Pit Bull Problems

I'm often asked about my love of the Pit Bull breed(s).

Why do I love them?
How did I come to love them?
Was I always drawn to these dogs?

Growing up, my family had many dogs of many different breeds. 
But I'd be lying if I said that we ever had a "Pit Bull." I'd also be lying if I said I'd ever wanted to have a "Pit Bull" ... or that my parents would've ever allowed us to have a "Pit Bull."

It's not that my parents were "bad" people... they just didn't know any better. Therefore, I didn't know any better. I was never "against" Pit Bulls, but I also wasn't "for" them, either. Mostly because... I just didn't know much about them. 

But what I *knew* about them... all that I *knew* about them... was based on what I'd *heard* about them.
And it wasn't good.

Back then, I'd never heard anything positive said about "Pit Bulls." 
No one I knew ever had a "Pit Bull." 
No one I knew ever wanted a "Pit Bull." 
No one I knew had ever even encountered a "Pit Bull."

Therefore, even though I never "judged" these dogs, I honestly never thought much about them. And I certainly never thought: "One day... I'll grow up and save them."

So... when did this change for me?
Well, it was in 2009, and his name was Rudy. 

By then, I was 24 years old, and I'd met many other Pit Bulls. So... I knew a little more about these dogs, and I cared a lot more about them. But even still, at the time, I wasn't using my voice to help them, nor was I using my rescue efforts to save them.

Until... I met Rudy.
He was the one who changed everything.

Ask any "Pit Bull lover." 
Many of us weren't always "Pit Bull lovers."
Instead, it took one dog... one "Pit Bull" ... to change everything. 
And almost every "Pit Bull lover" can name who "that dog" was for them.

For me, "that dog" was Rudy. 

I'll be honest. I didn't fully trust him at first. 
Not because he was a "Pit Bull," but because he was a dog who had been chained, beaten, and starved for his whole life. I didn't know him... he didn't know me. I was unsure... he was unsure. I didn't know what to expect... he didn't know what to expect.

But I saved him, and he knew it.
So he loved me, and I knew it.

Rudy came to me as a "rescue dog." As with every other rescue dog I take in, I was simply planning to bring him back to health, and then find a family to love him forever. 
Of course, I soon realized... I could never let him go.  

Because he was the Pit Bull who would change my life.

At the time, I didn't fully realize just how much he would change my life, my mission, my future. I also didn't realize just how much unnecessary judgment I'd face, as a result of that decision... simply because, I loved a "Pit Bull" ...

Before Rudy, I'd saved many dogs, and I'd always been praised by others for my love of dogs, for my rescue efforts, for my commitment to my cause. But when I saved Rudy, and I began to rescue other Pit Bulls like him... that's when the public scrutiny entered my life:

"OMG Ashley!!! A Pit Bull?!"
"Why would you?!"
"How could you?!"
"What the hell are you thinking?!"

Initially, I was utterly shocked, and offended. I'd done nothing wrong. In fact, I was trying to do something "right."

I didn't rescue Rudy, simply because he was a "Pit Bull." I didn't trust Rudy, simply because (or in spite of the fact that) he was a "Pit Bull." I didn't love Rudy, simply because he was a "Pit Bull." 

Instead, I rescued Rudy, because he needed me. I trusted Rudy, because he trusted me. I loved Rudy, because he loved me. 

He was the most amazing, incredible, loving dog I've ever known.
And... he just-so-happened to be... a Pit Bull. 

Soon, I realized that very few others were willing to rescue Pit Bulls. Therefore, I started saving more of them. Clearly, it was a choice I made, based on my experience with Rudy. I wanted to save others like my baby, the dogs who had no other hope. 

But it didn't take long for me to understand the weight of my decision. 
When I started rescuing Pit Bulls, I suddenly realized that I was now "different." 
In the minds of many, my rescue dogs were not "dogs" at all.
Instead, I was saving "monsters." 

This realization changed me, in so many ways. I was hurt; I was angry; I was disgusted. 
Suddenly... I was on a mission... to prove every critic wrong. Because they WERE wrong.

That being said, I don't save Pit Bulls, simply because they're the only dogs worth saving. I save Pit Bulls, because these dogs are equally deserving, equally amazing, and equally loving, when compared to any other dog (maybe moreso?). Plus, they're the most judged, most misunderstood, and most hated breed in existence. And very few other rescuers can/will save them. That's where I come in...

I mean... if you were hated, based on nothing more than how you look, wouldn't YOU want someone to stand-up for you?? I know I would...

I could go on for days about how incredible the Pit Bull breed(s) are, but please... don't just take my word for it. 

Instead, go to a shelter, and meet a Pit Bull. Contact an animal rescue group... and ask to walk a Pit Bull. Seriously, go freaking love-on a Pit Bull. 

Trust me... it just takes one... to change your perspective.
And that one "Pit Bull" ... just may change your life. 

*Written in loving memory of "the one" who changed me, Rudy

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Patrick Star UPDATE

Patrick BEFORE

 In case you missed my original blog post about Patrick, CLICK HERE to read: "Patrick Star."


