Poster created by BAD RAP
"A breed of satin and steel. Pit bulls are a mixture of softness and strength, an uncanny canine combination of fun, foolishness, and serious business, all wrapped up in love."
-D. Caroline Coile
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
A Pit Bull On My Pillow
Authored by Cathy Klein Nakayama
A children's picture book of pit bull type dogs, most rescued, in sleepytime poses; including some tips about dog care, for fun, to encourage responsible dog ownership, and to get kids who love dogs in the mood for sleep !! Also to help change the bad rap pit bulls have in today's society. Inside the book you will see that they are LOVERS not FIGHTERS !!! By working to change the bad rap it is hoped that more pit bulls will make it out of the shelters and be adopted into loving homes. Callie Pibble, the coverdog, was rescued from a South Carolina shelter. She is now a Canine Good Citizen, and is studying to be a Therapy Dog now, at Paws4Ever in Mebane, North Carolina. She wears her CGC vest proudly in public while she acts as a Pit Bull Ambassador to the world. Also on the cover is Callie's rescued rabbit, Chocolate Kiss; the two adore each other.Profits from this book go directly to Carolina Care Bullies, a North Carolina pit bull rescue
To read more about the book, click here.
Slideshow of the author and the cover dog
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Dogfighting
Dog fighting is an atrocious and cruel underground "sport". It was once considered aristocratic and was embraced by medieval societies. It continued on through colonial and Victorian times. It is now against the law in the United States. Even with laws in place it has reached epidemic proportions and thrives in almost all areas of society - urban, rural, impoverished, rich - and it's participants range from street thugs to sitting judges. Street gangs use the barbaric sport to desensitize children to violence and speed their introduction to gang life. Often they will be given a dog to care for only to have it thrown in the ring so they can watch it be torn apart. They become so conditioned to this that it becomes normal to them. Law enforcement is starting to take dogfighting more seriously the more apparent it has become that with dogfighting there is usually gambling, guns, and drugs.
Fights can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours. They are held in "pits" that are generally about 14 feet by 20 feet and constructed out of wood. Rules depend on the level of the match. In street fighting anything can go while rules are strictly adhered to in upper levels. The match ends when a dog dies or quits, is pulled by the handler, the dog jumps out of the pit, or there is a raid by police. Dogs that quit are usually killed. Killing the loser can be done by a gunshot to the head or, when the owner takes the loss more personally, in far more brutal ways. Dogs have been found electrocuted, drowned, beaten to death, and burned to death. Some of these methods were witnessed in the Michael Vick case.
Very often random dogs will be stolen from yards and used as "bait" to train the fighters. They will usually have their muzzles duct taped so they can't defend themselves and the dog being trained will be allowed to attack at will. It's not unusual for cats to be used as well, sometimes hung from a tree in a pillowcase. With larger breeds it's not unusual for the "trainers" to break a limb on the bait dog to leave it even more vulnerable. Dogs are trained from a very young age to develop their "gameness". The dogs are often beaten, starved, drugged, and constantly antagonized to promote aggression toward other dogs. Some types of equipment used in training might be a treadmill, heavy chains to build chest muscles, weights to hang from necks, springpoles, etc. Many "dogmen" also use growth hormones on the dogs. Once trained they will be pitted against a stronger dog to test their gameness.
Fights can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours. They are held in "pits" that are generally about 14 feet by 20 feet and constructed out of wood. Rules depend on the level of the match. In street fighting anything can go while rules are strictly adhered to in upper levels. The match ends when a dog dies or quits, is pulled by the handler, the dog jumps out of the pit, or there is a raid by police. Dogs that quit are usually killed. Killing the loser can be done by a gunshot to the head or, when the owner takes the loss more personally, in far more brutal ways. Dogs have been found electrocuted, drowned, beaten to death, and burned to death. Some of these methods were witnessed in the Michael Vick case.The sport is barbaric. Violence begets violence. These animals are trained to fight through horrific methods. Puppies are often kicked and beaten then thrown at another dog. These dogs don't ask to fight but it is in the nature of the pit bull to do anything to please its master. These dogs fight through unimaginable pain, often with broken limbs, half their faces torn away, but when they hear the voice of their master you can see their tails wag. They only want to make humans happy. What kind of human being does this to a dog? Takes this kind of advantage of unquestioning loyality and love?
