs! To celebrate, we are having a special kissing booth contest. The winner receives bragging rights as best kisser along with a great prize.

PBRC invites you to send your “kiss-a-bull” photos to our 1st Annual Valentine’s Day Kissing Contest!

Please submit photos no later than Sunday, February 13, 2011, 11:59 pm.

Voting begins Monday, February 14, 2011.
We will announce the winners on February 15, 2011

Contest rules:

One photo per dog
Include your name, dog’s name and email address
Contest is limited to pit bulls
Photos MUST be submitted before Sunday, February 13th, 11:59 pm
Only one vote allowed per person

Please send photos to: pbrccontest@gmail.com

Tails in the 'Hood Super Bowl Sunday Edition

2011-02-08T14:04:00.014-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Busy Weekend. Friday night Victoria Stillwell from "It's Me or The Dog" was presenting at a Pit Bull Talk in Gwinnett County. Very informative! I gain more respect for Victoria every time I see her. She has a passion for the pits. Ami's dog, Lenox, was showcased as well as Brandee's dog, Apollo. Saturday Ami had to help transport a Cane Corso up to Rome, GA. Well it was supposed to be a transport to Rome and somehow she ended up driving to Alabama! One of the legs to the transport didn't bother to show up. I drove up to Rome to get some video and pictures of Baby Kyle and his counterpart, Boy. These two dogs have been living in boarding since they were seized from a raid 2.5 years ago. They are now ready for adoption. They are both very loving and very sweet. Did I mention extremely handsome as well? Baby Kyle, is a little more relaxed, whereas Boy is just a clown. He is very toy motivated!! Loves to play and loves to be loved. They are both highly adoptable dogs.

Sunday rolled around. Ami and her husband, David, had to go get some car parts for Ami's car, so I took the opportunity to follow up on some of the people we met last week in Washington Park. I dropped by the Good Dog Company to bring True some vaccines and dewormer for her pups. She is fostering Rayme, our blind pitbull. Our other friend, Robin, is fostering Byron, the dog we took in last week while on a Tails in the Hood mission. Byron is doing great, He loves Robin's other dogs. Robin is also fostering Little Veronica, the emaciated girl we took in on our first Tails in the 'Hood mission. Byron is house broken, good with dogs, cats and people. Thanks True and Robin, we appreciate you very much!!

Next stop, Tymeco's house. He was on the way out when I called, but was willing to meet with me. We had a great conversation at Washington Park and I thought we may have gotten through to him and we did. We vaccinated and dewormed his beautiful 1.5 year pitbull named Redd. We also provided him with heartworm and flea prevention for the next 6 months. Tymeco agreed to let us get Redd neutered. His grandmother and brother also have a 1 year old brindle male named Cash. We vaccinated Cash and dewormed him as well as provided him with a 6 month supply of heartworm and flea prevention. We also gave them 2 bags of food. Tymeco is working on his brother to let us fix Cash as well. Redd is scheduled for next Monday at Lifeline in college park. They have a super team over there that are always willing to accomodate us.

Next call was to Terell. Terell is an aspiring rapper. He's very polite and very appreciative for what we are trying to do with our Tails in the Hood program. Terell is trying to schedule a day to get off early so he can have her fixed. We should be making the appointment this week. The next stop was Vine City to meet with Tim. We also met Tim at the Washington Park event. He was there with his 4 month old pit puppy, Pebbles. She was in need of some shots and dewormer. We vaccinated and dewormed little Ms Sassy Pebbles and Tim agreed that he should fix her. We are just trying to find a way to get her to and from Lifeline so we can schedule an appointment. We also provided Tim with a leash and collar for Pebbles. Every kid in that apartment complex felt the need to tell me about their pitbulls. I have a feeling we will be there again trying to reach out to these kids.

I came home and fed my dogs then headed to Liz's house. We needed to deworm Rosie JR and April. They are 2 pups that survived out of the litter of 6 that we rescued last week on our Tails in the Woods episode. These 2 are healthy and strong thanks to Village Vets and Liz and her husband, Matt, who are fostering them for us. They will be six weeks old next week and will be vaccinated then. Another busy but successful weekend. Today we had 4 more pups fixed at Lifeline. These were Spider and Demarco's dogs. 3 pits and 1 pomeranian that belonged to Spider's Mom. Thanks to Lisbeth and Marcia for the transport help. Some more good news: Peanut the Parvo pup that we treated at Village Vets has pulled through! He is home with his family and doing well. Those three dogs will be getting fixed within the next two weeks. If it wasn't for Pick having the good sense to call me, Peanut wouldn't be alive. Good Job Pick!! Tails in the Hood Rides again!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsKyNv1FHXY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tMRdq4yizA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiK7X8dyVN0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7iZblMM5Zw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILYZbSd_nGE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC4hSkDk5w4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E5xWM_8wkQ

Tails in the 'Hood (continued)

2011-02-02T12:10:00.004-05:00

November 28, 2010

I don't know if everyone knows about our project, Tails in the 'Hood, but basically Friends to the Forlorn and Atlanta Underdog Initiative went into low income areas and approached pit bull owners about responsible dog ownership. Here's a note from Jason about our latest adventures from weekend before last, and we just got the awesome news that we've been awarded a $ 5,000 grant towards our program!

Hey Everyone,

Rough weekend, as I am feeling a bit under the weather. This flu thing just grabbed a hold of me, but it cant stop us from following through on our Tails in The Hood missions. Last week we met Emerald (Pick) and GK in Decatur. We took them to Dekalb County Animal Control and showed them what it was like in the pound.( I sent the video last week) Thanks to the staff at DCAC and to Byron, from B Good Behavior Modification for taking the time to educate these two young men.

You see, these guys wanted to breed pit bulls as a source of income. They truly love their dogs, but just didn't know how bad it is out there for dogs, especially pits. Nobody ever explained to them about proper vaccines and worming or heartworm prevention. All it took was for some people to explain it to them. We just provided them with a little education. I went by today and vaccinated and dewormed their 4 pups. I gave them some heartworm preventative and we have now scheduled all three dogs to be spayed, neutered and micro-chipped as well as vaccinated for rabies. Lifeline Animal Project will be fixing them on Thursday. Now that's a great accomplishment, but it gets better. Now GK and Pick will be working with Tails in the Hood. I have a feeling you will be seeing these young men do a lot of good. We are working on getting them some fencing to get their pups off the chains. They are not allowed to have them indoors. Slowly but surely everything will work itself out.

Afterwards we went to go check on Kevin with his blue girl, Lady. We just got her spayed last week. I promised Kevin we would bring him some more food, and we needed to get the measurements to help repair his fence. We vaccinated Lady with a 5 in 1 shot and gave her a cap star for fleas. She has been inside since we gave Kevin a crate. Progress!!! We showed Kevin the video of our visit to Dekalb.

While I was driving home Ami called. It seems like Kevin and his friends want to take a day trip to the pound, too. We may reach a few more kids in the neighborhood. That’s what Tails in the 'Hood is all about, reaching out to the ones who really need to be reached. There are videos below of what we've been up to. Thanks for your support!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmSGbBdW6jo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyFajCnbkiE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icpxoj6PEsE

Now we're off on another Tails in the 'Hood mission tonight. Some neighbors found a pit/rottweiler mix they are calling Shuggie. We're taking them some food and a crate so they can bring Shuggie inside. It's too cold for him to be outside in this weather! It's supposed to be 20 degrees tonight. We're also going to get Shug signed up to get neutered at Lifeline College Park.

A New Year, A New PBRC

2011-01-28T18:37:00.018-05:00

The change in the calendar brought some changes at Pit Bull Rescue Central. Holly Bukes and Dawn Carroll have ended their terms as President and Vice President, respectively. Holly will remain on the PBRC team, while Dawn, one of the organization’s earliest members, will be moving on to new adventures.

The new Executive Committee is looking forward to 2011 as year of exciting ideas, energetic leadership and a renewed commitment to propelling the organization forward to help more dogs than ever.

Here’s a preview of a few projects PBRC is working on in the New Year:

Creating a PBRC Task Force to assist with large scale rescue operations.
Even more great blog content and building our community through social media (Find us on Facebook and Twitter).
Great new pit-friendly products and an even bigger and better PoppyMart.
Enhanced resources for rescuers, owners and advocates.
Recruiting to expand our volunteer base. (Interested in becoming a PBRC Volunteer? Click here to apply.)

Meet the New Officers

We are pleased to introduce PBRC’s new Executive Committee, whose long histories with PBRC, general animal welfare backgrounds and diverse skill sets not only make them excellent candidates for these positions, but also make for a dynamic leadership team:

President: Stephanie Feldstein
Co-Executive Director: Chris Cook
Co-Executive Director: Tiffany McBee
Vice President: Amiela Ciontos
Continuing as Treasurer: Alexis Kelly
Secretary: Jessica Roubitchek

Please take a minute to get to know each one of our team by reading the biographies below.

