Pittie of the Week: Joy (fmrly Freckles)

This week's Pittie of the Week comes to us from Luzerne County Pit Bull Owners (LCPO) Northeastern Pennsilvania's (NEPA) Avail-a-bullies.

Joe (formerly Freckles) was at NYC Animal Care and Control because her family moved and was originally at risk of not being spayed or rescued due to a mammary tumor. Joy has been cleared by her rescuers' vet for her spay, she will be getting spayed and having her tumor and skin tags removed next week! 


She is so unbelievably cute and happy-go-lucky, just look at these pics!



Here is what the shelter says about Joy:

Per the information that her previous owner shared she did not live with other dogs so will need a little work on socialization with other dogs, she seems to do ok with cats as long as they are dog friendly and she does well with children. Her previous owner also indicted she has never laid on anything like a hard floor, she enjoys soft bedding.. so she is clearly in shock being in the very scary shelter. Roxie will be staying in one of our foster homes to de-stress from the recent events, to receive vet care for the probable skin tags and/or growths she has and will also receive work on socialization. For more information on our adoption process you can visit: http://www.lcpoinc.org/nepa-avail-a-bullies.html We do have many other wonderful dogs looking for homes as well: nepabullies.petfinder.org.

 

Pitties of the Week: 6 Baby Brindles

Everyone wants a puppy, right? Then these guys shouldn't have a hard time finding a home- that is unless their stripes, big heads, and short muzzles scare potential adopters away.

While volunteering, I have definitely come across families ready to adopt a pitty pup like these, only to ask what breed he is and walk away at once!

The other possible problem with puppy adoptions (and this is true of all breeds) is that puppies grow into dogs; and pitty puppies grow into pit bulls. What might be cute now, may look fearsome in 10 months.

Well meaning adopters also may not have pit bull experience. As a pit-mom, I know owning two pit bulls has its challenges - and new adopters of pit puppies may not know what they are in for.

If you DO have pittie experience, consider a puppy to add to your home! A big pittie brother or sister would really enjoy one of these cuties running around!

Click here to learn more about these pups and to contact Animal Haven in Soho, NYC. 

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)

Pittie of the Week: AC&C Litter

There is currently an adorable litter of pit bull puppies at the Brooklyn Animal Care and Control. It is very dangerous for dogs this young to be in a dirty shelter environment due to the weakness of their immune systems.

The sooner they leave the facility, the better, as many puppies contract kennel cough or parvo virus and do not make it out.

The litter has 3 fawn puppies, one brown, and two black. Two girls and four boys.

Click here to get more info.

Pittie of the Week: PUPPY WEEK

Yes, I know I always advocate rescuing older pit bulls because puppies are more adoptable, but even puppies need homes!

....and Smilin' Pit Bull Rescue is filled to the brim with them!

If you have some spare time and want to spend it scrolling through pages and pages of adorable puppies, check out this page where SPBR features all the puppy litters they have raised and found homes for since 2004. THAT IS A LOT OF PUPPY PICTURES! And while I am tempted to show you all of them...I will just stick to puppies that SRBR has adoptable right now... I will only show you an adorable selection....

Puppies in packs....

 Puppies with wrinkles...

Cuddling puppies...

Puppies in Boxes....

 

Puppies in snow...

Puppies with blue eyes...(available now)

Puppies in beauty shots...

 

....and Puppies in purses...

Adoptable Puppies can be found here- There are 23 available now!

Pittie of the Week: Stella/Sally

Stella/Sally

Stella (Sally at the shelter) is a baby, only six months old. She wondered away from home and was brought into Animal Care and Control last Saturday (July 2nd). She was rated Mild during her behavior test, but caught a cold and was set to be euthanized today. Click here to read more.

Luckily, someone matched her photo with that of a missing dog on Craigslist and called the family- only to find out they now didn't want her back.

Poor Stella must be so confused about her present circumstances- even though luckily she has no idea how close to death she really is. 
If she is not adopted, she will surely be on the euthanasia list again tomorrow and may end up like her almost-twins - Sally and Nina (pictured here) who were put to sleep for having colds in the last two weeks.

(Usually I post dogs that have already been rescued and are waiting for homes on Pittie of the week- but this little 4-6 month old sweet heart caught my attention. )

They look so much like Bruno- who I kiss goodnight each night- thankful that he is with me. It is so sad to me that they can't have all the life-long happiness he will enjoy. Sally is too young to die- please save her!
I promise, when you adopt a shelter pittie like Stella or Bruno-- you won't be disappointed!

UPDATE!
Sally was rescued by ReeFuge Animal Rescue! Here she is leaving the shelter and is at a foster home on the upper east side! If you are interested in adopting her, please contact ReeFuge on facebook (link above.)