This picture was found on a dogfighting site. This is the life of a fighting dog.
Other websites to visit:
Information found at:
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Hector the Therapy Dog
Hector, a former Michael Vick pit bull, and handler Stacy Coleman visited Good Day New York.
After being rescued for the horrific world of dog fighting, Hector is a now therapy dog. Hector's rescue and how the Animal Farm Foundation was able to train this lucky dog is an incredible story.
For more information on the rescue and rehab center for dogs you can check out:
Animal Farm Foundation
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/good_day_ny/hector-the-therapy-dog-20100407
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Stray Pit Bull Saves Woman, Child from Attacker
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The wandering 65-pound Pit Bull mix might have seemed menacing to some passerby, but one woman will always remember him as her "guardian angel."
The dog, which authorities think is lost and not a stray, successfully thwarted a robbery attack on a mother and her 2-year-old son, who were held at knifepoint Monday afternoon.
The Florida woman, who has been identified by authorities simply as "Angela," was leaving a playground with her toddler son in Port Charlotte when a man approached her in the parking lot with a knife and told her not to make any noise or sudden movements.Angela didn't have to do either to protect herself and her child -- a dog mysteriously ran to the scene and charged the man, who quickly fled.
"I don't think the dog physically attacked the man, but he went at him and was showing signs of aggression, just baring his teeth and growling and barking. It was clear he was trying to defend this woman," Animal Control Lt. Brian Jones told Pet Pulse.
"I don't know what this man's intentions were, but it is very possible this dog saved her life."
The exceptional part of the story, Jones said, is that the dog had never met or even seen the people it quickly jumped to defend.
"You hear about family dogs protecting their owners, but this dog had nothing to do with this woman or her kid," Jones said. "He was like her guardian angel."
After the alleged thief ran away, Angela quickly placed her son, Jordan, in the car and tried to drive off. Before she could, though, the dog jumped into her backseat, waiting with her for the police and animal control officers to arrive at the scene.
The dog was transported to a local shelter and if his owners don't step forward within five days, Jones said, Angela and her family plan to adopt the savior she named "Angel."
Animal control officers and shelter workers believe Angel is lost, and not a stray, because of his good health, sturdy weight and mild temperament.
"It's funny, that someone's irresponsibility could have saved someone's life," Jones said of Angel's possible owners.
For Angela, it doesn't matter where the dog came from, just that he was there when she needed him most.
"I don't know what his [the thief's] intentions were -- I don't know why he did it, but I'm glad that -- we call him Angel -- I'm glad that Angel showed up because I don't know what would have happened," Angela told NBC2 News.
Officers from the responding county sheriff's office canvased the area and were unable to locate the suspect described as being in his 20s, tall and dark haired.
Pet Pulse reporter Amy Lieberman and NBC-2.com contributed to this article.
Article from: http://www.zootoo.com/petnews/straydogsaveswomanchildheldatk-993
The dog, which authorities think is lost and not a stray, successfully thwarted a robbery attack on a mother and her 2-year-old son, who were held at knifepoint Monday afternoon.
The Florida woman, who has been identified by authorities simply as "Angela," was leaving a playground with her toddler son in Port Charlotte when a man approached her in the parking lot with a knife and told her not to make any noise or sudden movements."I don't think the dog physically attacked the man, but he went at him and was showing signs of aggression, just baring his teeth and growling and barking. It was clear he was trying to defend this woman," Animal Control Lt. Brian Jones told Pet Pulse.
"I don't know what this man's intentions were, but it is very possible this dog saved her life."
The exceptional part of the story, Jones said, is that the dog had never met or even seen the people it quickly jumped to defend.
"You hear about family dogs protecting their owners, but this dog had nothing to do with this woman or her kid," Jones said. "He was like her guardian angel."
After the alleged thief ran away, Angela quickly placed her son, Jordan, in the car and tried to drive off. Before she could, though, the dog jumped into her backseat, waiting with her for the police and animal control officers to arrive at the scene.