Many of you remember my special rescue dog, Patrick. 

AKA Patrick Star.

When Patrick came to me last September, he looked like this (see Before Photo, left). Patrick was emaciated, weak, and extremely sick. 




But with lots of love and care, Patrick was able to heal here with me, at Lucky Dog Rescue. 

And today, he looks like THIS:














Yep... that's the SAME dog! 

Today, Patrick is insanely happy, healthy, and fun. He's super-loving and playful, with the sweetest kisses ever and the most adorable little personality.

Rope toys are serious business...

Patrick's new best friend is Wonder (see photo, right). Many of you probably remember her as well... from my many blog posts about my special Wonder-baby, and how Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) forced Wonder from her home and sent her back to me at Lucky Dog Rescue. 

Patrick and Wonder LOVE each other, and they can play together for hours. They love rope toys... each grabbing one end, and tugging on it with all their might... daring the other to let go, so they can "win" the toy. Or... they're content to just "wrestle" for the better part of the day. It's so much fun to watch them, and they bring my heart a crazy-amount of joy.

 

Now that he's all better, Patrick is ready to find his forever family! So, if you're looking to adopt an AMAZING, loving, fun, super-sweet boy who LOVES other dogs and all people, he may just be the perfect pup for you! Patrick is a 1 year old, male, fawn-colored, Pit Bull mix (about 45 lbs). He is neutered, up-to-date on all vaccinations, and heartworm negative. Patrick has the best personality; he's gentle with good manners, but also outgoing and playful. He's well-behaved, super-smart, and housebroken. He'd love to join a family with at least one other dog, because he's really social! [Patrick is available for adoption through Lucky Dog Rescue, Meridian, Mississippi.]

He loves YOU already!

If you think Patrick is the right dog for your family, please click the following link to complete the online Adoption Application: http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/rescue.html 

[NOTE: Wonder is ALSO available for adoption!]

If you'd like to help other dogs like Patrick, please click the link below to donate:
CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

***Link to video of Patrick & Wonder playing: http://youtu.be/Ru8_rWMamDI

Lucky Penny

I rescued Penny nearly 2 years ago... on the day that her "family" threatened to shoot her if I refused to take her. Of course, I just couldn't bear to let that happen to Penny.

Initially, Penny lived in a temporary foster home, but soon thereafter, she came to live with me at Lucky Dog. 

Immediately, I fell in love with Penny's freckled nose and fun personality. She's an outgoing girl, to say the least. But what struck me most about Penny was her unwavering loyalty to anyone who showed her love. She was so eager to please, and I could just tell by the way she looked at me... she would do anything for me. Instinctively, Penny knew that I'd saved her life, and she thanked me for it, every single day.

A few months later, a family offered to foster Penny over the holidays... and of course, they fell in love with her. But even though they adored her, the family already had 2 dogs of their own, and they didn't want to commit to adopting a 3rd... which I understood.

Even still, every couple of months or so, they'd take Penny for the weekend, just to give her some special time.

Penny loved her special weekend trips, and she loved the family even more. In my heart, I secretly hoped they'd decide to adopt her one day, even though I knew it wasn't likely. So... meanwhile, I was still searching for the perfect forever family for this special girl.

One day, I received an amazing adoption application for Penny, and I could barely contain my excitement! Without another thought, I called the family to talk further, and during that conversation, I just knew: this family is absolutely perfect for Penny! 

But then, as we began to schedule the home visit, they mentioned the name of their town. Of course, I'd seen the town listed on their application, but in the midst of my excitement... I hadn't stopped to think about where this town was actually located. Suddenly, it hit me, as I was forced to choke out the words: "I'm so sorry, but your area has a breed ban on Pit Bulls (Breed Specific Legislation BSL)."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. 
Penny wasn't going home.

A few months later, the same thing happened: an amazing application came in for Penny... they'd fallen in love with my sweet girl... but... the family lived in a county with a ban on Pit Bulls. 

Once again, Penny wasn't going home. 

This same scenario happens to me all the time. And I mean... ALL THE TIME. Many cities and counties in Mississippi (as well as many other states) have restrictions or bans on the Pit Bull breeds and mixes of those breeds. And while my county doesn't have a ban, most of the surrounding counties do have some form of BSL. 

Therefore, the already-small adoption pool for my Pit Bulls is even-further reduced by BSL, which denies potential adopters in those areas the right to adopt a Pit Bull. 

What's even crazier is... most people don't even realize that BSL exists in their area, which is understandable, because these ordinances are often passed so quickly and quietly, that few residents even know about them. 

So, when one of those residents wishes to adopt one of my Pit Bulls, and I have to inform them of the breed ban in their city/county, they're honestly shocked... as they never knew a ban existed.

To say that BSL makes me angry ... well, that's a massive understatement. It infuriates me in a way that I can't quite describe. These laws are not only ridiculous, unnecessary, and unfounded, but they're DETRIMENTAL to the futures of my loving, deserving, insanely NON-vicious dogs. 

