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

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.