The dog was transported to a local shelter and if his owners don't step forward within five days, Jones said, Angela and her family plan to adopt the savior she named "Angel."
Animal control officers and shelter workers believe Angel is lost, and not a stray, because of his good health, sturdy weight and mild temperament.
"It's funny, that someone's irresponsibility could have saved someone's life," Jones said of Angel's possible owners.
For Angela, it doesn't matter where the dog came from, just that he was there when she needed him most.
"I don't know what his [the thief's] intentions were -- I don't know why he did it, but I'm glad that -- we call him Angel -- I'm glad that Angel showed up because I don't know what would have happened," Angela told NBC2 News.
Officers from the responding county sheriff's office canvased the area and were unable to locate the suspect described as being in his 20s, tall and dark haired.
Pet Pulse reporter Amy Lieberman and NBC-2.com contributed to this article.
Article from: http://www.zootoo.com/petnews/straydogsaveswomanchildheldatk-993
Monday, April 5, 2010
American Pit Bull Terriers
Their love is like no other; their heart is pure as gold.
Yet while going on a friendly walk, they're faced with stares of cold.
They're so very close to human, in how they act and what they do
Unless you've known their devoted love, it's impossible to explain to you.
They are greatly more MISUNDERSTOOD than any other breed.
We tend to punish this loyal dog, instead of mankind's deeds.
They are always and forever clowns, with a wish for center stage.
Yet while displaying this sense of humor, most people disengage.
They, oh, so want to make new friends, and run and jump and play.
yet when they happily approach, most people shy away.
Often I've seen children poke, or hop on for a ride.
And when I felt they might get mad, they've only beamed with pride.
I've seen these children yank and pull, with nary a reaction.
Yet media's not interested, unless they've put someone in traction.
They love to snuggle up real close, to give lots of loves and kisses.
Yet they suffer more than any, from unfair prejudices.
What animal do I speak of, whose love is so unique?
If you've truly known one, you know of whom I speak.
There is no creature on this earth who will ever make you merrier.
The animal I do speak of, it's the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Patty Letawsky
Yet while going on a friendly walk, they're faced with stares of cold.
They're so very close to human, in how they act and what they do
Unless you've known their devoted love, it's impossible to explain to you.
They are greatly more MISUNDERSTOOD than any other breed.
We tend to punish this loyal dog, instead of mankind's deeds.
They are always and forever clowns, with a wish for center stage.
Yet while displaying this sense of humor, most people disengage.
They, oh, so want to make new friends, and run and jump and play.
yet when they happily approach, most people shy away.
Often I've seen children poke, or hop on for a ride.
And when I felt they might get mad, they've only beamed with pride.
I've seen these children yank and pull, with nary a reaction.
Yet media's not interested, unless they've put someone in traction.
They love to snuggle up real close, to give lots of loves and kisses.
Yet they suffer more than any, from unfair prejudices.
What animal do I speak of, whose love is so unique?
If you've truly known one, you know of whom I speak.
There is no creature on this earth who will ever make you merrier.
The animal I do speak of, it's the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Patty Letawsky
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Max, The Shelter Dog
"Max, The Shelter Dog" is the story of an energetic and playful (pit bull) pup surrendered to a shelter by his owners, as told from a dog's perspective. Max is heart broken as he struggles to run after his owner as she flees through the shelter doors. Left behind, Max has no choice but to endure his journey through the shelter system in the hopes of finding a forever home.
Also, check out these other books:
Also, check out these other books:
This children's book is centered around a pit bull puppy. It starts with an introduction of what Ace did the first few months of his life and then he starts to keep a diary online of his adventures. The diary will contain drawings and photos of him and his family.