Every single time BSL ruins the chance for one of my dogs to go home forever, I'm nothing short of devastated. I've cried more times over BSL than I can even tell you. I cry for my own rescue babies, and for every other amazing Pit Bull out there... dogs who want nothing more than to go home. They don't want to hurt anyone... they just want to be loved by someone. And BSL denies their only request.

More on that later... back to Penny for now...

So, long story short, Penny has been with me for a very long time. All the while, she's been one of the happiest girls you'd ever meet. But even still... I've been hoping, wishing, praying for that perfect family to come along and take my Penny home forever. 

And yesterday, they did... 

I was contacted by a woman here in Meridian who was very interested in adopting one of my dogs. As we talked, she mentioned the fact that she'd fallen in love with Penny's photos and story, but she'd heard that Penny had already been adopted. 

When I said, "No ma'am... I actually still have Penny!" the woman became very excited. She said: "You're kidding?! Really?! Oh my goodness, I thought she'd been adopted! I'm so in love with her face! Could I meet her?!"

Yesterday afternoon, she came to Lucky Dog to meet Penny. As Penny ran to her and gave her a big, wet kiss, the woman looked over at me with tears in her eyes. She said, "Oh my gosh, I love her! I definitely want to adopt her!" 

Suddenly, I was crying, too. I said: "Penny, did you hear that?! You're going home, sweet girl!" Penny was so excited... I swear she understood what I'd said. She was running back and forth between us: her new mom, Cindy... and her old mom, me. 

I don't know how to describe that feeling... the bittersweet moment when your baby leaves for their future... without you. Penny has lived with me for nearly 2 years. Now... she'll have another place to call home, and another family to call her own. It's slightly heartbreaking, but beyond amazing. That moment meant ... everything... to me. But more importantly, to Penny. She's been waiting for that moment... for 2 years now.

I gave her one last hug, and said: "This is it, PP. This is everything you've ever wanted, and more." As Penny jumped into the car, I waved goodbye... and cried, realizing that the "Penny Chapter" of my life had finally ended... but Penny's future... had just begun.

Last night, Penny's new mom wrote this:
"I have found my new best friend. She is one of a kind in our eyes... fantastic dog... loving, gentle. As soon as we met, we had a connection. She's followed me around all afternoon... she's asleep on my bed right now. Meet my wonderful new best friend: Penny."

Then, she shared a photo of Penny, lounging on her new bed. When I looked at the picture, tears filled my eyes, and this caption entered my head: "Finally... I know what it feels like... to be home..."

If you'd like to help other dogs like Penny, please click below to donate:

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

Click HERE to read my original blog post about Penny

BullShit Legislation

*Even if you don't have a Pit Bull, this post applies to you, and here's why...

It's preeetty safe to say that I have a ridiculously-strong love for Pit Bulls. If you haven't quite figured that out about me yet... well, it's okay. Maybe smarts just aren't your thing ;)

In fact, I've written more posts about "the Pit Bull" than any other dog or animal rescue topic.
I've shared the reasons why I love them.
I've examined the reasons why they're hated.
I've discussed why they deserve to live.
I've explained why they're forced to die.

I've shared the truth about Pit Bulls. I've presented the facts. I've disputed the stereotypes. I've challenged the bullshit.

I've shared from my own Pit Bull experiences. Not from what I've read about. Not from what I've seen on TV. Not from what I've been told.

I've been open and honest... candid and realistic.  I've been a lover. I've been a fighter. I've been a friggin-force to be reckoned with.

In turn, I've planted seeds. I've witnessed change. I've made an impact. Slowly but surely, I've opened some minds, changed some perceptions, and righted some wrongs.

In those moments, no matter how small the change... or how tiny the impact... I've been proud of me. Proud of what I was able to do for these dogs. Proud of the hope I was able to bring them. Proud of the lives that may be saved, because I stood up for them, I fought for them, and then... someone heard me, believed me, and did something about it.

However... it doesn't always go that way when I write about Pit Bulls. The response isn't always positive. Readers aren't always open. My words aren't always welcomed, or valued, or even heard. 

Instead, I'm often challenged, ridiculed, and bullied by "the other side" ... the Pit-Bull-hater side. This is the side that boasts sheer ignorance, lacking credibility and compassion, and rallying for injustice. It's the side that works against everything I fight for... the side that hopes to ensure the death of every last living, breathing Pit Bull.

People from this "other side" often write to me... just to provide me with a long list of reasons why each of my Pit Bulls deserves to die. And sadly, many people agree with them.

Keep in mind... these are my children they're talking about. 

Further, these people are extremely arrogant and combative... arguing to be "right" about a subject that they honestly know little-to-nothing about. They'll deny all logic. They'll skew the statistics. They'll swear-by "first-hand accounts" ... random testimonials they've heard from a-friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend's cousin, who supposedly was there when it happened... or maybe just saw it on the news.

Honestly, it doesn't matter what they know or don't know. It doesn't matter what you say or don't say. It doesn't matter what this-or-that dog did or didn't do.