All of the nominated candidates for the officer positions were passionate volunteers, dedicated to a positive future for pit bulls. They each also had impressive backgrounds, making the choice difficult (and also making us realize how lucky we are to have such a talented team at PBRC).

With Sincere Appreciation

The executive committee would also like to express their appreciation to Holly Bukes, PBRC President from 2003-2010, and to Dawn Carroll, PBRC Vice President 2001-2010. As part of the previous leadership team, they have assisted in developing PBRC from an organization with a single volunteer and zero dollars to the successful organization it is today. Their years of dedication will have a positive impact on Pit Bulls and their people for years to come. Thank you both for your inspiration!

Biographies

Stephanie Feldstein – President: Stephanie is the editor for the Animals cause at Change.org. Previously, she worked in the non-profit field, most recently as the Development Director of the Ecology Center, an environmental advocacy organization. She served as Vice President on the Board of Directors of Earth Share of Michigan and as Secretary on the Board of Pit Bull Rescue Central. She has been part of the animal welfare and pit bull rescue community for over 10 years, as an animal shelter employee, foster home, dog trainer, behavior helpline responder, outreach/events volunteer, and rescue consultant. She also writes novels exploring animal welfare issues and the human-animal bond.

On a personal note: Stephanie lives in Michigan with a rescued menagerie of two Shepherd mixes, three Pit Bulls and two cats.

Chris Cook – Co-Executive Director: Chris has worked in the veterinary field as a Registered Veterinary Technician for almost 25 years. During that time she has worked in general practice, specialty practice, practice management and diagnostic laboratories. Chris fell in love with Pit Bulls during her early years of veterinary technician education/work and for many years operated a personal rescue effort that assisted many needy dogs and owners. Having been a volunteer with PBRC since 1999, her work has included creation and start up of the Volunteer Committee and she has served on the Adoption Application Team, Medical Fund Committee, Donor Relations Team and on the BOD as Co Chair of Volunteer Committee and PBRC Secretary.

On a personal note: Chris currently lives in Chandler, AZ with her husband Todd, rescued Staffordshire Bull Terrier Angus and assorted fish, birds, and houseplants. She enjoys photographing her dogs and has been the proud recipient of both local and national awards and calendar features.

Tiffany McBee – Co-Executive Director: Tiffany has been a PBRC volunteer since 2002, her work has included serving as the Treasurer, Chair of the Fund Committee, member of the Fundraising committee, Cafepress team and now processing adoption applications and co-chairing the newly formed PBRC Task Force committee. Tiffany is the founder of Broken Hearts, Mended Souls, a 501c3 mid-Missouri Pit Bull rescue group that features a free to low cost spay/neuter program for the residents of mid-Missouri. Most recently, she served as the President and Vice President from 2004 to 2008 for the Central Missouri Humane Society. During her tenure, the animal shelter overcame three years of deficit spending and won the national ZooToo.com shelter makeover contest valued at up to one million dollars.

On a personal note: Tiffany resides in Missouri with her husband Steve. They have two human children, Dalton and Austin, and five furry ones: Three Pit Bulls, one Cane Corso and a naughty little feline named Sugar.

Amiela Ciontos - Vice President: Ami has been involved in pit bull rescue and advocacy for the past 13 years, and has spent the last 8 years as a volunteer for Pit Bull Rescue Central. She has served on the PBRC Board of Directors as the chairperson of the Spay/Neuter Committee and was also the co-chair of the Fundraising Committee. Currently Ami serves on the PBRC Grant Committee and is the founder of the Atlanta Bully Rally, an annual event to celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Day. She is also the founder and president of Atlanta Underdog Initiative, a pit bull and mastiff rescue group and a founding partner of Tails in the ‘Hood, an outreach program to educate pit bull owners on responsible dog ownership.

On a personal note: Ami shares her home with husband, David, and three Pit Bulls and one Pit Bull/Boxer mix. Ami and her family almost always have two or more Pit Bulls or Mastiffs in their care through foster care.

Jessica Roubitchek – Secretary: Jessica is currently the Director of Alumnae Relations and Individual Giving for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, a council comprised of over 95,000 girls and 24,000 volunteers. She is responsible for identifying and cultivating major donors, and building an alumnae association with meaningful engagement opportunities. Jessica has been involved with the finance committee and PBRC's annual PoppyMart auction since 2009.

On a personal note: Jessica resides in Illinois with her husband and daughter. Because of PBRC and Pitbull-L, Jessica went from reluctant and uninformed Pit Bull owner in 2006 to the confident handler and breed advocate that she is today.

Alexis Kelly- Treasurer: Lex has has been involved in animal rescue for over 20 years and pit bull advocacy and rescue for the past seven years. She is the co-founder of Bmore Dog, a pit bull advocacy organization located in Baltimore, Maryland and has been a PBRC volunteer since 2006 and Treasurer since 2007. She is an accountant by trade, working in the commercial real estate development and finance industry since 1993.

On a personal note: Lex shares her home with three rescued pit bulls and several rescued kitties.

Tails in the 'Hood (continued)

2011-01-26T09:42:00.003-05:00

November 23, 2010

You are only as good as your word. Ami and I promised to help these people we met on our Tails in the Hood adventure on Sunday, and we live up to our promises. Ami and her husband, David, have arranged to take Lady, Kevin's pit in for her spay tomorrow and Jermaine's two females in to get fixed on Monday. I had an interesting day. I met with my two new pit bull loving friends GK and Pick. These two young men are friends and are affiliated with rival gangs.

We grabbed a burger over at McDonalds and headed over to Dekalb County Animal Control. GK and Pick agreed to come there with me to see all the pit bulls that die each day before they start their breeding kennel. Byron of B Good Behavior Modification met us there. Byron is a great dog trainer that used to breed pit bulls, but now he has seen the severe overpopulation problem. We spent about 3.5 hrs there. I shot some video of our trip to the pound. I think my new friends have seen the light. I think they got more than an education. We are going to help them vaccinate their dogs and Byron is going to give them a few training tips. GK and Pick even agreed to come out and help us on our next Tails in the ‘Hood mission.

I have a feeling GK and Pick are going to be doing some good with us. They do need to find some local work in the Decatur area. If anyone has anything for them, please contact me. Thanks to the staff at Dekalb AC for letting us spend so much time there today. Here are some videos. Keep in mind most of these dogs will be dead by Friday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxa1QRsPhdg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSiNZATX2Z8

Pet Points: Hefty pets need resolutions on diet and exercise, too

2011-01-24T10:22:00.002-05:00

Saturday, January 08, 2011

By Dr. Christie Schroth VMD.

Here we are, the beginning of the New Year. Many of us are joining the gym, returning to yoga class and cutting back the calories after the gluttony of the holiday season.

We are not the only ones who have gained some weight over the holidays -- our pets have most likely overindulged, too. Pet owners tend to spoil their pets over the holidays by allowing more table scraps and by purchasing gifts for them, often in the form of treats.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, nearly 50 percent of the nation's cats and dogs are overweight, driven by the same factors that cause their human counterparts to put on weight. To prevent pets from developing obesity-related diseases, experts recommend maintaining pets' healthy weight during the holidays by providing them with regular exercise and proper diet, among other measures.

I believe the percentage of obesity is much higher. Many times a day, as a practicing veterinarian, I have to tell owners that their pet is morbidly overweight but otherwise healthy. It is very common for a Labrador or a golden retriever to be more than 20 pounds overweight, or a cat to weigh 18 instead of 10 pounds.

Obese dogs are at increased risk for having excruciating pain from arthritis/degenerative joint disease, which can lead owners to euthanize their beloved pets earlier than they otherwise would because the animals can no longer walk. They are also more predisposed to tearing their cranial cruciate ligament in their knee, or stifle joint. This injury can cause much pain and lameness and sometimes requires expensive surgery.

Also, pets, much like humans, can have difficulty breathing with all the extra weight, especially the "pushed-in-face" breeds, such as pugs, Boston terriers and English bulldogs.

Overweight cats are at huge risk for developing diabetes mellitus, which requires treatment with insulin injections and dietary modification. This can be costly and inconvenient for an owner.

Here are some "Pet Points" that will help you to know if your pet is getting a little pudgy, and ways to help Fluffy or Fido shed some of the extra holiday cheer:

You should always be able to feel your pet's ribs without pushing too hard. If you can see the ribs, your pet may be slightly too thin.
When you stand above your pet, you should be able to see a "waist" behind the ribs, with a "cinched" appearance, as if it is wearing a belt.
Your pet should have a "tucked-up" appearance when you look underneath it. The abdomen should follow the contour of the ribs as it extends back toward the hip.
Always use a measuring cup to determine the amount you are feeding your pet in a day. The recommendations on the back of the pet food bag are based on active dogs and do not take in to account the amount of treats and "people food" that pets receive. I always tell people to use the recommended serving size for the weight a pet should be, not what they actually weigh. Also, cut down by about 20 percent of what the bag says if your pet gets extra goodies or doesn't get much exercise.
Try canned food. It has a larger protein to carbohydrate ratio and helps a pet to feel full faster. Think about eating soup to feel full. The larger water content keeps the appetite at bay.
Cut out the "people food"! A medium-sized dog needs only about 380 calories a day. Even a pizza crust can increase calorie intake by 20 percent. Try using pieces of dog food as treats.
Dog treats can have many calories. Rawhides, although they keep a dog's teeth beautiful, contain about 200 calories an inch. They can cause gastrointestinal issues as well, so it is best to avoid them.
Make exercise time for both of you. Joining a gym is helpful to you, but you might not feel like taking your dog for a long walk after a two-hour workout. A long dog walk is great exercise.