11-year-old Mackenzie has got one friend in the whole world: Cash, his brown-eyed pit bull. His dad won the runt after a long night of drinking and gambling--ever since Mac's mom died, that's all he seems to do, and soon he erupts in a rage at the innocent pup, takes her away in the trunk of his car, and dumps her in the middle of nowhere. Mac vows to find Cash and bring her back home--he has to: All strays are about to be outlawed! Little does he know that while he searches for Cash, she's surviving her own adventures and proving in the process that all dogs--even pit bulls--are born good.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Beyond the Myth Movie
Beyond the Myth is a film about pit bulls and those who love and defend the breed. It explores the contributing factors behind the public's generalized fear of pit bulls and examines the conflict existing between advocates and opponents of Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). It also investigates the myths associated with the breed and asks the question, "What exactly is a pit bull"?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Smile Like a Dog photography
http://www.markrogersphotography.com/blog/
http://www.markrogersphotography.com/
Monday, March 15, 2010
PETA Kills
Words from the President of PETA, Ingrid Newkirk:
"People have no idea that at many animal shelters across the country, any "pit bull" who comes through the front door goes out the back door -- in a body bag...This news shocks and outrages the compassionate dog-lover. ..Here's another shocker: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the very people who are trying to get you to denounce the killing of chickens for the table, foxes for fur, or frogs for dissection, supports the pit bull policy..."
Those who argue against the euthanasia policy for pit bull dogs are naive.
I have scars on my leg and arm from my own encounter with a pit. Many are loving and will kiss on sight, but many are unpredictable.
People who genuinely care about dogs won't be affected by a ban on pits. They can go to the shelter and save one of the countless other breeds and lovable mutts sitting on death row through no fault of their own.
We can only stop killing pits if we stop creating new ones. Legislators, please take note."
•PETA supports breed specific legislation.
•Not just for pit bulls, but for ANY breed. They specifically mention Rottweilers, Dobermans and other "guardian" breeds. They see it as a first step to banning the ownership of any pet animal.
•PETA lawyers work hard to bring breed specific legislation to jurisdictions, as well as supporting the wholesale killing of all bull breed or animals which happen to share bull breed characteristics in "shelters".
Source:
http://www.workingpitbull.com/truthaboutpeta.htm
More information:
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/petasdirtysecret.cfm
http://www.realpitbull.com/peta.html
"People have no idea that at many animal shelters across the country, any "pit bull" who comes through the front door goes out the back door -- in a body bag...This news shocks and outrages the compassionate dog-lover. ..Here's another shocker: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the very people who are trying to get you to denounce the killing of chickens for the table, foxes for fur, or frogs for dissection, supports the pit bull policy..."
Those who argue against the euthanasia policy for pit bull dogs are naive.
I have scars on my leg and arm from my own encounter with a pit. Many are loving and will kiss on sight, but many are unpredictable.
People who genuinely care about dogs won't be affected by a ban on pits. They can go to the shelter and save one of the countless other breeds and lovable mutts sitting on death row through no fault of their own.
We can only stop killing pits if we stop creating new ones. Legislators, please take note."
•PETA supports breed specific legislation.
•Not just for pit bulls, but for ANY breed. They specifically mention Rottweilers, Dobermans and other "guardian" breeds. They see it as a first step to banning the ownership of any pet animal.
•PETA lawyers work hard to bring breed specific legislation to jurisdictions, as well as supporting the wholesale killing of all bull breed or animals which happen to share bull breed characteristics in "shelters".
Source:
http://www.workingpitbull.com/truthaboutpeta.htm
More information:
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/petasdirtysecret.cfm
http://www.realpitbull.com/peta.html
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Pit Bulls: Saving America's Dogs
Best Friends Animal Society is working throughout the country to help pit bulls, who are battling everything from a media-driven bad reputation to legislation designed to bring about their extinction. Best Friends hopes to end discrimination against all dogs. Dogs are individuals and should be treated as individuals.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Michael Vick nominated for the Ed Block Courage Award
With Vick, Ed Block Courage Awards dinner won't be the same.
The Ed Block Courage Awards dinner is an annual event at which fans can mingle with the NFL players who have been singled out by their teammates as positive role models and pillars of the community.
This year that won't be the case, thanks to the presence of Michael Vick.
Vick, who was -- stunningly -- voted as the Eagles' recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award, will attend the dinner on Tuesday. And the Baltimore Sun reports that because Vick will be there, the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation has beefed up security and scrapped the long-standing tradition of having the athletes mingle with fans and sign autographs.
