Adoptiversaries

These couple of weeks must be something special, because I adopted all three of the browns during this time of year. Wrigley's adoptaversary was yesterday, Probert's today, and Maizy's is in just a couple of weeks. So, I figured it was time to do some comparison photos. Then and now(ish - the now photos are from the past few months).

Probert was adopted 6 years ago at about 11 months old from a rescue in Columbus, OH called Measle's Animal Haven. He was a scrawny little pup who had been abused, rescued, and then contracted a mild case of parvo (mild due to being an older puppy) and been bitten by another dog in rescue. Now he's a little snugglebutt who still has issues from his past, but over just the past couple of years is really learning to be a DOG. Finally.

Wrigley was adopted 7 years ago at about 5 months old. He was a direct rescue from people who didn't want him. They said they were watching him for someone who went out of town and never returned to pick him up. Wrigley was living life underneath a trailer at the end of a tow chain and had never even been given a name. The people who had him did doxie rescue and had about 9 rescue dogs in their house, but never thought to bring Wrigley indoors because of his breed. To their credit, they did make some effort to rehome him and I was happy to invite him into my pack! Now he is a wiggly goofball. Definitely the most challenging of my dogs due to his guard barking, but he makes up for it by being one of the most genuinely sweet souls I've ever encountered.

 

Maizy was adopted 8 years ago at about 9 months old. She was a scrawny 27 lbs and smelled like mildew, probably due to the workers at Philadelphia Animal Care and Control hosing out her kennel with her still in it. She was shy and sometimes stubborn, but always a wonderful, personable dog. She grew up quickly, gaining tens of pounds in just a few months after her adoption. She is my most faithful companion and is definitely the pack leader. I have been so fortunate to have her to teach the boys the ins and outs of being a dog, as I see they have often studied her behavior and followed her example.

So, there it is. Happy Adoptaversaries to all of my babies. My life would simply NOT be the same without you. I love you all so so much.

Gutted

So, in working on planning tonight's (!!!) Pinups for Pitbulls fundraiser here in Chicago, I have been in touch with a few GREAT bully-friendly local rescues. I am so inspired by all of the hard work that they are doing, and at the same time, I am being heartbroken constantly thinking about the hard lives that so many animals have. There is no way to not wish I could do more.

At the event, there will be photos and descriptions to promote dogs from both One Tail At A Time and Making A Difference Rescue who are in need of sponsorship or foster/forever homes. One of the dogs that really touched me from Making a Difference is Hero. He was found by a woman in her yard, collapsed. She thought he was dead. Once he was picked up, an email was sent out from Animal Control to the director of Making a Difference with only two words, "Help me." And so, we are all trying to find Hero the home that he deserves.

Yesterday, I also received an unexpected email from a caregiver at PAWS Chicago asking if we could promote another dog at our event. Red is already famous in Chicago for attempting to protect his elderly owner during a home invasion. During the course of the attack, Red was shot and paralyzed. His owner sadly could not physically give Red the care that he now needs and Red is in search of a home to live out the rest of his days. I really hope we can help him.

Please think of these dogs... send them your good thoughts. We are hoping to help some of them out tonight, even if it's just by reminding people that there are so many dogs out there that need our compassion and love.

Playing Dress Up

So, once again this year we participated with Pinups for Pitbulls and submitted a photo for the 2010 calendar. Out of the almost 100 submissions, we were NOT chosen to have our own month in the calendar, but our picture will appear on a page in the back. Oh well. Enjoy anyway!


The photo was a huge collaborative effort in tribute to the Elvgren pinup painting, Station WOW. I can't tell you how much fun this shoot was. Everyone who worked on it was great. The photographer, Chris Zibutis is awesome and was assisted by his lovely wife, Monica Zibutis as well as their friend Robyn Martin. The hair and makeup was all done by my sister-in-law, Jenna Hopman. The dog-wrangling and general pup supervision was handled by my husband, Shawn Hopman. We shot at the yoga studio where I teach thanks to the kind owners. The pup models were your friends, Addy and Probert. As you can see, Probert is an old pro at this looking adorable on film thing by now!