Because no matter what, they'll stand firm in their misinformation, with an intense, unwavering, and undeserved hatred for these dogs. Dogs that they've never even met... but wish to see killed.

Sure... these people sound pretty damn ignorant, ridiculous, and evil, don't they? So then... why would I even bother to acknowledge them with this post? Surely no rational person would ever take them seriously, or even consider complying with their cruel, unfounded, kill-those-dogs death wishes, right?

Oh man. I wish.

Maybe you're wondering exactly who is on this "other side" anyway, and why they even matter??

Well... I'll tell you. They are your friends, your neighbors, your landlords, your insurance companies, and your lawmakers. That's who's on the other side.

Does this group of people deserve my time or energy? Well... no.
But Pit Bulls do.

And sadly, it's nearly impossible to fight for these dogs, and work toward the justice they so desperately need and deserve, without taking-on those people from that "other side." Or should I say... taking-down that other side.

Here's why:

For every person who distrusts the Pit Bull breed(s)... a Pit Bull dies.
For every neighbor who complains about their presence, a Pit Bull dies.
For every landlord who forbids their residence, a Pit Bull dies.
For every insurance company who denies their coverage, a Pit Bull dies.
For every lawmaker who bans their very-existence... thousands upon thousands of Pit Bulls die.

The "other side" is responsible for the deaths of millions of Pit Bulls each year. Abuse, neglect, and unimaginable torture are to blame for the deaths of thousands more.

And so... the innocent die. The guilty thrive. Justice takes the fall. Ignorance kills them all.

Yet... few people care to acknowledge this issue. Even fewer fight to change it. And even fewer actually do something about it, by saving at least one... before it's too late. By adopting just one, so another has a chance. By loving just one, so they don't have to die without it.

Maybe you aren't a massive Pit-Bull-advocate-freak like me, but surely you have a good heart, and a solid understanding of the difference between right and wrong. Surely you can see that millions of innocent dogs don't deserve to die for no reason. Surely you can understand that your silence allows it to continue.

Maybe you don't have a Pit Bull. Maybe your friends don't either, and maybe you've never even met one. Even still, this issue should matter to you, and here's why:

Consider your dog... whatever his or her breed may be. Consider how much you love your baby, and how much your baby loves you. Consider the innocence of this special, loyal creature in your life, who wants nothing more than to please you... who lives and breathes just for you. Consider just how much you treasure his or her devotion, and just how deserving your baby is of life.

Now... consider if someone else --who has never even met your dog-- tried to threaten your dog's life... because in their opinion, your baby doesn't deserve to live. Consider that this person's opinion was formed... based solely on the actions of another dog of a similar breed.

Consider that the other dog had been severely starved, neglected, and beaten all of his life --and yet-- the dog was punished for those crimes, and was forced to pay the price for what was done to him.

Then, consider that YOUR dog must also pay the price... he'll lose his life. Consider that your dog has been sentenced to death --along with every other dog who bears his resemblance-- based on nothing more than the actions of another dog, who kinda-sorta looked like him. (I'm not kidding. This really happens.)

Consider the feelings you would have... the outrage, the fear, the pain. Consider how you would stand up and scream: "No!!! Please! You can't do this! It's wrong! Somebody please stop them! Help us!" Consider that no one hears you, no one agrees with you, and no one even cares. Consider what it would do to your heart, and your faith in humanity, if this were your reality.

Consider the pain in your baby's eyes, and the fear in his heart, as he is ripped away from the only family he knows and loves. Consider the confusion, the heartbreak, and the terror he will feel... at the moment he is killed.

Now... picture your baby, laying lifeless in a landfill, beneath thousands upon thousands of other babies, who look just like him... and died just like him. 

That's what BSL looks like.

Seriously... ask yourself: what would you do... if this issue affected YOUR dog, in the very-real way that it threatens each of mine? Wouldn't you be angry? Wouldn't you be upset? Wouldn't you fight for your baby's right to live?

Then, to take it one step further, imagine how you would feel if your friends, neighbors, and co-workers sat back and did nothing to help you? What if you were the only one fighting? What if no one else even cared??

I want you to really allow yourself to feel those feelings... to imagine that level of anger and sadness... to acknowledge the utter helplessness of injustice. Does it feel right to you? Is it okay with you? Can you even believe it's allowed to happen??

Honestly, it's insane that this is allowed to happen, but it's definitely allowed... and it's definitely happening. It defies all logic. It's completely ridiculous. But mostly, it's tragic.

Here's the basic premise of Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL): When a dog of a certain breed harms or bites a human, let's just go ahead and ban every dog of that breed from existence... just in case.

It just doesn't make any sense...

Regardless of whether-or-not you love, hate, or feel completely indifferent to the Pit Bull breeds... surely you feel a special bond with your own dog. Surely you realize that your baby is distinctly unique in personality, behavior, and spirit. Surely you see the innocence, love, and desire that shine through your baby's eyes. Surely you look at him or her... and see a creature who is so incredibly deserving of life.