So ... while making your New Year's resolutions, take a good look at your pets. Perhaps they, too, could benefit from a diet and exercise plan for healthy living.

Dr. Schroth is a veterinarian at the Point Breeze Veterinary Clinic. Pet Points appears biweekly in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The intent of this column is to educate pet owners. Consultation with a veterinarian is necessary to diagnose and treat individual pets. If you have a question you'd like addressed in Pet Points, e-mail petpoints@post-gazette.com. Please include your name and municipality or neighborhood.

Richmond, VA - Free Spay or Neuter for College Students' Pets

2011-01-23T20:14:00.002-05:00

Free Spay or Neuter for College Students' Pets

3421 W. Cary Street
Richmond, Virginia 23221
(804) 359-meow (6369)
email: pal@preventalitter.org

Operation Pit-STOP Overpopulation - North Carolina

2011-01-21T10:38:00.004-05:00

The Humane Society of Charlotte
2700 Toomey Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28203

February 1, 2011

We are excited to announce our first pit bull spay/neuter promotion called Operation Pit-STOP Overpopulation that the Humane Society of Charlotte is conducting in conjunction with Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control, the SPCA Alliance and the American Pit Bull Foundation. Our goal is to spay & neuter over 100 pit bulls that would otherwise go unaltered. We are conducting this campaign in honor of Spay Day, a national annual campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, to inspire people to save animal’s lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats.

Throughout the month of February, we will be setting appointments for pit bulls to be altered on a first come, first served basis. Each surgery costs the Humane Society of Charlotte an average of $65. We are collecting funds to help us reach our goal to sterilize at least 100 dogs. If you are interested in donating to the project, please contact Donna Canzano at 704-494-7704. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please contact Clinic Manager Tammy Cornell at 704-377-0534, ext. 233 or via email at tcornell@humanesocietyofcharlotte.org.

Tails in the 'Hood

2011-01-20T15:29:00.001-05:00

Tails in the 'Hood began as a collaborative effort between two Atlanta area pit bull rescue groups, Atlanta Underdog Initiative and Friends to the Forlorn. They initially approached the owners and offered free dog food and vaccines. They formed a relationship with the owners before approaching them about spaying and neutering their dogs.

November 21, 2010

What a great weekend!! I headed out to meet Ami from Atlanta Underdog Initiative, her friend Drew and our new friend Tracy Bishop, who is a contributor to The Stubby Dog project. Tracy wanted to see what Tails in the ‘Hood is all about. I got to Ami's and we all jumped in the truck. A few days ago, while Ami was on the way to work, she came across a man walking a beautiful pit bull. Ami rolled down the window to her car and complimented the man on having a beautiful pit. The man said she needed a home. Ami had to go to work, so she called her husband David and had David go speak to the man. It turns out the man has six dogs and needs some help as he is in between jobs. We went over and spoke with him today. The man's name is Jermaine. We provided him with some great food and we are scheduling appointments to get some of his dogs fixed. It was a great day, but wait, it gets better.

While we were talking with Jermaine, he mentioned that there is a female pit roaming the block with 5 or six puppies in tow. He says the dog comes and knocks over his garbage looking for food. Jermaine described where the dog lived. Of course Ami knew who the owner was, good old Earl and his pit bulls. Every heat and there's a litter! Ami has been helping Earl by providing him with food for his pits for a while now, but she could never get him to fix his dogs. We decided to take a ride to go visit Earl and brought him some dog food. He was very appreciative. Ami asked him if he’s ready to get his dog fixed yet and he said he is as soon as the pups are old enough and Momma dog dries out. We are taking her in to get spayed in a few weeks. Wait, it gets better!

Remember the last video from Tails in the ‘Hood? We brought a crate and dog food to Kevin who attended the Atlanta Bully Education Rally. He had the pregnant blue pup in the yard. We decided to go check up on him and the pups. Kevin wasn’t home, but his mom was. We were just in time, as they were running out of dog food, so we left a few bags of food with her.

Kevin was up at the store with his dog, Lady. His mom told us that she hadn’t had the pups yet. His big male, Rocky, broke off his lead and ran away and they have not found him yet. As we drove away, we spotted Kevin walking Lady. We stopped the truck and got out to see them. Lady either wasn’t pregnant, or she lost the pups, because it has been to long for her not to have given birth. What a blessing! We pulled over to talk with Kevin. Guess what? We are scheduling an appointment for Lady to get fixed this week. Can you feel me? Can the day get better than that? I was so happy, I gave Kevin a Friends to The Forlorn Pitbull Rescue T shirt for free. That’s a big deal, because my mother bought hers! I don’t give these to just anyone. We are going to get Kevin and Lady some more food and teach him how to take care of her the right way.

Now we were on a roll. We went after Fletcher, Kevin's friend who is about 14 and a hustler. He breeds his pit bulls every chance he gets. We drove up to his house but he wasn’t home. We dropped off some food with his grandfather. As we were backing out of the parking spot I noticed Fletcher by the neighbor’s house across the street. Ami called out to him and he vanished. He knew why we were there. Fletcher, we are coming for you, buddy. You can run, but you can’t hide forever.

Columbia, MO ~ FREE Spay/Neuter Vouchers Available from Animal Control

2010-12-08T08:44:00.000-05:00

COLUMBIA- Columbia/Boone County Animal Control officers are offering the gift of responsible pet ownership this holiday season. Beginning immediately, FREE spay/neuter vouchers are available to all Boone County residents.

The vouchers, which can be used to spay or neuter both dogs and cats, can be picked up anytime Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm at the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services, 1005 West Worley in Columbia. No appointment is needed. Recipients must present a photo ID and proof of Boone County residency (i.e. driver’s license, utility bill, voter ID card, etc.) After a voucher is obtained, the pet owner should call the Central Missouri Humane Society to schedule the spay/neuter procedure.

There are no income restrictions for the vouchers and more than one voucher per household is allowed. Vouchers are available on a first come, first served basis. They must be picked up before December 30, 2010, but the spay/neuter procedure does NOT need to be completed before the end of 2010.

For more information, please contact Animal Control at 573.449.1888.

Rescue Chocolate, Calendars, and NEW iPhone 4 cases!

2010-11-18T14:14:00.001-05:00

Brand new to our CafePress store: iPhone 4 cases!

Perfect for holiday gifts (or yourself)! Bring style and protection to your Apple iPhone 4.

www.cafepress.com/pbrcstore

Here's a sweet deal!

Dear PBRC Friends,

Don't forget that your Rescue Chocolate purchases throughout the month of November will directly benefit Pit Bull Rescue Central.

Rescue Chocolate is 'the sweetest way to save a life' because the company donates all of its profits to animal rescue organizations like ours.

Get online now (www.RescueChocolate.com) and order some for your Thanksgiving feast, for your holiday gift-giving, and for your own private indulgences!

You win (because the chocolate is yummy!), and the bullies win too!

PBRC 2011 Calendars on Sale Now!

You've got choices to make this year! This year PBRC is presenting two beautiful full-color, saddle stitched, 12-month calendars featuring rescued pit bulls!

PBRC offers their special addition 2011 People's Choice Pit Bull Calendar features your photos, your votes and your winners!

Along with that PBRC is offering their traditional 2011 Happy Endings Calendar featuring rescued pit bulls in their adoptive homes.

Another Happy Ending from the Missouri 500

2010-11-11T09:36:00.010-05:00

In July 2009 a little black and white pit bull was rescued with hundreds of other pit bulls from their lives as fighting dogs. Already pregnant Vanilla as the shelter named her gave birth to 6 roly-poly puppies in a temporary shelter set up to house what became known as the Missouri 500.

In November 2009, after five long months in the temporary shelter, Vanilla started a new life with a new name. Vanilla became Sophie the day she came to my house for fostering until her forever home could be found.

Having never stepped foot inside a home before, Sophie had a lot to learn and a lot of fears to overcome. Veterinarians have recently realized that animals can exhibit many of the same symptoms that people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder do and Sophie had many of these same symptoms, the intense, constant anxiety, the hyper-vigilance to her surroundings and fear/panic resulting from loud or unexpected noises. It was several days before she could walk out of her crate voluntarily and many weeks before she could leave the room where her crate was located. The television was another novel experience that required four months of gentle persuasion before Sophie could tolerate the sounds and movements we take for granted.