And Another Sad Story in the Media

Yesterday the story broke of a bust on a dog fighting ring (ran out of the same home as a licensed day care) in Maywood, which is not so very far from where we live. It is always harder when these things happen close to home. The original article was illustrated with a "vicious dog fighting" graphic which has been replaced with some photos, but really bothered me and definitely distracted from the issue at hand. Can we get a "vicious humans" graphic, please? I have read a lot of dog fighting stories in the media and this is maybe one of the worst as far as the descriptions of the conditions of the dogs who were found, so I recommend that you read at your own risk.

This morning I read the updated story, which is illustrated with a painfully adorable picture of the Cook County Sheriff holding a 4-week-old white pit bull puppy that could melt any heart. Seriously, adorable.

A few things really struck me about this story:
1) The majority of the comments (as far as I read) have been surprisingly positive in terms of not bashing the breed. I don't know how people could read a story like this and still blame the dogs. These conditions are not fit for anyone and it is no wonder that these dogs may not be happy to see people. They are AFRAID.
2) The comment in the story of one of the neighbors that she was (understandably) afraid of these dogs and is glad that they have been removed. Okay, well now you still have to live alongside these PEOPLE and you are okay with that?
3) One of the suspects spoke to the media and is quoted as dismissing what the police have found as nothing major. Not something you see every day.
4) As the police were investigating this home, they look into the neighbors yard and see ANOTHER abused pit bull and subsequently bust that guy, too.
5) There is a law against felons owning an unaltered dog?
6) It is no wonder that people can grow up with a lack of compassion for animals when this house contained a daycare and the children were literally playing outside beside abused and mangled dogs. We need to work so hard to teach the next generation that this is not normal or right.

We will see where this story goes, but I think the public at large is definitely getting on the side of anti-dog fighting and I can only hope that this case will be another step towards ending dog fighting in our society completely.

Now go and hug your dogs.

Farewell

Rest in Peace, Sweet Jasmine.

Join us!

We had so much fun at last year's PAWS Chicago Run/Walk for Their Lives that we are doing it again! This year, I decided to sign up early and create our own fundraising team for Pinups for Pitbulls. So, we'll be out there representing the bullies and raising money for a great cause! If you are in the area and plan on doing the walk this year, we would LOVE it if you joined our team. You do not need to own a pit bull or anything, just be a friend, supporter, or fan! We are open to any and all members. When you go to sign up, there is an option to join an already existing team and it is easy.

If you are not in the area and would like to make a donation to help benefit Chicago's largest no-kill shelter, that would be awesome, too!

Dog Days

On Sunday, Addy and I attended the Dog Day on the Green event on the lawn of Soldier Field hosted by the Chicago City Clerk's office. The event seemed to be a way to promote spay/neuter, rabies vaccinations, and overall responsible pet ownership. I was excited to see the list of rules on the event's website, as they required that dogs ben friendly, on-leash (no retractables), old enough to have all of their shots, altered, etc. Unfortunately, the rules were NOT enforced at all and there were many dogs too young to have been vaccinated, dogs off-leash (harassing other dogs, trying to steal people's food as they ate on the grass), dogs on retractable leashes (these are the worst ever unless you are walking in a field or something), unaltered dogs, obviously aggressive dogs... You name it. Overall, I'd say the experience was a fun and positive one, but I was disappointed with some of my fellow attendees.

At any rate, Addy and I had a great time. There were a lot of booths set up for local organizations as well as local pet businesses. There was an agility course that Addy tried out (and did GREAT at once she realized that CHEESE was at the end of each obsticle). We met up with one of Addy's friends, Michele, who drove Addy on her road to rescue from Iowa to Illinois. There were so many free giveaways at the event that I was glad I'd brought a backpack and when I went home, I put all of the free treats into a giant mixing bowl!