Well, that's how I see my Pit Bulls, too. Even if you don't believe in their love and innocence... it's there. It's in their eyes. It's in their smiles. It's in their hearts. It's in their souls. My dogs deserve to live, too. They just do...

In reading this... maybe you appreciate the love I have for these dogs, and maybe you feel sympathy for their pain. Maybe you don't want them to die, and maybe you wish that things could be different for them. Even still... maybe you're thinking that there's just no real reason for you to join the fight for them.

Because maybe you figure... "At least my dog is safe."

And maybe you're right...

But... maybe you're wrong...

Here's the honest truth: all it takes is one bite, from one dog, of one breed, for people to propose a legislative ban against that breed (Breed-Specific Legislation, BSL).

Across the country, 75 different breeds --and mixes of those breeds-- are currently on the list of banned or restricted dogs. It's NOT just Pit Bulls. In some areas, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds are deemed "dangerous," and are therefore banned. If you think small dogs are excluded, well, they aren't. Even breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs are on the list.

And believe it or not... this isn't the useless work of some random Joe Blow, who simply thought it would be cute to list all of the breeds he doesn't like that much. 

Nope. This is legislation, people. It's the law. And each year, more and more breeds (and mixes of those breeds) are being added to this list... in more and more areas across the nation. It's complete BULLSHIT.

And we're all just letting it happen...

By the time your dog's breed joins the list... it may be too late. You've got to care now. You've got to speak now. You've got to act now. Write letters. Make phone calls. Rally others to do the same. Just do something.

BSL is real, it's happening, and it's personal. It's life or death.

And it won't end... until we end it. Please join us in the fight for their lives. Not because I asked you to, but because it's the right thing to do.
*If you'd like to help Pit Bulls, please click below:

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A Pit Bull's Reality

Lucky Dog Rescue is not necessarily a "Pit Bull Rescue."

I'm more of a broken heart rescue. A desperate soul rescue. A no-other-hope rescue.

It just so happens... that many of the dogs with no other hope... are "Pit Bulls." (It also turns out... that I freaking love Pit Bulls.)

But you may wonder why the "bully breeds" need so much help. Why do these particular dogs have no other hope?

Let's start at the beginning... with the "ownership" aspect. Pit Bulls are arguably the most tortured "breed" in the world. (Remember: the term "Pit Bull" actually refers to at least 3 different breeds: the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.)

These dogs have been used and abused by humans for insanely cruel purposes... resulting in their bad reputation and perceived tough-guy image. This is not their fault.

Pit Bulls are often subjected to inhumane, painful, sadistic practices, such as dogfighting. They are exploited. They are tortured. They are hated.

Other Pit Bulls are chained and used for "protection." Many are used as "breeding machines." Some are used for "bait." In most cases, these guard dogs, breeder dogs, and bait dogs are severely mistreated, starved, and neglected all their lives.

But more than that... these tortured Pit Bulls live each and every day... without love.

Let's talk dogs for a second. Not breeds. Just dogs...

A dog --any dog-- exists for one reason: companionship. That's their entire purpose on this Earth. Dogs live for us. They'd die for us. Dogs love us more than they love themselves.

So... when you deny a dog --any dog-- of that companionship, you deny them of their very purpose in life. And when you strip a dog --any dog-- of their most basic needs: food, water, shelter, and exercise... you slowly kill their spirit.

But sadly... Pit Bulls are rarely desired for companionship. Yet...it's their only wish. Pit Bulls are rarely given food, walks, or warmth. These are their only needs.

Pit Bulls need and desire these things... just as much as every other dog. But far too often, their most basic needs and desires... are denied.

Despite all of this, these dogs live each day... with the hope that maybe today will be better. "Maybe I'll please them today." "Maybe they'll feed me today." "Maybe they'll walk me today." "Maybe they'll love me today."

Because every day --no matter what you do to a Pit Bull-- a Pit Bull will still love you.

However, in the eyes of their abusers, these dogs are completely disposable. They have no value, no worth, and no feelings. The owner determines the dog's "purpose," and the dog must fulfill that purpose... just to survive another day.

When these tortured Pit Bulls have fulfilled their "purpose" --or when they fail to fulfill that purpose-- they're often dumped to die... or killed.

And when a Pit Bull is dumped, where do they go?

That's the next heartbreaking reality for these dogs. Many rescued Pit Bulls end up in animal shelters. And many of those shelters have strict policies regarding bully breeds (Often, these policies are enforced in an attempt to protect these dogs from further abuse. I DO NOT wish to bash any shelter policies here, only to explain the reality for many Pit Bulls).

Some shelters require that all Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes be euthanized. Others may deem Pit Bulls as "rescue-only," meaning that only an animal rescue group can pull the dogs from the shelter.

So... that means they have hope, right? From rescue groups?

That's the third devastating reality for Pit Bulls. Many animal rescue organizations cannot or do not take Pit Bulls.

For starters, many rescue groups are located in areas with Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). So, it's actually illegal for those rescues to take any Pit Bulls.

Other rescue groups may choose not to take bully breeds for various reasons. This decision is often made because it's much more difficult to find good, quality homes for these dogs... and the process takes time.