Month after month of her progress was an emotional roller coaster with wonderful highs as I watched her conquer yet another new experience and horrible lows as a sudden change caused her to backslide into panic mode again. Through it all, Sophie showed the typical, wonderful pit bull personality. As long as she felt safe, she was a happy little clown, learning what toys are for and what cuddling with people is all about. Even at her most panic stricken she never once offered any aggression toward me and learned quickly that people could be a source of safety and comfort rather than fear and pain. She greeted everyone that walked in the door as if they were long lost friends.

In November 2010, just a few days short of one year, Sophie began her last and greatest adventure yet. Sophie was adopted by a wonderful family into her forever home. Nicole, Jose and 8-year-old Noah are Sophie’s new best friends and family. Because it took so long for Sophie to adjust to life inside a house, I feared she would suffer a set back when she went to her new home, but this resilient little pit bull proved me wrong as she walked into her new home and set about happily investigating every room and making herself comfortable on the furniture. She never missed a beat even when I left her to her new life. I will certainly miss my little girl, but I am so very happy that she will get to spend the rest of her life with a family that loves her and will spoil her like the little pittie princess she deserves to be.

Congratulations to Sophie and her new family and I wish you all the best for many years to come.

~ Amanda Clase

From our friends at Atlanta Underdog Initiative and Friends to the Forlorn

2010-11-02T19:02:00.005-04:00

Want to see the work Atlanta Underdog Initiative and Friends to the Forlorn does? Look at the videos below. This is taking to the streets and getting the word out. We weren't sure what to call it, but "Tails in the Hood" was rather catchy. Two Atlanta area rescues teamed up to reach the pit bull owners who need the education the most, and they started on the Southside of Atlanta.

On Saturday morning Jason and I assisted the Humane Society of the United States, Lifeline Animal Project and the Coalition to Unchain Dogs at a free rabies clinic and food give away for the general public in the English Avenue neighborhood of Atlanta. We provided the public with free rabies vaccines, free Halo dog and cat food and spay/ neuter assistance. It was nice to see all of the dogs and at least one cat (there may have been more cats, but I only saw the one) getting their shots. Some people even agreed to get their dogs fixed. Of course we saw a lot of pit bulls since they seem to be the dog of choice in lower income areas.

Before Jason arrived at the free rabies clinic he had picked up a large food donation in Morrow, GA. We used some of that food to do our neighborhood outreach on Saturday afternoon.

We delivered a new crate and some Halo dog food to a 17 year old boy who came to the Atlanta Bully Rally weekend before last. Jason and I were trying to educate this young man on proper and responsible pit bull ownership. He was given a pregnant female pit bull a few weeks ago. Though I wish we could talk him into getting a spay/abort, we have to gain his trust first so we don't alienate him. Besides, she's too far along for a spay/abort at this point. We also taught him how to care for his dogs and how to crate train them. We need to gain his trust so we can make sure the pups from his pregnant female end up in safe homes. We are trying really hard to get him to fix his dogs, but it takes time.

This is the work we will be doing, and here are two short videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKxGAe-ydIs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6-VryYcs1k

If you're in Atlanta and you want to help with this effort let us know! We welcome all the help we can get. You only need to have a passion for dogs, the ability to not judge someone and be able to keep a level head no matter the circumstances.

This work isn't easy, but we have to gain the trust of the people who need the education and build a relationship with them in order to help them become better pet owners. It's the best way to start to improve our communities, one dog at a time. Even if you're not in Atlanta you can model a program like this in your own area! All it takes is the desire to make a difference.

Rescue Chocolate ~ All November!

2010-11-01T19:59:00.006-04:00

Hey PBRC supporters, here’s a sweet deal!

For the month of November 2010, you can help funnel donations to us by buying and eating chocolate! The Rescue Chocolate company, which donates all of its profits to various animal rescue organizations, has named PBRC as its November 2010 beneficiary.

The more you buy (and eat, and give as gifts), the more you will be increasing the company’s donation to us. So go online now (www.RescueChocolate.com) and figure out which of the yummy flavors you’d like to order next month.

You can choose from Peanut Butter Pit Bull (our favorite), Pick Me! Pepper, Fosterrific Peppermint, Mission Feral Fig, Wild At Heart, and Bow Wow Bon Bons.

We think you’ll like what you see, because everything is vegan, kosher/parve, handcrafted by artisan chocolatiers using traditional Belgian techniques, and packaged in eco-friendly materials.

A sweet deal? We think so! So plan to eat more chocolate, and save more bullies….!

It's Time to Vote! PBRC's 5th Annual Howl-o-ween Photo Contest!

2010-10-29T08:38:00.002-04:00

PBRC's 5th Annual Howl-o-ween Photo Contest!

The canines in costume are all lined up and ready for your votes! Which costume is your favorite? Visit the Halloween Hound Gallery to view all the photographs and place your vote.

Click on the arrow to start the slideshow, then send an email to pbrccontest@gmail.com that identifies the corresponding number of your favorite photograph.

Voting begins at 12:00 am (EST) on Thursday, October 28. Be sure to wait until midnight: Votes will not be valid until the clock strikes midnight.

Votes will be accepted until 9pm (EST) Saturday, October 30. Only 1 vote per person/email address.

The three photos with the most votes will be announced and posted on Halloween, Sunday, October 31.

Prize winners will be contacted by email.

Thank you for your participation!

Halloween Safety Tips from the ASPCA

2010-10-26T08:19:00.001-04:00

No Scaredy Cats This Halloween: Top 10 Safety Tips for Pet Parents

Attention, animal lovers, it's almost the spookiest night of the year! The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet saying "trick or treat!" all the way to November 1.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increaing the chances that he or she will be returned to you

PBRC's 5th Annual Howl-o-ween Photo Contest!

2010-10-21T09:32:00.006-04:00

According to legend, if the flame of a candle turns blue on Halloween night, a ghost is near. But in the weeks before Halloween, if a room suddenly flashes white, that means a pit bull is looking adorable in a Halloween costume and its owner has broken out the camera!

So what will your pit bull be for Halloween? A rock star? A politician? Another animal or insect? A ghost or goblin? A household appliance? Be sure to snap a photo and send it to us.

PBRC invites you to submit photos to our 5th Annual Howl-o-ween Photo Contest.

Please submit your photos no later than 11:59 pm EST on October 27, 2010.

Voting begins October 28, 2010.

We will announce the winners on October 31, 2010.

Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners on Halloween!

Submission rules:

Submit only one photo per dog only.
Include your name, your dog's name and your e-mail address.
Contest is limited to photos of pit bull dogs.
Send your photos to pbrccontest@gmail.com

Voting begins once all pictures submitted on time are uploaded to the Halloween Hound Gallery.

Need inspiration?
Click here to see the 2009 contest winners and contestants!

National "I Own a Pit Bull" Day!

2010-10-19T07:45:00.006-04:00

PBRC Invites and Encourages You to Go Public on National "I Own a Pit Bull" Day!

October 23, 2010

National "I Own a Pit Bull" Day is a day to use the power of words and social media to declare ownership of pit bulls to acquaintances and strangers with the intent to promote pit bull ownership as something that is done by average, everyday, and extraordinary people.

So on October 23, 2010, let's make National Pit Bull Awareness Day a day where we stand up as proud and responsible pit bull owners.

Why Go Public As a Pit Bull Owner?

Even though it has been proven over and over again that Breed Specific Legislation doesn't work, local governments still attempt to introduce it into their communities.

Journalists rarely report on a dog attack unless the animal was identified as "pit bull"
Shelters are overpopulated with pit bulls.
Let's dispel the myths and stereotypes and show our community that we are conscientious pit bull owners and not who the media paints us to be.

Use your Facebook status. On October 23, create a status update that lets everyone know that you own a pit bull, along with another detail about yourself, be it mundane, marvelous, miraculous, or mediocre. Some ideas:

I own a pit bull and I love country music.
I own a pit bull and I am allergic to peanuts.
I own a pit bull and I have two mortgages.
I own a pit bull and I vote Green Party.
I own a pit bull and I am a cancer survivor.
I own a pit bull and I need coffee to get going in the morning.

Distribute "I own a pitbull..." business cards. Using the status from above, fill in these easy-to-print business cards, click here to download PDF, and distribute them to the people who might not know that you are a proud owner. Give one to your coworkers, gas station attendant, grocery store clerk, yoga instructor, bank teller, hairdresser, English teacher, doctor, taxi driver, subway seatmate, or anyone else.

Have fun!

PRE-ORDER YOUR 2011 CALENDARS NOW!

2010-10-06T20:17:00.006-04:00

You’ve got choices to make this year! This year PBRC is presenting two beautiful full-color, saddle stitched, 12-month calendars featuring rescued pit bulls!

PBRC offers their special addition 2011 People's Choice Pit Bull Calendar features your photos, your votes and your winners!

Along with that PBRC is offering their traditional 2011 Happy Endings Calendar featuring rescued pit bulls in their adoptive homes.

For the month of October PBRC will be taking pre-orders. The 2011 calendars will officially go on sale in November.

Reserve your calendar now!

Proceeds from calendar sales go directly to PBRC.