After a few hours, Addy was tired. Her one widdle front leg has to do double duty, so it gets tired easily. I carried her for a little bit and eventually she started climbing under the vendors' tablecloths to try to take a nap out of view. :) So,we said goodbye to Michele and her family and headed home. Overall, a great day!

On Monday, Addy started advanced obedience back with Rendy at Anything is Pawsible. There is only one other dog in class this round, so we get to work a little more quickly through some of the things that both dogs already know. Addy was acting up and biting at her leash and me and generally not wanting to work until Rendy got out the bitter apple spray. The look on Addy's face was priceless the first time she smelled it and the first time she forgot herself and bit the leash she couldn't spit it out fast enough. Hahahaha. Sorry, lady. No messing around allowed!

Children's Book: Max, The Shelter Dog

I haven't read Max, The Shelter Dog, but it looks like a cute gift for the children in your life! Anything we can do to educate children about bully breeds and animal rescue at an early age is worthwhile!


"Max, The Shelter Dog" is the story of an energetic and playful 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.

Through Max's ordeal, children learn compassion, strength of will, and hope. They will come away with a new appreciation and respect for all sheltered animals. Children are our future, and it is my hope that through Max's story they will be the next generation of leaders who will help put an end to shelters all together.

Be prepared to take a journey that will touch not only the heart of a child, but that of any adult who loves animals, especially pit bulls.

My Favorte Commercial of All Time

Settling In

Things are going well as Addy Mae settles into the pack. On Tuesday I took the day off work to drive to Ft Wayne, IN where I met Addy's foster mom (she was kind enough to drive from Columbus, OH to meet me). I collected the pup and we were on our way back to Chicago.

Before arriving home, we visited my husband at work and then Addy and I went home and took a much-needed nap on the couch.

When Shawn came home from work, we did the formal pup introductions (one by one, starting outside on neutral territory). Addy was a little overwhelmed and showed teeth to everyone. Maizy was unphased and friendly, Wrigley was devistated that his attempts to play with her were shot down, and Probert was Probert.

Since Tuesday, the interactions between Addy and brown pups have been limited and highly supervised. She and Wrigley have become pretty good friends since she likes to chase him and he loves to be chased. You would be surprised at how fast she can move on three legs only two weeks out from her surgery! I will take a video when I am able. Her and Maizy laid on the couch yesterday with their butts touching, which I am told is a good thing. We are waiting for Probert to chill out about her presence before they spend too much time together.

Addy herself is getting much more comfortable with her new surroundings. She is more energetic and curious. She follows Justice kitty around and around the downstairs trying to figure him out, but keeping her distance (as he is full of growls and hisses). She plays fetch in the house with her dino cuz. Yesterday I learned that she can sproing over the back of the couch from the floor. Being "disabled" is not slowing her down one bit! She also throws quite a fit about being put in her crate, but eventually settles down. The brown pups did the same thing with crate training, so I am sure she will be fine once she is used to the routine.

And with that, I am headed to Texas this evening! My husband will be left in charge of the pack. Wish him well. :):)

Breaking the Mold

So this weekend I participated in a dog transport. A dog named Mystic was going from a rescue in Nebraska to Measle's in Ohio (where Probert comes from). We were at about the halfway point in the trip, so on Saturday night I picked up Mystic in Elgin, IL and Sunday morning I dropped her off near the Indiana border for her to continue on the next leg of her trip. The time that she was in our home, she was a great dog and acted as my shadow. She was the sweetest dog.

When my husband and I were both home on Sunday, we missed her terribly and decided that her home was here. Unfortunate for the people who sacrified their time to take her between Chicago and Columbus, but tomorrow I am going to pick her up and bring her back to Chicago where she will become a member of the pack (and honorary brown pup).