With Pit Bulls, the pet adoption process takes much longer than with other breeds. Due to societal bias --and BSL-- the adopter pool for Pit Bulls is much smaller than for other dogs. So... when a rescue group has limited space and resources, they may not be able to accommodate a Pit Bull until adoption.

...Which ties into the next no-other-hope reality for Pit Bulls: adoption. As I said, the pool of adopters for Pit Bulls is vastly smaller than for any other breed of dog. This is true for many reasons: the misinformation, the societal misconception, the judgment without merit... these things threaten every Pit Bull's future.

Then... for some potential Pit Bull adopters, BSL prevents any chance of adoption. For others, their landlords, their insurance companies, and the opinions of family and friends deter desires to adopt a Pit Bull.

And so... after a lifetime of abuse, many Pit Bulls are simply waiting... with shattered hopes, dreams, and love... to die.

Today... right now, at this very second... thousands upon thousands of Pit Bulls are suffering. Thousands and thousands more are waiting in shelters... for their chance at forever. For their first shot at love.

For many, the suffering will never end. For most, love will never arrive. For the majority, death will get here first.

Except... for a lucky few. The Lucky Dogs.

And that's why I save them.

I don't do it because it's easy. I do it because they're worth it.

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

Silent White

Certain breeds aren't meant to be white. However, many people desire the look of an all-white or mostly-white dog.

But what happens when the must-have breed... doesn't come in white?

Well, in order to accommodate those buyers, some breeders choose to make their "supply" decisions based solely on demand, while disregarding health and responsibility.

Why do health and responsibility come into play? Because irresponsible breeding practices (such as inbreeding) can lead to severe health problems, for both the canine parents and their offspring. Example: for certain breeds, white offspring are more likely to be deaf and/or blind.

Why so? In an attempt to avoid the boredom factor, here's a quick overview: Piebald genes are the pigmentation genes that determine a dog's coat color. For affected breeds, a predominantly-white coat color increases the risk of hereditary deafness. That risk is even higher for dogs with little pigmentation around the face area (which is often the look that's desired by breeders and buyers of white dogs.)

These affected breeds aren't necessarily meant to be white... they're bred to be white. So, in simple terms, their white appearance is often acquired through genetic defects, which can lead to health issues such as deafness, blindness, skin allergies, etc. (This is the case for affected breeds, not all breeds.)

But let's be honest... do most buyers want to purchase a deaf or blind dog? Well, no. Do most buyers even realize that they're buying a deaf or blind puppy upon purchase? Of course not. Sooo... what happens next? Well, that's where the heartbreak comes in...

When someone doesn't know that their dog is deaf, they'll often wrongfully accuse that dog of mischief... because the puppy "doesn't listen." And before the owner realizes that the problem is actually deafness --not misbehavior-- many of these dogs are punished for their "misbehavior" with beatings and abuse.

But sooner or later, the owner will realize that their new puppy is deaf, blind, or unhealthy. Once that happens, the dog is often dumped at an animal shelter.

Deaf puppies don't last long in shelters. Their disability is what got them there, and that's what'll keep them there. And more often than not, that's the reason they'll be killed there.

Unless... they're a Lucky Dog...

Tucker & Diamond

Meet Tucker

This past summer, Tucker survived the devastating F5 tornado that swept through the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After enduring the terrifying, traumatic storm --and miraculously, surviving the ordeal-- he ended up in the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter.

The shelter quickly fell in love with Tucker's adorable face, ears, and personality. But regardless... from an adoption standpoint, Tucker already had 3 strikes against him. Tucker is a Pit Bull. Strike one. Tucker is a very large dog. Strike two. Tucker has special needs; he is deaf. Strike three.

When I called the shelter after the storm, I asked them to send me the dogs that no one else would take. And for obvious reasons, Tucker was on the list.

Tucker had lived a very "unlucky" life. Irresponsible breeding brought him into a world without sound. Later, a horrifying tornado almost ended his life. Then, a tragedy-stricken shelter became his final option.

Until... he came to me. That's when Tucker became a Lucky Dog.

Tucker is one of the most handsome, loving, loyal boys I know. He has the most adorable spotted ears --one floppy, one standing at-attention. And his athletic physique would make any of my guy friends way-jealous.

Obviously, Tucker is deaf. But Tucker doesn't listen with his ears... he listens with his heart. Maybe he doesn't know the sound of my voice. Maybe he doesn't even know his own name. But when I call him, he comes running every time. Not because he hears my voice... but because he feels my love.

Meet Diamond

Diamond was dumped in an animal shelter in Andalusia, Alabama. Just like Tucker, she had the same three strikes against her: Pit Bull. Large. Deaf.

The shelter workers fell in love with Diamond's adorable little face, her fun spirit, and her loving nature. But of course, none of the adopters ever looked Diamond's way.

For months, that shelter was Diamond's home, and for the first time in her life, she had food, warmth, and love. Finally, she felt safe.