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!)

Pitties of the week: Mamas & Alfie

One of my favorite shelters is Best Friends Animal Society in Utah dedicated to a world with no more homeless pets. Even though they are located in Utah, they make it possible for people all over the country to adopt their animals.

Best friends has 50 Pittie mixes waiting for homes- some from the Michael Vick cruelty case, some victims of hurricane Katrina, and many others. Scroll through and you'll find yourself falling in love more than once.

This week there are two Pitties of the Week:

First up, Mamas:

She's a 6 year old Lizard hunter, loves people and other dogs, loves to play and snuggle!

Mamas was found tied to a tree and starving in the hot Arizona sun with no food or water. She is healthy now, but is very active and needs a home that can keep up with her. Read more about her here.

Next up, Alfie:
This tiny puppy was born in Janurary of 2011. A bout of distemper has left him with little strength in his front legs, so he falls flat on his adorable face whenever he tries to walk. He is adoptable to the right family, but would need a family with patience as his condition improves. For now, he has a chin guard to protect him when he falls. How could you resist this face??

Here's how you can adopt from Best Friends:
First check out the adoptable dogs (or horses, kittens, farm animals-- they have them all!). If you find one you absolutely love, add their name to the adoption application you fill out. (Or email an adoption specialist to help match you.)
Next, after they check your app, you'll get a home check by a Best Friends member in your area.
Finally, all adopters are encouraged to visit the sanctuary- an experience I simply would never pass up (learn all about planning a visit to Angel Canyon here) - but if you can't, they will fly the dog to you for $300-$475.

Learn more about Best Friends' campaign for Pit Bulls- Save America's Dog.
If you have no room in your house to rescue, consider sponsoring- read about how I sponsored a "vicktory" dog, Squeaker, and catch up on Squeaker and the other vicktory dogs, here.

Pittie of the Week: Sweet Belle

This week's Pittie needs a fur-ever home- she is currently living in a foster home and is available through Posh Pets Rescue.

She is as beautiful as can be and would make a perfect family dog.

Her foster family says,

"I love to tousle, run  and play with other dogs.  A poodle was pretty rough with me when we were playing in the dog run, off leash, in Carl Schurz Park.  I let him pull me by the collar, and just gave him kisses, because I am a gentle creature.

  Besides loving dogs I am great with human animals and walk nicely on a leash.  Although, I might take you by surprise sometimes because I do like to chase the occasional pigeon or flyaway plastic bags and paper.  

They say stop and smell the roses, well, I like to stop and bark at statues. I am a true ambassador to my breed, I‘m told.  All I know is my foster mom tells me all the time what a good girl I am.  I’m really happy when she lets me sit in her lap."

Spayed, Up-to-date with shots, and heartworm negative.

Won't you give this little beauty a chance? 

Call: 917-319-4304

Email: MsLondonsPets@aol.com

Pittie of the week: Mr. Pink

So excited to unviel my new Friday segment: Pittie of the week!

Each Friday I'll share with you a dog (who I wish I could take home with me!) who needs a temporary ot permanent home.

Through this I'll be able to share with you many of the amazing organizations that rescue pit bulls from horrible situations and give them a second chance. I won't be posting animal care & control pitties because I feel that through the amazing work on the fans on the Urgent facebook page, those dogs get a lot of face-time each day.

I want to highlight the dogs that have been rescued (in many cases through the Urgent Page) but may have been forgotten while they wait in temporary situations (sometimes boarding) for foster homes or permanent homes.

Our first Pittie/Bully of the week is.... (drummm roll please...)

Mr. Pink!

Mister Pink- a five year old American Bulldog mix was found in an abandoned apartment when his owner was arrested and brought to the City Shelter. Because he was scab-covered and skinny, he was placed on the euthanasia list. Thankfully, he was saved by Amsterdog just in the nick of time.

He is neutered, up to date on his shots, micro-chipped, housebroken, good with kids and dogs-- what more could you ask for!

Of Mr. Pink, Amsterdog writes, "In his new foster home, he is blossoming into playful, endearingly goofy pup that has made people say "What a beautiful dog!' When they pass him in the street. Mr Pink is anxious to please, tries hard to be obedient and has mastered basic commands, including the art of walking quietly on the leash and taking food gently. He is also people, child and dog-friendly, but alas, likes to chase cats. If you could spare a soft place to lie on, the occasional massage for his irritated skin, Mr Pink would be your grateful and devoted friend."

Believe it or not, this is what Mr. Pink USED to look like:

You can read the his old Euth. memo and the thread of fb users dedicated to rescuing him here.

Be part of Mr. Pink's happy ending! Call or text: 917 689 8414 or click here.