Phila ACC Pen Pal Program

Animal Care and Control can be a rough place for a dog to be, but Philadelphia's ACC is doing something very special to ease the strain on dogs living in their shelter and increase their chances of getting adopted through their Pen Pal Program.

Dogs in this program get 1 on 1 attention from their Pal twice a week at the shelter and one out-of-the-shelter excursion a month (hiking, walking, playing outside, practicing basic training, relaxing in a real house...). Pals also agree to help get their dogs adopted through online marketing and outreach. You can find a few of them on Craig's List. While out and about, a lot of the dogs get more exposure and can find adopters that way!

Here are some pics of dogs at PACC enjoying their time with their Pals...


Learn more here. See happy stories of Pen Pal "graduates" here.

Pittie Pick-me-up!

Tired of looking at the poor emaciated faces of pitties waiting to find a home? Well now you can check out StubbyDog's Rescue Dog of the Week to see all the amazing transformations of lucky and adoptable dogs all over the country.

Check out this week's doggy, Dumpling, a four-month-old who was abandoned, emaciated, only 24 lbs and had the worst care of demodectic mange and secondary infections that the vets had ever seen. He has made such an amazing recovery!

Dumpling BEFORE

Dumpling AFTER

Now he is 1 year old, 47 pounds and is happy and playful. He loves to play with his foster buddy, loves to cuddle and is available for adoption! Check out more pics of Dumpling enjoying life!

Dumpling is available for adoption through Rocket Dog Rescue, which is located in San Francisco, CA. You can check them out on Facebook or see Dumpling on PetFinder or check out his blog.

Pittie of the Week: Lucy- A face you have to love...

Lucy does have a face only a mother could love, but being a pittie-mom, I love it.

Abuse and over-breeding of pit bulls is not just an American problem. This dog, Lucy was rescued off the streets of Bogota, Columbia where she was being beaten and forcibly and repeatedly raped by aggressive male dogs for breeding. She deserves all the love and comfort in the world. Her face my be disfigured, but it shows the world what she has been through, and will help many people understand the plight of dogs like Lucy who deserve so much more.

Here's her description from Strays from the Heart:

Hi my name is Lucy! I've was rescued from the streets of Bogota, Colombia and lived in a foster home over there for about 6 months before coming to the U.S. Prior to my rescue I was beaten by my former owner so badly that my nose and jaw were broken. Both body parts have already healed, but since they never set properly this gave me my uniquely good looks and character. What do you think? Unfortunately not much can be done about my face unless they break the bones and reset them again, not sure I want to go through that. Whoever did this to me also pulled out some of my canine teeth so I could not fight off the many male dogs that would repeatedly mate with me when I was in heat. Yeah I know, this is a terrible way to live. But although I was used as a breeding machine, by my lucky stars, I somehow got away. Then I was living on the streets, alone, emaciated and pregnant. Then that’s when my angel found me.

Upon examination at the vets office they found that my uterus was twisted and they had to decide whether to save my puppies or me. They chose me! They estimated that this was my 5th or 6th pregnancy in a row, having lived my whole life, 3.5 years, in an abusive home. When the neighbors found out I had been rescued, they approached my angel and told him that I was also used as a submissive dog in several dog fights in order to train aggression into the fighting dogs. So you see, I never reacted, because I’m a lover not a fighter! 

Thankfully some good people got together to bring me here and now I’m ready to find my forever home with a great family! I'm a bit shy of strangers but never aggressive and just need to build up my confidence with both dogs and people. As a matter of fact, where I’m staying now, they say I’m the sweetest thing! Always ready for a good belly rub. While my past has been hard, I hold no grudges. Typical to my breed, I just want to live and have fun!

I'm now spayed and have had all my shots, I’m in good health and can eat without a problem. I'm ready for a new life and new home! If you like short, stocky, 50-pound brown girls, then I know you’ll love me! Sadly, I’m currently living in boarding and would love to break out of here. If interested in adopting or fostering me please call Vivianne at 646-662-0251 –or- you can email her by clicking here! Woof!

To learn more about Lucy, or to foster or adopt her,  email or call Vivianne above, or email or call Beth Silberg at Strays from the Heart. (bethsfth@aol.com / (347) 242-0459)

Free Pit Bull training!

Responsible NYC pit owners, listen up!

 

Tricks for Pits is a FREE dog training class exclusively for pit bulls being offered on Sundays (next class September 11th) in Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights. The training is sponsered by the Bully Project.

The couple leading the project (Kelly and Lee Neal) have fostered more than 45 pit bulls and are sponsering the trainings to deal with the root of the shelter-crisis and prevent dogs from dying.

The training will focus on issues like dog-to-dog reactivity, dog aggression, and basic training. This fantastic approach will theoretically help people keep their pets who are too strong and out-of-control rather than giving them up to the shelter, as well as help improve the reputation of pits. Read more.

Source: Bully Project

Pittie of the week: Aldus

Aldus is an adult apricot and beige red-nosed Pit Bull.