Multiple organizations, including the American Kennel Club and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, have said they think it's inappropriate for Vick, a convicted felon who admits that he ran a dog fighting ring, to be honored as a role model. The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation is concerned that protests of Vick's presence could cause problems, and the added security and nixing of the autograph signing is the result.
The sad thing is that there are 31 other NFL players who actually deserve to be honored for their achievements on and off the field, and Vick's presence at the Ed Block Courage Awards dinner will keep the attention off them. If Vick were an honorable man, he'd decline to attend and let those 31 NFL players receive the recognition without any distraction.
So expect Vick to be there.
Posted by Michael David Smith
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/04/with-vick-ed-block-courage-awards-dinner-wont-be-the-same/?related=1
Maryland SPCA’s Executive Director Aileen Gabbey released the following statement about the decision to give the Ed Block Courage Award to Vick today....
“The Maryland SPCA remains shocked and disappointed that Michael Vick will, indeed, receive an award for courage from the Ed Block Foundation after being nominated by his team. Mr. Vick does not deserve this honor. He has been convicted of horrific crimes against living creatures; he has served jail time; he has somehow been re-employed. His attempts to speak on behalf of animals have been half-hearted and disingenuous. None of this warrants a special award."
“No truly courageous or honorable person would say ‘Yes, I deserve an award.’ Yet, this is precisely what Mr. Vick has done, defending his nomination and claiming that he has suffered hardships. He has never suffered the hardships, or torture, that his poor dogs did at his hands. The honorable thing for Mr. Vick to do would be to not accept this award. This would actually show some courage and that he is serious about being on the road to atonement for his terrible actions against innocent lives.”
http://badrap-blog.blogspot.com/
The Ed Block Courage Awards dinner is an annual event at which fans can mingle with the NFL players who have been singled out by their teammates as positive role models and pillars of the community.
This year that won't be the case, thanks to the presence of Michael Vick.
Vick, who was -- stunningly -- voted as the Eagles' recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award, will attend the dinner on Tuesday. And the Baltimore Sun reports that because Vick will be there, the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation has beefed up security and scrapped the long-standing tradition of having the athletes mingle with fans and sign autographs.
Multiple organizations, including the American Kennel Club and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, have said they think it's inappropriate for Vick, a convicted felon who admits that he ran a dog fighting ring, to be honored as a role model. The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation is concerned that protests of Vick's presence could cause problems, and the added security and nixing of the autograph signing is the result.
The sad thing is that there are 31 other NFL players who actually deserve to be honored for their achievements on and off the field, and Vick's presence at the Ed Block Courage Awards dinner will keep the attention off them. If Vick were an honorable man, he'd decline to attend and let those 31 NFL players receive the recognition without any distraction.
So expect Vick to be there.
Posted by Michael David Smith
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/04/with-vick-ed-block-courage-awards-dinner-wont-be-the-same/?related=1
Maryland SPCA’s Executive Director Aileen Gabbey released the following statement about the decision to give the Ed Block Courage Award to Vick today....
“The Maryland SPCA remains shocked and disappointed that Michael Vick will, indeed, receive an award for courage from the Ed Block Foundation after being nominated by his team. Mr. Vick does not deserve this honor. He has been convicted of horrific crimes against living creatures; he has served jail time; he has somehow been re-employed. His attempts to speak on behalf of animals have been half-hearted and disingenuous. None of this warrants a special award."
“No truly courageous or honorable person would say ‘Yes, I deserve an award.’ Yet, this is precisely what Mr. Vick has done, defending his nomination and claiming that he has suffered hardships. He has never suffered the hardships, or torture, that his poor dogs did at his hands. The honorable thing for Mr. Vick to do would be to not accept this award. This would actually show some courage and that he is serious about being on the road to atonement for his terrible actions against innocent lives.”
http://badrap-blog.blogspot.com/
Great article!
Pit Bull Bigotry: Public Perception and Legislation
http://matadorchange.com/pit-bull-bigotry-public-perception-and-legislation
http://matadorchange.com/pit-bull-bigotry-public-perception-and-legislation
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
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