But Diamond wasn't safe. The shelter was filling quickly, with no potential adopters for Diamond. So, in an attempt to give her one last shot at life and love, the shelter director, Christin Ball, placed Diamond on Pet Pardons.  

Christin is a friend of mine, so I knew just how much Diamond meant to her. I also knew that she'd had no offers of help, and time was out. 

So... I made the decision to take Diamond. What I didn't realize... was that I made that decision... on Christin's birthday. So, with a little mischief and a lot of love, I sent her the following message: "I couldn't afford to buy you a present, so I'm saving Diamond instead. Happy Birthday, Christin.Your wish came true."

Diamond is so special... I could immediately see why the shelter workers loved her so much. She's so eager to please, and so proud of herself when she does something good. I'm proud of her, too.

Diamond and I communicate through hand signals and positive reinforcement. But mostly, we communicate through love. And trust me... there isn't a word of it she doesn't hear with her heart.

Tucker & Diamond are both fully-vetted & ready for adoption with Lucky Dog Rescue in Meridian, Mississippi (transport can be arranged to amazing adopters).

Click to fill out Adoption Application for Tucker or Diamond: http://www.petpardons.com/adoption 

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE! 

The Truth About Pit Bulls

The societal misconception about Pit Bulls truly blows me away. In the minds of many people, there are dogs... and then... there are Pit Bulls. They're almost viewed as a completely different species.

Well... I've got news for ya. They are canines... just like every other dog. That's a fact.

Many people have never even met a "Pit Bull." Yet, when asked about these dogs, those same people will provide a bold, descriptive account of "the Pit Bull" and his "personality." Aggressive. Vicious. Deranged. Dangerous. Unpredictable. 

Remember... the vast majority of these people have never actually witnessed this behavior, because they've never even been close enough to a Pit Bull to substantiate --or eradicate-- their claims. 

So, the question becomes: what's the basis for these Pit Bull testimonies? How can someone be so certain of this knowledge, when they've never even had an encounter with a Pit Bull?   

The simple answer: the media. 

In order to thrive, the media needs stories... and not just any stories. Sensational stories. Stories that grab your attention. Stories that get people talking. Stories that get you to tune in, read, and share their stories... with others who will tune in, read, and share those stories. That's their job.

So, what makes for a sensational story? Well, consider Hollywood. What celebrity news makes the headlines? Scandals. Drugs. Affairs. Drama. The cover story is never about the sweet, responsible starlet who quietly goes to work and back home every day. Why so? Because innocent isn't interesting. Innocent is boring.

Instead, devastation, destruction, and chaos are desired by the media. And if these things don't exist... trust me, they'll create their own story... 

Does a story about a sweet, loving Pit Bull, who enjoys playfully running through the grass, qualify as "sensational?" Not so much. But what about vicious, killer animal roaming the streets for blood? You betcha.

Consider this: millions of dog bites are reported each year... by dogs of every different breed. Many of these bites cause severe injuries, leading to hospitalizations, surgeries, and death. 

But how many of those stories do you actually see on the news? Well, let me rephrase that: How many non-Pit Bull bite stories do you see on the news?

When a Pit Bull bites someone, it almost always makes the news, with a headline such as "Killer Pit Bull Attacks Human." But what about the Golden Retriever down the street, who bit a child and sent him to the hospital? Well, that one never made the news. 

What about the Chihuahua who mauled a kid's face... did you ever see this headline: "Vicious Chihuahua Mauls Child." Nope... that's not a "good story" either. 

If and when these non-Pit-Bull bites are reported by the media, it's never front page news, and the dog's breed is rarely listed at all, simply stating: "Dog Bites Child." 

In fact, dog bites are so common, that the average bite from the "average dog" isn't considered news-worthy at all... regardless of the degree of injury to the person, or the number of other bite occurrences by that particular breed. 

But why aren't these other incidents covered in the news? Well, any media reports about non-Pit-Bull bites would only reduce the "sensational" aspect of their "Pit Bull attack" stories. And trust me, they don't want that to happen. So, in order to maintain the Pit Bull's "vicious" reputation, the media neglects the many other dog bite incidents by many other breeds. Does this seem honest? Justified? Trustworthy?

So, you may be asking, "Then, why the Pit Bull?" Well, that's the deeper issue here... 

Sadly, the inherent loyalty of the Pit Bull has been exploited by humans for sadistic pleasure and personal gain. Dog Fighting. Baiting. Chaining. Protection. Neglect. Abuse. Thus, the Pit Bull's "reputation" is a direct result of the cruelty to which they're subjected. 

However, the truth doesn't matter to the media, because that "Killer Pit Bull" reputation and their assumed "vicious" nature makes for a pretty darn good news story...

The media never shares the back-story of what happened to the dog before he bit someone. Even though... that piece of information is the most critical part of the story. 

Pit Bulls are arguably the most abused, misused, and tortured breed in America. (Keep in mind that the term "Pit Bull" is actually used to describe at least 3 different breeds: the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.) 