Waggin Train Rescue Writes: "This stunning red nosed Pit Bull Terrier is Aldus. His cropped ears give him a sharp elegance that is definitely eye catching. Aldus found himself as a stray on the streets of Manhattan and ended up at the shelter. No owner came looking for him, and no visitors at the shelter looking to adopt, considered him. Many people are intimidated when they see a bully breed dog with cropped ears, which is like the old saying "judging a book by it's cover." If they had just given Aldus a chance like I did, they would have experienced a dog that is both affectionate and well mannered. He is firendly and enjoys being pet, resting his head gently in your lap as you do so. My feeling is that Aldus doesn't have any expectations from people, because I don't think he's really ever experienced the love and committment of an owner. His condition would suggest that no one cared much about him in his previous life. Aldus was thin at 51 pounds, and should be closer to 60-65 pounds. He had skin irritation around his muzzle and on his tail, as well as an ear infection. All those are signs of poor nutrition/diet and simple neglect. Well, he's on to bigger and better things now. I have him in a foster home with Kelly and her boyfriend. They absolutely adore Aldus, and are impressed with his intelligence. He was treated for his ear infection and is now getting regular meals and with a good quality dog food his skin and fur are healing and becoming shiney. Kelly has taught him the commands Sit, Down and Paw and walks very well on a leash. He is also housebroken. Alldus is dominant (confident) in nature initially with other dogs, more so because he is unsure of their intentions. However, once he realizes they are friendly, he enjoys their companionship and playing. A home with a large friendly submissive female or male dog would be the best fit for him. He has not been cat tested, so at this time I think a home without cats is probably best.  This is a dog that is going to make a great companion for someone that loves the bully breeds. With continued training and love, Aldus is going to thrive in front of your eyes, and become an ambassador for his breed. If his handsome boy has captured your eye and you would like the opportunity to give him the loving home and life he deserves, then please visit our website at www.WagginTrainRescue.org and fill out one of our online applications, making it out to my attention (Nanette.) Aldus has been neutererd, and is vaccinated for rabies, distemper and bordetella. He is heartworm negative and microchipped."

Aldus seems like a good boy who would be so grateful to be given the affection he hasn't been given all his life. If you or someone you know would love to support a fantastic rescue and end up with a loyal new friend, please email Nanette. (direct: nono19320@yahoo.com )

To see other dogs available through Waggin Train- please click here. There are so many amazing pit bulls that have captured my heart and will capture yours (Including these adorable puppies!)

Rescue Spotlight: Bully Breed Rescue Inc

Rescue Spotlight: Bully Breed Rescue Inc
bullybreedrescueinc.org

Bully Breed Rescue Inc is a small connecticut based rescue group dedicated to rescuing and rehoming pit-bull type dogs. Although they have no actual shelter, they are able to offer more hands-on training and family time with their rescues by finding them foster homes.
When you adopt from BBRI, you know that the dogs have been loved and cared for while they were waiting for you to find them... just check out how happy these guys are in their videos!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Look at all the BEAUTIFUL bullies they have saved this year alone.

Here are the dogs available for adoption now. (Including Kenga and Chance!)

Mom & Pups at the ACC

Luckily this pit bull mom and her puppies have a foster home so that they aren't likely to get deathly ill- as is often the case at ACC- Hopefully they will find good homes but the type of person that is willing to adopt a pit bull puppy from ACC for $20 may not provide the best environment- A lot of dogs that the ACC adopts out are returned in some way- as strays or due to financial struggles... Here's to hoping Lola, Lady, Cinnabun, Snippet and Precious find good homes forever.

If you are interested in adopting, contact their foster here.

Throwaway Mommy Alert

This week I've come to see the plight of Pit-bull throw-away moms and their puppies.
If the puppies are lucky enough to have a safe, warm, comfortable home to be born in and access to a vet, then they may do just fine and get adopted, but many unwanted pregnant Pitbull mothers can't provide that for their babies, and even fewer people want to adopt or foster a Pregnant pit bull.

These two dogs, Lady and Cookie, were rescued from the Euthanasia list at Animal Care & Control (NYC) today. BOTH dogs were going to be put to sleep, one for having an upper-respiratory infection (easily treatable, but not with Doxy- it harms the fetuses), and one for temple--for growling when pinched during her evaluation-(I would growl too if someone pinched me when I was pregnant!) Can you imagine killing a pregnant dog? Lady is almost ready to give birth to eight puppies!

Today, Lady was rescued by Waggin Train Rescue

and Cookie was saved by Forgotten Friends of Long Island

Both of these dogs are safe for now, but their babies are going to fare much better than they will at finding new homes once they have delivered.

What is worse- after the babies are born and the profit is made for backyard breeders, pit bull moms are often thrown away-tossed out on the streets and often put to sleep at the shelter. If lucky enough to be at a no-kill shelter, these moms rarely get adopted as quickly as their puppies, and often stay far too long. Cha-Cha at Animal Haven is a good example, but due to the diligence of the staff and volunteers to keep her from deteriorating in the shelter, she has a good chance of making it to a home before she gets "kennel burn out."(She has been there 9 months, but went through obedience training and is a staff favorite!)