PBRC Fundraising
fundraising@pbrc.net

Thank You for Making PoppyMart a Success!

2010-09-24T11:26:00.003-04:00

The volunteers of Pit Bull Rescue Central (PBRC) would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you who participated in PBRC's 7th Annual PoppyMart! This year's auction raised an awe-inspiring $12,000!

Please be patient with us as we sort through and process of the 563 donated items. We do have a first round of paid-for items going out the end of this week and we hope to have all items paid for via paypal shipped by the end of next week.

If, you are paying by personal check or money order, your item(s) will ship once the check or money order has cleared. If you choose to pay by personal check or money order, you must send us an e-mail HERE ( ebaypoppy@gmail.com ) to let us know that the payment is on its way.

All of the funds raised will go directly towards helping needy pit bulls and pit bull mixes throughout the US and Canada. PBRC receives no government funding, and is staffed solely by volunteers. Our support comes directly from you, and it goes directly to the dogs.

Again, thank you for helping us help the dogs.

Pit Bull Rescue Central
Fundraising Committee

Bull Breed Awareness & Adoption Day

2010-09-21T14:39:00.002-04:00

Saturday October 2, 2010
PBRC will have a booth here!
Click image to enlarge.

PoppyMart 2010 is almost over! Don’t miss your chance to bid!

2010-09-18T08:38:00.008-04:00

You only have until September 19 at approximately midnight PDT to bid. Dog stuff, people stuff, gifts, jewelry and collectibles. There is something for every taste and wallet.

Please visit our sponsor page to support our generous donors. PoppyMart would not be possible without the many retail vendors, volunteers, and friends who donated to PBRC's auction.

Before you bid, we ask that you review our Auction Guidelines page.

To register for the auction and for instructions – Register Here! (Note: Everyone bidding needs to register with eBay.) If you are already registered with eBay, all you need to do is start bidding!

Click the link to go directly to PoppyMart!

Feel free to contact us at fundraising@pbrc.net with any questions!

~The Volunteers of PBRC

P.S. PLEASE cross post this message!

Free pit bull spay/neuter, Daytona Beach, FL

2010-09-14T09:10:00.002-04:00

The Halifax Humane Society is offering free pit bull spay-and-neuter clinics on Sept. 17 and 24. Additional dates will be announced for October and November.

Call June at 386-274-4703, ext. 319, for program details and to schedule your appointment.

Funded through proceeds from state sales of spay/neuter license plates.

http://www.halifaxhumanesociety.org/index.cfm

PoppyMart 2010 is Here! Let the bidding begin!

2010-09-13T08:16:00.006-04:00

PBRC's on-line auction, Poppy Mart 2010 is finally here. Through September 17, you can bid on 550 exciting items for auction! Dog stuff, people stuff, gifts, jewelry and collectibles. There is something for every taste and wallet.

Please visit our sponsor page to support our generous donors. PoppyMart would not be possible without the many retail vendors, volunteers, and friends who donated to PBRC's auction.

Starting at 12:01AM PDT, on September 13th, 2010, Pit Bull Rescue Central, Inc. (PBRC), a 501(c)3 organization, will be holding its seventh annual on-line auction. We are once again using eBay as our venue.

All proceeds from Poppy Mart will go directly to PBRC's Fund -which finances Pit Bull Spay/Neuter; assists with medical procedures beyond the financial reach of rescuers, caretakers, owners and shelters; and supports the website that enables us to list dogs for adoption and provide educational resources. PBRC is staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers.

Before you bid, we ask that you review our Auction Guidelines page.

To register for the auction and for instructions – Register Here! (Note: Everyone bidding needs to register with eBay.) If you are already registered with eBay, all you need to do is start bidding!

Click the link to go directly to PoppyMart!

Please note that the auction ends at 11am, September 19th – PDT.

Feel free to contact us at fundraising@pbrc.net with any questions!

~The Volunteers of PBRC P.S. Feel free to crosspost this message!

Poppymart is Days Away!

2010-09-10T09:05:00.006-04:00

It's that time of year again…PBRC's online auction is coming soon. Starting September 13th, we'll be listing hundreds of amazing items to raise money for Pit Bull Rescue Central (PBRC).

You'll find toys, treats and accessories for your dog; toys, treats, and accessories for you; original artwork and custom products; and more. Thanks to the generosity of many vendors, volunteers, and friends, there's something for everyone, so get your ebay account ready!

All proceeds from Poppy Mart benefit Pit Bull Rescue Central's important work, including financial aid to help rescuers and owners with medical procedures they could not otherwise afford; spay/neuter assistance; dog listings and adoption application pre-screening for dogs in need of good homes; and educational resources for all ages.

PBRC is staffed entirely by a dedicated group of volunteers who donate their time and energy to promote responsible pit bull ownership and restore the positive image of pit bulls.

Register now so you're ready to bid early and often. All bidders need to register with ebay, so if you don’t already have an account, www.ebay.com. You will be sent a link directly to our store once the auction begins.

If you have any questions, please contact us at fundraising@pbrc.net

The Poppy Mart Team

P.S. Feel free to crosspost this message

Pit Bulls & Parolees: Season 2

2010-09-09T10:40:00.001-04:00

Season Premieres Saturday, October 30 at 10 PM

Two hundred pit bulls; six convicted felons on parole; and 10 dusty acres in the middle of nowhere. What’s the common factor? It’s the crossroad for a chance at redemption, rehabilitation and rebirth for both man and man’s best friend.

And, at the center of it all is one fiery, extraordinary woman — Tia Maria Torres — who devotes her days and nights to giving the underdogs of the canine and human worlds a second chance.

PIT BULLS & PAROLEES televises fiery drama and both serious and light moments where felons and ill-reputed dogs come together to rescue one another from their dim pasts to bring new meaning to life. Each week, Tia, one of the country’s most renowned pit bull trainers and the founder of the Villalobos Rescue Center, the largest pit bull rescue facility in the world, works against all odds to save pit bulls from dangerous and abusive situations and help repaint their reputation. In doing this, Tia pairs pit pulls with parolees in the belief that these delinquent canine-and-man teams can redeem themselves and strip one another of their ominous pasts.

Now in its second season, Tia and her cadre of parolees face a new set of challenges including pit bulls rescued from a dog fighting ring, the pending trial of Tia’s husband, A.J., and the return of one parolee who went back to jail during season one.

One thing that hasn’t changed is Villabolos’ core mission — to rescue pit bulls from dangerous and abusive situations and find them new, loving and lasting homes.

Pit bull Uno gives blood to help other dogs

2010-08-31T08:10:00.003-04:00

This pit is a lifesaver.

Rachel Redd from Hobbs Animal Clinic poses with Uno, a
7-year-old pit bull who donates blood to help save the
lives of dogs.

LEVI HILL
NEWS-SUN
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010

Most of the time pit bulls make news for maulings and killings, but 7-year-old Uno isn’t a life-taker. He’s a life saver.

Uno donates his blood to save the lives of other pets in need of blood transfusions. Not unlike humans, dogs have different blood types and like the O-negative blood- type in humans, Uno has a universal blood type that can be used with all other dogs.

Dogs have antigens in their blood that can reach negatively in other dogs. Dogs like Uno have antigens that are less likely to cause a reaction, making them, for lack of a better term, universal donors.

“He has given to a Yorkie, a Border Collie mix and a German shepherd,” said Uno’s owner, Amanda Green of Hobbs. “I think its is kind of funny that these tiny dogs are getting blood from a Pit bull.”

Uno is no light-weight. At 80 pounds his friendly greeting when meeting someone new is enough to knock a person down, but Uno is a gentle giant. He isn’t just a blood donor, he is a certified therapy dog that vis- its the sick and elderly in hospitals and nursing homes.

The blood donor aspect of Uno’s life came while Green was working at Hobbs Animal Clinic and a patient dog was in need of a blood transfusion. Veterinarian Don Newman tested Uno and discovered he was a universal donor.

“It is nice to know too that your dog is giving back to the community,” Green said.

The process of a dog or cat donating blood is similar to a person doing it, but it can be much tougher because the animal has to be calm enough to sit still with a needle in their neck for up to 40 minutes.

Uno not only has the universal blood, but seldom requires sedation, which is not recommended by vets, when giving blood. So recently, when a local dog needed blood, Uno came to the rescue.

Veterinarian Rachel Redd at Hobbs Animal Clinic handled the procedure.

“This dog was significantly low on blood,” she said. “She is doing well as far as I know. She had a lot more energy and was eating well and didn’t appear to have any reactions to the transfusion.”

Redd had several cats as a veterinary students that donated blood and in larger cities with animal hospitals in need of blood regularly, it can pay to have your pet be a donor.

“Both my cats were blood donors and they got free food every month, free blood work and vaccines,” Redd said.

Local veterinarians don’t have the resources to offer those perks, but Redd said Hobbs Animal Clinic offers credits to pet owners who have donor dogs.