We saw on her vet records that they had changed her name to "Adie Mae" and since Addison is one of the streets that Wrigley Field is located on, we decided to change her name to Addison, Addy for short.

Addy's story is that she was brought in to a vet's office with a healed broken leg by a man. The man left her and could not be contacted for three weeks. At that point, I guess she was surrendered to the Humane Society who had the surgery done to remove her leg (as well as do her spay) and were sending her to Measle's for adoption. Well, she's being adopted alright! Her leg was removed a little less than two weeks ago and she is already getting around very well. I can't wait to see her again and properly introduce her to the pack.

I won't change the blog name, but I guess I could at least change the subtitle up there, huh? :)

Rest In Peace, Bradley

While looking through a pit bull community that I post to on Flickr, I found this picture posted by Eldad Hagar and was introduced to little Bradley. Bradley's story really touched me. I advise you get out a tissue and hug your dogs close before reading on...

Bradley is a pup who was dumped a shelter, and was mercifully rescued by the lovely couple behind Hope for Paws animal rescue. Bradley immediately saw a neurologist and was diagnosed with severe hydrocephalus. It was agreed that he should not continue to suffer from this condition and Brady was taken out for a great "last day" at the beach where he enjoyed fried chicken, hamburgers, and lots of love, before returning to the vet where he went to sleep forever.


Hope for Paws is selling a book that will raise money to continue their rescue work. You can buy it or make a donation at their site.

Ohio Reconsiders "Vicious Dog" Label

Currently in the state of Ohio labels all pit bulls (and any dog that looks like it might be a pit bull) as "vicious". Dog owners have to carry expensive insurance policies in order to keep their pit bull (or "pit bull type") dogs. One lawmaker in Ohio is stepping up to try to change that.

You can view the news story here, including a link in the upper left hand corner to a video piece. The video features Lisa, who is the reason that I knew about Measle's Animal Haven (she was a foster parent for them) and as a result, the reason that I adopted my little Probert. :)

Also, check out Lisa's super super cute little foster pup, Broby, in the video! Love his ears!

Ohio residents: send letters of support to Representative Sears! As we know, the breed is not the determining factor of whether a dog is vicious. Responsible ownership is the answer, as well as enforcement and improvement of existing animal welfare laws. A dog shouldn't have to act out before it can be legally removed from a bad situation.

Fighting Against Dogfighting

You may have previously seen the story of Oogie, the Dogo Argentino rescued from a hellish life as a bait dog in a dog fighting ring.

Well, now millions have heard Oogie's story, as he was a guest on the Oprah Winfrey show! You can read all about it here (click "next" to read the whole story).


Also, for those in the Chicago area, you can check out Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue's 2nd Annual Love Me Don't Fight me fundraiser event tonight at Exit. Make a donation for me, if you're there! I don't stay out that late. :)

My Foster Dog is Beautiful...

My Foster Dog is Beautiful...

My foster dog stinks to high heaven.
I don't know for sure what breed he is.
His eyes are blank and hard.
He won't let me pet him, and growls when I reach for him.
He has ragged scars and crusty sores on his skin.
His nails are long and his teeth, which he showed me, are stained.
I sigh.
I drove two hours for this.
I carefully maneuver him so that I can stuff him in the crate.
Then I lift the crate and put it in the car.
I am going home with my new foster dog.

At home I leave him in the crate till all the other dogs are in the yard.
I get him out of the crate and ask him if he wants 'outside.'
As I lead him to the door he hikes his leg on the wall and shows me his stained teeth again.
When we come in he goes to the crate, because that's the only safe place he sees.
I offer him food, but he won't eat it if I look at him; so, I turn my back.
When I come back the food is gone.
I ask again about 'outside.'
When we come back, I pat him before I let him in the crate; he jerks away and
runs into the crate to show me his teeth.