This dog, Bella, was not so lucky. She was found in a snow storm tied to a dumpster with her puppies who were covered in snow. Since her puppies have been adopted from the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, Bella has begun spinning in circles and growing grumpy with humans. She needs to be fostered (or adopted) in a home environment with humans before it is too late. If you can help Bella, please call (973) 386-0590.

Bruno and his Foster sister Winnie :)

I think its LOVE, more to come :)

A darling dog survives being hit by a car, abandoned, and almost put to sleep!

I've been following "Urgent Part 2"'s posts on dogs to be put to sleep for about a week now.  I've been pretty concerned about the dogs I've seen and tried my best to spread the word for them, but I never thought of fostering them myself- my boyfriend and I are so busy lately and our priority is taking the best care we can of our dog, Winnie.

But then I saw Bruno on the euth list. I didn't expect this 2 year old Brindle boy to capture my heart the way it did, but I read his description and instantly knew I HAD to rescue him. My whole body reacted and I went into rescue mode! I freaked out and tried to contact my boyfriend for the 'ok' to foster (I knew he wouldn't appreciate me showing up with another dog...). I was about to go down to ACC Manhattan when I finally got through on their phone line. They were surprisingly helpful! I found out that Bruno's owner (who had called for him) had until 8 pm to claim him or else he would be at risk to be put to sleep tomorrow. I was told to wait until noon the following day and ran home to explain my scheme to my boyfriend.

Then I got to experience the wonderful people on this facebook group-they instantly supported me in every way possible-- offering leashes, food, supplies, shelter groups to pull the dog asap (tonight), and even help finding Bruno a home after us. I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of help and support! Everyone got together and mobilized to help this dog. Together a network of people can do so much more to save these lives than any one person could ever do. And because of that, hopefully tomorrow morning I'll be able to get this boy out of the slammer!

Now for what is so special about this boy.

Bruno was found tied up and abandoned. Not just abandoned, but he couldn't walk because he had been recently HIT BY A CAR. What kind of person leaves their dog stranded in that much pain? I was shocked. And not only 4 days after he was brought in, he was re-evaluated and miraculously improved and was not falling down but could actually walk again! Of course, this dog who was never given an official behavioral evaluation, was rated "question" at first because he was in so much pain he went to bite the vet (I am not surprised, I probably would too...) Later, when he was all better, the vet gave him a "no concern"--even better than "mild." So why is he being put to sleep when his owner and potential adopters have far less than a week to find him? All his second medical evaluation said he had was "a bruise." I don't think dogs can legally be put down by ACC for a bruise.

This poor boy has been through so much and I the pleasure of rescuing him and helping him recuperate in a loving place. This is the volunteer memo that made Bruno impossible for me to refuse:

11/10/2010 WEB MEMO
A Volunteer Wrote: There is nothing, not one thing, that isn't completely, crazily lovable about this extraordinary dog. He has hearts drawn on his kennel card, for goodness sake!!!! Everyone, men and women alike, swoon over this 2 year old. "What a beautiful dog!" said one vet tech walking by, who then of course had to stop and pet him. Because he is THAT impossible to resist. Our beloved Bruno, who adores other dogs and is the diplmat of his ward, eliciting kisses from all the other dogs through the bars, was found tied up on the street. Now, he is quickly running out of time at the shelter, which makes us absolutely crazy with sadness. Bruno, who is leashtrained, appears housetrained, loves to snuggle and curl up and give kisses and just hang out with human and canine companions, could be a diplomat in the world, not just his ward. PLEASE, don't let this extraordinary dog down. He is one of those pups who will change the lives of everyone around him with his love, generosity, and noble spirit.

Isnt he gorgeous?? I am so excited to bring him home tomorrow morning to meet his foster sister Winnie :)

The glass IS half full

When I started this blog, I thought about all the ways I could show what is happening to Pit bulls in the US-- how we bring them in to this world, abuse them, and take them out of it. The pain that many dogs face at the hands of their owners is not something I could turn my back to.

But so many organizations have made it their goal to educate and reach people about this injustice. I decided to focus more on a "glass -half- full" approach.

Over the next few months I will be learning as much as I can about the New York City shelter system and posting these adoptable beauties in hopes that they will melt some hearts.

I'll start by sharing a few dogs with you who desperately need their forever homes. All the dogs I have posted are dogs that have been said to have good temperments and sweet dispositions.

This is Spot, she is just a baby who had babies of her own. She was found emaciated in the Bronx. To learn more about this darling, click here.

 

This darling girl, Alexia, was found as a stray on the West side- Click here to learn more.

This is Sarah, who has been at Animal Haven (a no kill shelter) for a while, which is confusing considering how adorable this little girl is. Click here for more.

Good Resources for Pit-Lovers!

Pit Bull Rescue Central - An amazing resource for more information

American Humane Association - Myths and Facts about APBT



Understand-A-Bull - A good website to learn about BSL (Breed Specific Legislation)

Pit Bull Awareness Day - October 23

Find a Pit-Bull near you that needs a Home!

The Vick Dogs - Jim Gorant's Book about what happened to the tortured Vick dogs