Blood transfusions can be costly, as much as $5,000 in some cases, because blood supplies are often limited in rural areas due of a lack of donors and because donated blood cannot be stored for long periods of time.

A donor dog typically needs to be a larger animal, heavier than 70 pounds, because weightier dogs can spare more blood in situations where it is needed for an anemic animal, Redd said. Pets are never asked to donate more than half a liter of blood in a two-three month period.

Dog owners looking to give back by having their pet become a donor should schedule an appointment with their veterinarian and let them know they want to have their pet’s blood tested to see if they are a viable candidate.

“They have to have a good physical exam,” Redd said. “They should be negative for heartworm and other diseases that are bacterial and bloodborn.”

The pet should also be calm and able to remain so during the process of extracting blood, Redd added.

Vote now!

2010-08-31T08:06:00.001-04:00

Hours left... Last chance to vote on the

PBRC People's Choice Pit Bull Calendar!

Soldier's unwelcome pit bull not an uncommon story

2010-08-30T08:19:00.003-04:00

August 30, 2010 5:00 AM
LANCE BENZEL
THE GAZETTE
Axel the puppy is a lot of things to his owner, Spc. Joshua Brown.

The 10-week-old Labrador mix is a source of comfort and companionship, a needed boost after a draining year in Iraq, and a potential guardian for Brown’s wife when the soldier leaves on a new deployment next year.

Unfortunately for the Browns, Axel is also half pit bull, and that’s enough to make him unwanted at Grand View Apartments in Colorado Springs, where managers have told the pair to get rid of the dog or move.

“He’s part of the family now. I’d rather move,” said Spc. Brown, who has lived in the complex in the 2500 block of East Pikes Peak Avenue since 2008.

The brewing standoff over the treasured family pet may be unique in its particulars, but it’s hardly an old story in Colorado Springs, where lovers of so-called “aggressive breeds” come into frequent conflict with landlords.

Although the city has no ordinances that prohibit pit bulls or other controversial dogs, many large apartment complexes ban them, citing the safety of other residents and concerns about liability.

And soldiers appear to be in a harder spot than many dog lovers.

In 2008, Fort Carson adopted an Army-wide ban on certain dogs including pit bulls and added several more breeds in the process, making the post is more restrictive than required.

Fort Carson’s dog ban includes Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Akita Inus, Doberman Pinschers, chows, Mastiffs and wolf hybrids, said Lynn Rivera of Balfour Beatty Communities, which manages the 3,060 houses on post. Only dogs registered before the ban took effect are permitted.

“They either have the choice to not have the pet or not move into housing, because we do not allow them,” Rivera said.

Families found in violation of the ban are generally given a week to find a new home for the pet or give notice they will leave post, she said.

Finding a suitable home off the post can be a challenge.

Laura Russmann, executive director of the Apartment Association of Southern Colorado, said privately enforced dog bans became a hot topic in 2009 as 4th Infantry Division soldiers moved here in large numbers from Fort Hood, Tex.

Russmann’s advice, then and now: Forget apartment complexes and find a single-family house for rent with plenty of space between neighbors.

“Because of the liability, most large professionally run apartment complexes will not allow aggressive breeds,” Russmann said.

Pet bans are a leading factor cited by dog owners who give their animals up at the county shelter, said Stacey Candella, a spokeswoman for the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.

Pit bulls, with their enduring notoriety, are among the most abandoned breed, she said.

Housing the controversial dogs is enough of a challenge that the Humane Society requires a signed form from landlords before it allows anyone to adopt pit bulls, and workers perform site inspections to ensure the dogs will be properly cared for, Candella said.

Brown, 22, of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, has no interest in giving up his dog, putting him at odds with the terms of his lease at Grand View Apartments, which spells out the restrictions on aggressive breeds.

Brown said he inquired at the management office before getting the dog from an Army buddy in June and was told that it shouldn’t be a problem. A manager at Grand View disputed his version, saying that Brown had the dog for six weeks before the leasing office learned about it.

Once Brown returns from training in Pinon Canon in southeastern Colorado Springs in early September, he said intends to focus on finding new lodging, even if it means paying to terminate his lease.

Relatives worry about the prospect of Brown losing the pet.

The soldier’s mother, Janet Brown, said Axel has done more than the Army or anyone else to comfort her son after a turbulent year in Iraq that ended in the fall of 2009.

Once happy-go-lucky, she said, her son came home moody and anxious. He complained of frequent headaches and hated being around large crowds. What sleep he managed to get was interrupted by nightmares.

Talking to Army psychologists didn’t seem to help, but Axel did.

“He seemed excited for the first time since he got back from Iraq,” Janet Brown said. “Now he’s faced with losing the one thing that had made him happy again.”

Barking up the right tree?

2010-08-26T11:15:00.003-04:00

Pit bull service dog owners make progress with City Council

Peter Marcus, DDN Staff Writer

Thursday, August 26, 2010

SERVICE DOG? — To Glenn Belcher, an Operation Desert Storm veteran, his pit bull, Sky, absolutely is a service dog.

Operation Desert Storm veteran Glenn Belcher suffers from posttraumatic stress disorder. His 3-year-old pit bull, Sky, is his only saving grace.

But Denver animal control officials won’t let Belcher keep his pit bull because of a 20-year-old city ban on the breed. Never mind that Sky is considered a service dog, protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Animal Control Director Doug Kelley simply couldn’t approve Sky for use in the city because Sky is of a banned breed, considered by most on City Council to be vicious and a danger to the city.

Help, however, may be coming to disabled Denverites like Belcher. A City Council committee on Tuesday moved forward with a change to the city’s 20-year-old ban on the breed that would allow people with disabilities to own pit bulls that are considered service dogs.

Belcher relies on Sky. He shares his horror stories with his buddy so that he doesn’t have to burden his friends and family with the pain. When Belcher suffers from night terrors, Sky sits on his chest to keep him from panicking out of control. Sometimes Sky wakes Belcher up out of the terrors and eases his trauma with a lick to the face.

“There’s no such thing as a bad dog, but there’s such a thing as bad owners,” explains Belcher. “That’s what happened. This poor breed has just been side-railed into oblivion, and I think it’s time for the public to understand that it’s not the dogs.”

When Belcher was blocked by animal control from having his service pit bill in Denver, he took the case to the Wheat Ridge-based Animal Law Center. Attorneys planned on filing with a federal court for an injunction preventing the city from blocking pit bulls as service dogs. But in March, both Denver and Aurora – which also bans pit bulls — signed a joint stipulation stating that they wouldn’t go after any pit bulls that are considered service dogs.

Attorney Jennifer Edwards isn’t resting quite yet. She has filed a federal lawsuit challenging both Denver’s and Aurora’s pit bull bans, arguing that the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits municipalities from using breed-specific legislation to ban any service dog. Three plaintiffs are named, including Belcher.

The federal law is clear in that it preempts any municipal breed-specific ban in cases where the animal has been designated as a service dog, said Edwards. City attorneys agree.

The Animal Law Center’s lawsuit also challenges Denver’s prohibition against transporting pit bulls through Denver. City Council members heard from city attorneys on Tuesday that they need to update the city’s pit bull ban to lift transport restrictions on pit bull owners who travel through Denver. A state court actually ruled in 2004 that the city had no right to prohibit transport of pit bulls through the city. But in over five years, city officials never updated its law to comply with the court’s order.

“It’s pretty offensive that this has been on the books this way for this long in complete violation of the ADA, in complete violation of our Constitutionally protected rights, and it took a lawsuit from the Animal Law Center to open their eyes,” said Edwards.

The proposed ordinance change passed out of the Health, Safety, Education and Services Committee on Tuesday and is likely to be heard by the full City Council on Sept. 13.

City Council members appeared reluctant to back the ordinance change, but felt their hands were tied by federal law. Councilwoman Carol Boigon, who has a disability herself and says she is a proponent of the Americans with Disabilities Act, said she is concerned that the ordinance change will lead to an abuse of the system and a sort of back door to legalizing pit bulls.

“I’m thinking of all of the drug houses that I have worked on over the last seven years, and a couple of them have people who have become paraplegics in bad drug deals, but were still dealing out of their house, and they had tough dogs,” said Boigon. “Was that a service dog? Well, I don’t know, but those certainly were legitimately handicapped people. I think we’re going to be in a world of hurt down the road on this.”

Animal Control Director Kelley acknowledged that the city has no separate licensing process for service dogs. In other words, anyone can walk in to claim their dog is a service dog, and animal control officers are not allowed to ask specific questions about the person’s disability because of protections afforded under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

City attorneys acknowledged that the only way for animal control officers to prove that a person is legitimately using a service dog would be to follow-up with an investigation. But officials say there simply are no resources to allow for those investigations.

Councilman Doug Linkhart suggested that Kelley and his department develop a separate licensing process for service animals, as well as a test or survey to accompany the application.

But in the meantime, concern — or joy depending on which side of the fence you stand on — is being raised that the ordinance change is leading to a legalization of pit bulls in the City of Denver.

