For the love of bullies!
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12 Tips for Responsible Pitbull Ownership
Why do you think the Pit Bull reputation has become as tarnished as it is today? How did a dog that was once considered to be a decorated war hero and wonderful family pet suddenly turn into the vicious, unpredictable creature we see today on the nightly news? The answer is a simple one really, the dogs have not changed over the years, but the types of people seeking ownership of these dogs has. (more…)
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Why Foster a Dog?
Foster parents are an integral part of successful rescues, especially dog rescue organizations dealing mainly with bully breed dogs like Pit Bulls, American Bulldogs and Mastiffs. Many first-time dog owners are weary of adopting Pitbulls and bully breed dogs directly from shelters, so foster programs can be a great way for potential owners to get to know a dog before adopting. Foster parents know the ins-and-outs of each and every dog and are able to give prospective owners a good idea of what to expect with regard to personality, activity level, play style and compatibility with other animals. Without the support and presence of foster parents, most of the dogs that would otherwise find homes will end up stuck in a shelter, or not finding a home at all. (more…)
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Let the Pit Bull Bashing Continue
I was searching for my daily dose of online news when I stumbled upon this short port in the Dallas Morning News Opinion Blog, the title of which reads, “The Pit Bull Scourge”. With a title like that I figured this poster must have some solid facts and/or evidence to back up his position as to why Pit Bulls should be considered a scourge to society. I already had my arsenal of facts and myth fighting words ready as I opened up the page, and I was ready to start a war of words with an undoubtedly ignorant Texan that assumes all Pit Bulls are inherently evil creatures. I must say I was very dismayed when I actually opened to the post, turns out it was pointless amalgamation of sentences that could have been transcribed by a 5th grader . (more…)
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The Problem With Chaining Dogs
I am not talking about putting a leash on your dog to take him for a leisurely walk through the neighborhood, as there is certainly no problem with Fido getting some much-needed exercise to work off the holiday pounds. Instead, I am talking about the practice of attaching your dog to a stationary object, such as a stake or tree, and attaching a leash, chain or rope as a means of confining your canine companion. Dogs are social creatures, and being confined to a small space for long periods of time can cause immense psychological damage. This inhumane practice can harm not only the dog, but also poses a threat to other animals and humans. (more…)
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The Mike Vick Pit Bulls – One Year Later
Before receiving an email from the Humane Society of the US, I had not realized it has already been a year since the Michael Vick dogfighting controversy first started. In total, forty-seven Pit Bulls were taken from Vick’s residence in Smithfield, VA. Over the past year, many of the dogs taken from the Vick compound have been rehabilitated – some going a handful of rescue organizations, while 22 of them will spend the rest of their days at Best Friends Sanctuary in Utah, a no-kill animal shelter. Only one of the dogs, despite the torture all forty-seven of them endured at the hands of Vick and his crew, had to be put down for human aggression; one out of forty-seven. (more…)
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Things to Consider Before You Adopt a Dog
Many dogs in shelters and foster care have ended up there because of ill-prepared owners that did not take into account the financial and time considerations that need to be made when bringing a dog into the family; this is especially true with puppies. While no one wants to think about the not-so-pleasing qualities that come along with dog ownership such as destroyed furniture, fleas, medical emergencies, allergies and illness, they are common setbacks experienced by pet owners. As someone that is thinking about bringing a new pet into your home, you need to carefully weigh out the pros and cons as to whether or not you, and your family, is ready for the increased responsibility that goes along with dog ownership. Below are a few topics to discuss before taking the final step in finding a new family member. (more…)
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Lost a Dog
My dog got out – what do I do?! It is an unfortunate fact that thousands of dogs go missing each and every year. The good news is that through the use of microchipping and an increased reliance on the web, many of these dogs are returned to their owners within days, even hours of their departure. If your dog is missing, the most important thing you can do is to never lose hope, be persistent in posting fliers, calling local agencies and visiting the shelter. As a dog owner that has been in this situation myself, my heart goes out to anyone that has lost their pet; never give up. Below you will find a few key points to remember when trying to locate a lost companion: (more…)
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Airline Pet Incidents 2007 | Dogs
Below is a list of all the dog-related airline incidents for all major North American carriers in the year 2007. (more…)
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Flying with Your Dog – Tips for Safe Air Travel with Pets
As the travel season approaches, many pet owners will be faced with the decision of whether or not to bring their dog along as they travel. It may be very tempting to bring your best friend along with you on your travels, but each dog’s particular temperament, as well as any illnesses or physical impairments need to be taken into consideration when making travel arrangements for your pet. If you have any doubts whether or not your pet is fit to travel you should consult your veterinarian; a pre-trip visit with the vet is advisable for any owner traveling long distances with their dog, just a quick check to make sure they have all their vaccinations and assess their overall health can avoid unwanted issues. (more…)
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Breed Profile – Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
History:
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a rare type of bulldog that originated in Georgia in the 1800s. This bulldog was bred to perform work on cattle ranches as well as guard plantations. They descend from the same line as the more popular American Bulldog and possess many of the same traits of intelligence and a strong bond with their owner. While they are classified as a working dog, they are more known for their companionship and the dedicated way in which they guard their master’s property. Between the years 1986 and 2001 there have only been 700 registered or pedigreed Alapahas on record. (more…)