The next day I decide I can't stand the stink any longer.
I lead him into the bath with cheese in my hand.
His fear of me is not quite overcome by his wish for the cheese.
And well he should fear me, for I will give him a bath.
After an attempt or two to bail out, he is defeated and stands there.
I have bathed four-legged bath squirters for more dog years than he has been alive.
His only defense was a show of his stained teeth that did not hold up to a face full of water.
As I wash him it is almost as if I wash not only the stink and dirt away, but also some of his hardness.
His eyes look full of sadness now.
And he looks completely pitiful as only a soap-covered dog can.
I tell him that he will feel better when he is cleaned.
After the soap, the towels are not too bad; so, he lets me rub him dry.
I take him outside.
He runs for joy: the joy of not being in the tub and the joy of being clean.
I, the bath giver, am allowed to share the joy.
He comes to me and lets me pet him.

One week later I have a vet bill.
His skin is healing.
He likes for me to pet him.
I think I know what color he will be when his hair grows in.
I have found out he is terrified of other dogs.
So I carefully introduce him to my mildest four legged brat.
It doesn't go well.
Two weeks later there is a new vet bill for an infection that was missed on the first visit.
He plays with the other dogs.

Three weeks later he asks to be petted.
He chewed up part of the rug.

Eight weeks later his coat shines, and he has gained weight.
He shows his clean teeth when his tongue lolls out after he plays chase in the
yard with the gang.
His eyes are soft and filled with life.
He loves hugs and likes to show off his tricks, if you have the cheese.

Someone called today and asked about him; they saw the picture I took the first week.
They asked about his personality, his history, his breed.
They asked if he was pretty.
I asked them lots of questions.
I checked up on them.
I prayed.
I said yes.
When they saw him the first time, they said he was the most beautiful dog
they had ever seen.

Six months later I got a call from his new family.
He is wonderful, smart, well-behaved and very loving.
How could someone not want him?
I told them I didn't know.
He is beautiful.
They all are.

Written by: Martha O'Connor

I Rescued A Human Today

I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY by Janine Allen

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.
I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.


http://rescuemedog.org/dog-blog/i-rescued-a-human-today-by-janine-allen/
Written by Janine Allen CPDT, Rescue Me Dog's professional dog trainer. Janine's passion is working with people and their dogs. She provides demonstrations for those who have adopted shelter dogs, lends email support to adopted dog owners that need information beyond our Training Support Pages, and aids shelter staff and volunteers in understanding dog behavior to increase their adoptability. Copyright 2008 Rescue Me Dog; www.rescuemedog.org

Marley and Me

If you haven't seen it yet, you should definitely check out the trailer for the new movie Marley and Me, based on the book by John Grogan. The Brown Dog Dad and I were laughing out loud watching it. Reminds me of a young Maizy...

Christmas Card Time!

Once again little model Probert is wagging his tail for the camera to bring in the donations for the rescue that saved his life! Check out his Christmas card design for Measle's Animal Haven and buy a pack of 10 cards for $15.

The back of the card has Probert's bio written by a volunteer at the rescue. It reads: "Proby is our featured Love-A-Bull. Proby is a Measle's Animal Haven success story. He was rescued from an owner who used him for target practice. When he coudln't hit him, he backed over Proby with his pickup truck and then shot fireworks at him as Proby lay writhing on the road. After physical and emotional rehabilitation at Measle's Animal Haven, Proby was adopted into a caring and loving home.
Proby spends his time snuggling with his new family, wrestling with his new siblings, and enjoying his aspiring career as a dog model."

Yoga Mala for Pet Rescue

One more (important, but aren't they all!? hehe) post for tonight to promote an event that I am organizing here to raise money for some very deserving rescues! If you are in the area, please come! If you know of someone who may be interested, please pass it on!

Click here for a larger version of the flier.

Discovery News features Pinups for Pitbulls!

Check out our friends from Pinups for Pitbulls on Discovery News! Carla Lou and Baxter are fellow brown pups!

Pinup Girls Pose for Pit Bulls