Councilwoman Carla Madison — an opponent of the city’s pit bull ban who is attempting to garner support for a bill that would allow pit bulls if they are specially licensed by the city — said it is ridiculous for the Council to be enacting piecemeal changes to the city’s pit bull ban.

“I just think that this opens kind of a Pandora’s box,” she told her colleagues. “You have to observe the dog. Who’s going to do that observation? We don’t have that many animal control officers, and they have enough to do as it is.”

“Maybe we need to re-look at our pit bull ban and see if there’s some way we can help close that gap … maybe put in place a dangerous dog act, just look at it differently,” Madison continued.

The lawsuit by the Animal Law Center isn’t the only lawsuit Denver is facing. There are at least eight individuals who have or are currently pursuing or considering lawsuits against the city.

The most prominent case is one filed in 2007 by pit bull advocate Sonya Dias. The city is spending thousands of dollars defending itself against the lawsuit.

Dias was forced to sell her home in Denver to save her pit bull Gryffindor. She hopes the continued pressure will lead to a repeal of the ban.

“Any sort of societal change takes time, and thank God we’re moving toward more wiser laws and maybe a little compassion thrown in there as well,” said Dias. “I think it’s going to change, no matter what. What we’re doing, and what the ADA-oriented lawsuit has done is just pushing that to make it happen a little faster.”

PBRC People's Choice Pit Bull Calendar

2010-08-25T15:15:00.002-04:00

Please VOTE!

There's just under one week left to get your votes in for PBRC People's Choice Pit Bull Calendar! We need help getting 13 of the BEST photos!

Which lovely model will you have take first place? Will it be Pauline, or perhaps Paris? Maybe one of the underdogs will win? You decide!

Remember, the 13 most popular photos will be shared in this special edition calendar with the top rated photo gracing the cover. Your entry fee and the public votes that follow ($1 each vote) will help PBRC continue to help more dogs find loving, responsible homes via our dog listings and application screening services. It will also help us continue to assist with spay and neuter surgeries and life-saving medical treatments. This calendar is for the people and pit bulls by the people.

Poppy Mart is One Month Away!

2010-08-13T08:27:00.005-04:00

It's that time of year again… PBRC's online auction is coming soon.

Starting September 13th, we'll be listing hundreds of amazing items to raise money for Pit Bull Rescue Central (PBRC). You'll find toys, treats and accessories for your dog; toys, treats, and accessories for you; original artwork and custom products; and more. Thanks to the generosity of many vendors, volunteers, and friends, there's something for everyone, so get your ebay account ready!

All proceeds from Poppy Mart benefit Pit Bull Rescue Central's important work, including financial aid to help rescuers and owners with medical procedures they could not otherwise afford; spay/neuter assistance; dog listings and adoption application pre-screening for dogs in need of good homes; and educational resources for all ages. PBRC is staffed entirely by a dedicated group of volunteers who donate their time and energy to promote responsible pit bull ownership and restore the positive image of pit bulls.

Register now so you're ready to bid early and often. All bidders need to register with ebay, so if you don’t already have an account, www.ebay.com. You will be sent a link directly to our store once the auction begins.

If you have any questions, please contact us at fundraising@pitbullinfo.net

The Poppy Mart Team

P.S. PBRC is a non-profit organization that relies on donors and supporters to continue our work. If you can’t wait four weeks to support us, you can shop for pit bull gear or make a donation at PBRC.

We need your help to vote in the best pictures for our Special Edition People’s Choice Pit Bull Calendar ending August 31st. For a minimal $5.00 donation you can help the dogs and help us have a great calendar!

PitBullShirt.com and PBRC!

2010-08-12T15:53:00.005-04:00

Great summer shirts! Buy a shirt from www.PitBullShirt.com in August, and PBRC will get 10% of all the proceeds! Thanks for your support!

Take a look at their great products. It's not too early for your holiday shopping!

My Heart Belongs to a Pit Bull
Rock and Roll Pit Bull Saloon
Hug a Pit Bull
Pit Bull Motorcycle Club
And much more!

Click here:
http://www.tommypopart.com/pitbullshirt.html

Dearborn, MI ~ Bully Splash Bash

2010-08-10T12:46:00.007-04:00

Bully Splash Bash
Currey's Family Pet Care
6261 Hannan Road Romulus
Sunday August 15
Time: 11:00 to 4:00
Cost: FREE
Dogs invited? YES; all breeds

A fun-filled day to celebrate our Bully Breed friends & their families.

Enter fun competitions-win prizes!

Dock Diving Competion (newbies only)
Weight Pull Competion (newbies only)
Doggie Scavenger Hunt
Canine Good Citizen Testing
Games, Contests, Prizes, and much more!

Low Cost

Microchipping
Vaccinations
Heartworm Testing

Provided by Unleashed Mobile Veterinary Services

2010-08-03T15:49:00.001-04:00

Tale of Amos the 'pit bull' comes to happy end

Gabe Paal plays with Amos, who in April became the first adult 'pit bull' transferred from the Lucas County Dog Warden's office to the humane society. Previously, all 'pit bulls' were euthanized.
( SPECIAL TO THE BLADE/JAY LAPRETE )

Zoom | Photo Reprints

By JC REINDL
BLADE STAFF WRITER
COLUMBUS - For a young, gentle, and playful dog named Amos, life has been a roller-coaster ride on the extremes of good luck and bad. The bad luck started early. Born an American Staffordshire terrier, Amos belongs to one of three core dog breeds that fall under the generic descriptive term "pit bull." And not only was he from Ohio, the only state that by law deems "pit bulls" inherently vicious, but he was in Lucas County, where for decades the dog warden believed in killing all unclaimed "pit bulls" and "pit bull" mixes regardless of behavior or age - from the youngest puppies to the most docile adults. So the odds weren't in his favor April 12, when he was picked up running loose and taken to the county pound. But Amos was due for his first stroke of good luck. The county had recently hired new Dog Warden Julie Lyle, who believed that well-behaved "pit bulls" like Amos deserve the same chance at life as any other dog.

Amos, left, is chased by his running mates, Daphne and Maverick in Etna Township, which is near Columbus. Their owner, Gabe Paal, has an enclosed, 2.5-acre yard in which the dogs can play.
( SPECIAL TO THE BLADE/JAY LAPRETE )

Zoom | Photo Reprints

After much controversy, he became the first adult "pit bull" at the pound to be freed from death row and transferred to the Toledo Area Humane Society. The day before the transfer, the humane society announced its own new decision to begin adopting out its best-behaved "pit bulls" to the public.

By the final week of April, Amos was on his way to the Columbus-based rescue group Pet Promise. From there he was sent to a day care and boarding facility in the city, the Canine Social Club, where he learned to socialize with other dogs.

On July 3, he arrived at his "forever home." He now lives in rural Licking County outside of Columbus with Gabe Paal, 62, and two other dogs: a 5-year-old male "pit bull" and Jack Russell terrier mix, and a 5-month-old female Olde English Mastiff. Mr. Paal has a multilevel house with 2.5 acres of enclosed yard for the dogs, whom he jokingly refers to as surrogates for his three now-grown children. Their Etna Township property is bounded by another 40 acres of open field that the neighbors allow the pooches to play in. According to the Paal family, Amos has lived up to his reputation for good behavior. He loves people and being petted. He never bites. He gets along well with his "brother" and "sister" dogs. He obeys basic commands. And he'll gladly stay in his mattress-lined crate when Mr. Paal goes in to work as a medical technologist. Asked to recall Amos' worst transgression, Mr. Paal said that during his first week he twice had an accident in the house in front of the doggy door before learning how to use it. Still, there is something about Amos, who has a light brindle coat, that those who first meet him should know. If given his way, he'll crawl up into a visitor's lap and smoother his company with sloppy wet kisses. "The only thing that Amos is aggressive about is sharing his love," daughter Jennifer Paal, 25, said Sunday as he lay at her feet in the backyard after playing fetch. "I do know there are some bad 'pit bulls,' but if you have a pit bull and you raise him the right way, he will be like this." Mr. Paal learned of Amos through his younger daughter, Kelsey Paal. An employee at Canine Social Club, Miss Paal met the dog the day he arrived from Toledo. Amos quickly became a favorite at Pet Promise and the social club for his outgoing demeanor and the story of how he narrowly escaped lethal injection in Lucas County. "It is really hard to think that he was a day away from death," Miss Paal said. Kelly McCafferty, dog program coordinator at Pet Promise, said her group read in The Blade that Amos could be euthanized within a day, and immediately contacted the office of Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop. Several hours later, after multiple rounds of phone calls, Ms. McCafferty heard that Amos would instead be spared. "There were lots of tears shed," she recalled. Since Amos left the county pound, 15 other adult "pit bulls" have been transferred out to the humane society, according to the dog warden's office. There have also been 44 "pit-bull" puppies transferred out in 2010. Like Amos, these "pit bulls" scored the highest marks on the department's temperament test. Dozens of other impounded "pit bull" type dogs who didn't score as well have been euthanized this year. John Dinon, executive director of the humane society, said that of the "pit bulls" his organization has received from the dog warden, three were adopted, three were transferred to rescue groups, one went to a foster home, and one was euthanized due to "severe dog-to-dog aggression." The humane society reclassified the other "pit bulls" it got from the dog warden as not really being "pit bulls," and put them up for general adoption, Mr. Dinon said. "Boxer mix" was the typical reclassification. "It's the big boxy heads that are sort of in that gray area - boxer or pit bull," Mr. Dinon said. "There is really no exact science as to what's a pit bull … it's really a matter of opinion in some cases." Mr. Paal conceded that he was initially hesitant to take in Maverick, the "pit bull" mix that is now Amos' sibling, because of the stereotype that all "pit bulls" are vicious. But his eldest daughter, Jennifer, who got him as a puppy while a student at Bowling Green State University, convinced him that Maverick was a good dog. "Dad was pretty nervous when I told him he was a 'pit bull' mix, but obviously now they're in love," Miss Paal said. Though won over to pit bulls' charms by Maverick, Mr. Paal was still nervous about the prospect of bringing home Amos. Would it be safe to have two "pit bull" type dogs under the same roof? "I admit I had a lot of reservations," Mr. Paal said. "But Maverick and Amos are best friends. They run and wrestle together. They play with the same sticks. They sleep almost nose to nose." Kelsey Paal, who works with dogs every day, said the friendship of the two pit bulls "is definitely one of the strongest dog bonds I have ever witnessed."