Their strengths are exploited by humans to make these dogs weaker; their weaknesses used to make humans stronger. Therein lies the problem... the truth behind their "bad rap," and the stimulus for the vast majority of Pit Bull bites and "attacks."

But the media never asks the most critical question: What happened to this dog... to cause him to bite someone? I may not know everything, but I can guarantee you this much: something happened to him. 

Maybe this dog was chained and neglected for years, with only a few feet of space to call his own. Never able to run, play, or be a dog. So, when someone enters that limited space, the dog may feel threatened, and his natural fight-or-flight instinct kicks in. But guess what? That heavy chain prevents the "flight" option. "Fight" is all he has, and he bites because he fears for his life.

Maybe the dog was trained to fight. Maybe he was praised for attacking others... and brutally beaten when he didn't obey those commands. Maybe he has lived his entire life, so terrified on a daily basis, that he can no longer trust any human contact. Maybe he thought that biting was his only chance to live another day...

Regardless of what happened, the back-story is never told. More disturbingly, when talking to the media, the dog's owners will always claim that this dog was a beloved family pet, who just suddenly "turned" one day. I'm always amazed that people actually believe these owners. 

Let's take a stroll down Common Sense Lane for just a sec...

So... these people claim that they were a "good family" who loved their dog? Of course they say that!!! Do you honestly expect that they'd tell the media: "Well, we beat the crap out of our dog every day for years, and one day, he finally fought back." 

Or "We chained and starved our dog for his entire life... and one day, the neglect just got the best of him." Or "Our child was taunting the starving dog, who then bit her out of hunger, fear, and self-defense." Or "We trained our dog to protect our home, and now we're angry that he tried to do what we asked of him."

If a family actually admitted that they were guilty of animal cruelty, there would be consequences. So, of course they blame the dog! Then, the law blames the dog, and the media blames the dog. And sadly, society blames the dog... for what humans did to him. 

People actually choose to believe that this Pit Bull just "turned" on the family who fed them, loved them, and cared for them all their life. Is that rational? Of course not! But it makes for a better story, doesn't it? 

So, that's what the media feeds us... and everyone is falling for it... 

If you'd like to hear from someone who has A LOT of experience with Pit Bulls, well... here I am. I've been bitten by a lot of dogs in my life... Labs, Chihuahuas, Spaniels. But out of the thousands of dogs I've worked with, I have never been bitten by a Pit Bull. 

In animal rescue, I deal with the worst of the worst... and these Pit Bulls come to me in the most broken, fearful, and vulnerable state. If a dog is going to bite someone, it'll most likely happen when they're in that fragile, uncertain state... only because they are terrified.  

And yet-- not one of those Pit Bulls has ever bitten me. I work with them daily --many of them. Do you honestly believe that I'd put my life in danger every single day?? And if they're truly so vicious, wouldn't I have been bitten or attacked by now? If they were really so dangerous and unpredictable, surely I'd be at greater risk than anyone else... dealing with so many of them on a daily basis... right? And yet, nothing has happened. Hmm...

The truth is: Pit Bulls aren't any more dangerous than other large breeds, and they aren't any less loving or deserving than any other dog. Wouldn't you choose to believe someone who actually knows these dogs... over someone who has never even met one???

I don't fear them, so they don't fear me. I love them, so they love me. That's critical. Because when fear is present and love is absent, any dog can become terrified.

Every breed of dog is capable of biting and harming someone, and these bites can happen for many different reasons: excessive energy, improper training, lack of socialization, unmet needs, abuse, hunger, neglect, and fear. 

When a dog senses your fear, they assume that they should be fearful, too. They don't understand that you actually fear them... they just sense an abundance of nervous energy, causing their defenses to go up as well. Therefore, they become every bit as terrified of you... as you are of them. So when you move toward them with uncertainty and hesitation... they fear for their safety, which can cause them to bite you. This is true for any dog. 

The most feared dog... is the Pit Bull. People tend to fear Pit Bulls more than any other breed. But does it seem logical that those same people don't fear other large breeds --who are equally strong and capable of harm-- such as Boxers, Shepherds, Labs, and Standard Poodles? Does this make any sense whatsoever?

So, why do they fear the Pit Bull? Because of the media. Because of dog fighters. Because of misconceptions and lies and abuse. Stop buying into these stories! Stop blaming these dogs for dog fighting! Stop believing the lies you are being fed!

The media has a lot to gain from these stories: ratings, readers, and money. Dog fighters have a lot to gain from dog fighting... and even more so, when society blames the dogs, instead of the people. 

But ask yourself this: What do I have to gain here? If you think I'm getting paid to write this, you're wrong. If you think someone is paying me to save these Pit Bulls, you're wrong. If you think I have anything to gain by presenting the truth and seeking justice, well... you're wrong.

Actually, I have a lot to lose here... everything, really. If I'm wrong about these dogs, I risk my reputation, my work, and quite honestly, my life. But... I'm more than willing to put everything I have on the line... because I know that I'm right, and I know that they're worth it. 

The media has everything to gain... and nothing to lose. I have nothing to gain... and everything to lose. So... the question becomes: Who do you choose to believe??

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