ASPCA Block Party - Brooklyn, NY

2010-07-16T08:16:00.003-04:00

What:

ASPCA Block Party! Services include free spay/neuter surgeries, microchipping and vaccinations. The day-long event will also feature adoptable pets, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents, pet health and behavior experts, raffle prizes and giveaways. There will also be a special "Kids Zone" with face painting and temporary tattos. Plus, live performances by Grammy-nominated R&B recording artist Maiysha, Tuan X and special guest DJ Hard Hittin' Harry!

When:

Where:

Why:

Saturday, July 17, 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.

Brooklyn Public Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY

Although New York City has made great strides in reducing the number of homeless animals euthanized due to the lack of loving homes, more than 50,000 homeless pets enter New York City shelters each year. In 2009, the ASPCA spayed and neutered more than 31,000 cats and dogs on our Mobile Spay/ Neuter Clinics.

Details:

For more information, please call 877-SPAY-NYC (bilingual, 24 hours a day), or visit www.aspca.org/877spaynyc.

From Change.org: Fox News Station Censors Dogs

2010-07-15T08:13:00.002-04:00

Update 07/12/10: We just received word from Karma Rescue that Fox 11 has reversed their decision to discriminate against Pit Bulls, Pit Bull mixes, Rottweilers, and Dobermans.

They will once again help these dogs find homes on their Adopt-a-Pet segment. Thanks to the nearly 300 Change.org community members who sent a message on behalf of the dogs, and thanks to Fox 11 for giving these dogs a chance!

Click here to read more...

Memphis, TN - Free Spay Neuter!

2010-07-14T09:19:00.003-04:00

FREE spay/neuter for pit bulls and pit bull mixes, Memphis, TN area !

Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services Memphis is offering free spay or neuter through August (or until funding runs out)!

Call today for an appointment, (901) 324-3202.

Have your dog fixed or help a friend or neighbor get theirs fixed. http://www.spaymemphis.org/

http://www.cafepress.com/pbrcstore/221189

Painted pit bull gets new home, new owner

2010-07-06T09:12:00.001-04:00

Hot fun in the summertime...

2010-06-30T10:24:00.004-04:00

Being outdoors with your dog can indeed be fun. But in the summer, it can also be dangerous. The same concerns that we humans have--sunburn, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke--are shared by our dogs. Here are a few ways to prevent your dog from becoming a victim to the sun!

Use Sunblock.
Use a sunblock formulated for children, without PABA. Areas to be mindful of are the nose, the area around the eyes, and the ears. Even dark dogs get melanoma--so be generous with that application!

Limit Exposure
The sun’s peak hours are 11:00 am -- 4:00 pm. Try to avoid being in direct sunlight at these hours. If you are having a picnic, or are otherwise outdoors, make sure there is plenty of shade. And, plenty of fresh water available for your dog!

Use Common Sense and Remember, If You are Hot, Your Dog is Hot!
Hot city streets and sidewalks are uncomfortable for your dog. Don’t bring your dog with you if you are going to be out and about for more than 20 minutes.

Don’t assume that your dog is safe if she/he is playing in a pond or other body of water. If the water is hotter than 75°F, it is too hot for lengthy play.

NEVER leave your dog unattended in a vehicle, which can attain oven-like temperatures in a very short period of time.

Don’t leave your dog outside in the heat. If you must, be sure there is ample shade and fresh water available.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Heavy panting
Dog begins huffing and puffing or gasping for air
Dog’s gait becomes unsteady
Dog lays down or collapses and can't get up

Treatment

Bring your dog to a cooler place
If possible, take your dog’s temperature. Your dog’s temperature should be 101°-103°F. Anything at or above 105°F is a medical emergency.
Begin to cool your dog by placing cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits, and in the groin region. You may also wet the ear flaps and paws with cool water.
DO NOT USE COLD WATER OR ICE TO COOL YOUR DOG
Transport to your vet

Symptoms of Heat Stroke
The above symptoms worsen, your dog’s gums could begin to turn purple, your dog might drool excessive saliva from its nose and/or mouth and your dog might lose consciousness.

Treatment
The same as for Heat Exhaustion. Bring your dog to the vet as soon as she/he seems to be cooler--internal damage is not visible to the naked eye.

July 4th Fireworks Are No Blast For Pets

2010-06-24T11:43:00.005-04:00

Returning home from a holiday celebration, Sharon Moore and her family discovered feces on their living room floor.

The sliding glass door to their backyard was open, and a hole had been dug under their fence.

The Moores were gone for only four hours, but D.O.G., their 2-year-old, aptly-named white German Shepherd, was gone. Left on her own to face the tumult of fireworks and loud celebrations, she escaped, apparently to seek the familiar—her family—even if she had no idea where to look.

"From what we can tell, when D.O.G. heard the fireworks she freaked out and pooped on the floor inside—for the first time ever—then she opened the sliding glass door with her paw, and dug a hole outside our fence.... She went searching for us," said Moore, of Maitland, Fla.

The Moores' search for D.O.G. ended when she was found dead alongside a road where she was often walked.

No Celebration

Moore believes that D.O.G., who wasn't normally scared of thunder or other loud noises, panicked from the cumulative effects of the fireworks, the excited voices outside, and being left alone inside the house.

Leave Them At Home The Moores' tragic loss isn't unique. Pets often become frightened and frantic by the noise and commotion of Independence Day. In fact, animal shelters across the country are accustomed to receiving "July 4th" dogs—dogs who run off during fireworks celebrations and are rescued by animal control officers or good samaritans who take them to the safety of a local shelter.

Fortunately, preventing pet problems on Independence Day is possible by simply planning ahead and taking some basic precautions.

"With a little bit of planning and forethought, you can enjoy the excitement of the Fourth of July and know that your animal companion is safe, sound, and enjoying a little peace and quiet," said Nancy Peterson, an issues specialist with The Humane Society if the United States.

To protect your pet on the Fourth of July, take these precautions:

Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

If you follow these simple precautions, you and your pet can have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

From the HSUS. Updated June 23, 2009.

June 25: Take Your Dog to Work Day

2010-06-21T09:05:00.006-04:00

How to prepare for bring your dog to work day...

Get Fido ready for work! This June 25th is Bring Your Dog to Work Day. Spending time in a new environment can help socialize your pet, getting him used to new faces, smells, and experiences.

And there is also the calming, soothing effect that a dog can have on humans as well. Studies have proven that having pets in the workplace creates a more productive work environment lower stress, and actually decrease employee absenteeism.

The American Kennel Club offers the following tips for those planning to take their dog to work:

Survey the scene. Before you bring your dog to the office, take a look around and pet-proof your space. Secure all cabinets and trash cans that contain food. Remove anything smaller than a tennis ball or items within your pet's reach that have sharp edges or could be a choking hazard. Cover exposed electrical cords or outlets to prevent burns and electrocution as the result of chewing.

Behavior. You should only take well-trained and housebroken dogs to the office. Make sure your pup is socialized and safe around strangers. If your dog is unnerved by changes in environment or social situations, the attention and strange noises involved associated with an office may cause your dog undue stress.
Health. You would stay home from work if you were sick and so should your dog. If your pooch has a contagious condition, leave him at home. It is also very important to make sure all of his vaccinations are up to date.
Hygiene. Make sure your pup is clean and well-groomed before you take him to work. A dirty dog might cause complaints from co-workers.
Bring the necessities. Make sure you have the necessities with you, such as bowls, food, quiet chew toys, treats, clean up bags and a leash.
Supervise! Supervise your dog at all times. Be mindful of people who might be afraid of your dog and those who are allergic to him.