Over the past few days, we’ve welcomed five new dogs into our Adopt-A-Bulls program — all survivors of cruelty, all transplants from the East Coast and all sweet, sweet, sweet and cute, cute, cute.

Our die-hard volunteers spent a bleary-eyed weekend greeting these lovelies when they came in, easing those road-jitters, helping them feel welcome, and learning as much as we could about their personalities and needs. We got three of these darlings into foster homes where they’re doing great with families and other dogs, and the two remaining dears are boarding at our vet’s office while they wait and hope.

We can’t wait to share their journey as it develops, but for now, some photos from the weekend:

Tagged: advocacy, dog fighting, rescueFiled under: Rescue

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Sirius Republic, creator of some of the most beautiful and sturdy handmade collars available!

Sirius Republic has created ten brand new collar patterns, and shipped one of each to Love-A-Bull as a beautiful gift to our Adopt-A-Bulls. For some of these dogs — especially the five arriving this weekend via long-distance transport from dog fighting busts on the East Coast — these lovely collars will be the first new thing they’ve ever owned. At the bottom of this post you’ll see instructions for how you can help dress our dogs in these collars, and be entered to win a Love-A-Bull t-shirt, too!

But there’s more! The ten collars — all named after Austin-area landmarks and things we love about Texas — have been branded as special Love-A-Bull collars. This means that for every collar of these patterns purchased, Sirius Republic will donate 20% of proceeds right back to Love-A-Bull. How cool is that?

So if you purchase one of these ten gorgeous collars for your very own pooches, you’ll be throwing a donation Love-A-Bull’s way, too. Our own adoptable Snickerdoodle and his foster brother Chick will be the cover-models for the new initiative, and the collars can be found under the hot-pink “Love-A-Bull” link on the left-hand side of the Sirius Republic website:

Dress our Dogs Game

To help us dress our Adopt-A-Bulls, simply match the five collar patterns below with the five Adopt-A-Bulls we’ve randomly selected from our crew. Enter your pairings into the comments box of this blog post, and sit back and wait! We’ll draw a lucky winner early next week, and dress our dogs in that winner’s pairings. To sweeten the deal, the winner will also receive a Love-A-Bull t-shirt of their choice.

Let’s play!

Match these collars:

With these Adopt-A-Bulls:

The contest closes on Tuesday at noon Central, and the lucky winner will be announced on our blog next Wednesday! We can’t wait to see what y’all come up with!

Tagged: #SiriusRepublic, collars, dog, foster, love, pit bullFiled under: Uncategorized

Love-A-Bull is abuzz with excitement: we’re about to welcome nine sweet new dogs in our Adopt-A-Bulls program! All nine dogs are traveling long distances to come to us, and we can’t wait to give them a big Texas welcome. But we are in dire need of foster homes! Click here to join our all-star foster team.

Over the past few weeks, we have agreed to take in nine dogs saved from three different dog fighting operations in Florida, Ohio, and South Carolina. This is a first for us, and it may even be a first for any local rescue group — nine dogs from three dogfighting busts in three states — wow!

Here’s a little preview of the sweet faces to come.

FLORIDA: In mid-December, 2011, 45 dogs were confiscated from a dog fighting bust in Sebring, FL. The dogs were kept in horrible conditions, chained, and left with algae-covered water. Many dogs were severely ill. The State of Florida has gained custody of 16 of the 45 dogs, and Love-A-Bull has worked with Florida powerhouse Dolly’s Foundation to accept transfer of three of them. The dogs have been described as friendly with people and dogs, petite, and absolutely adorable. Dolly’s Foundation will be hand-delivering these three little sweethearts on Saturday. We can’t wait!

For a touching video by Dolly’s Foundation about the Florida dogs, click here.

SOUTH CAROLINA: In October, 2011, authorities in Richland County, South Carolina arrested five suspects and seized 27 dogs involved in a dog fighting operation, several of whom were in such poor health that they were on the verge of death. Animal Farm Foundation, a national leader in advocacy, training, and evaluation of pit bull type dogs, stepped in to take custody of the dogs. Some of these dogs have been lucky enough to live in temporary foster care, where they have had ample opportunity socialize with people and other animals — and they’ve done great! Two will be transferred to Love-A-Bull this Friday.

More info on the South Carolina case and dogs is available here.

OHIO: In late December, 2011, 27 dogs were found in a dog fighting operation in Cleveland, Ohio. Suffering from physical wounds in filthy conditions, the dogs were removed and placed in the custody of the City of Cleveland Kennel. Love-A-Bull will be receiving four of these dogs.

We are especially excited about the Ohio dogs because their second chance is only possible thanks to Cleveland’s recent reversal of Breed-Discriminatory Legislation that used to treat pit bull type dogs as dangerous dogs. Thanks to the very hard work of passionate advocates, Cleveland has changed its policy, and just in time — the dogs seized in this bust are lovely animals deserving of their second chance. We are so proud to offer it to four of them here in Austin.

For more info on the Ohio dogs, click here.

Love-A-Bull needs foster homes and is accepting donations to support the care of these dogs. We are especially in need of toys, beds, and wet and dry food. Donations can be dropped off at Oak Hill Veterinary Clinic at 7101 Highway 71 West.

More information on each adoptable dog will be posted as it becomes available on http://love-a-bull.org/adopt/adoptabull/.

Tagged: adopt, advocacy, dog fighting, foster, love, news media, pit bullFiled under: Adopt-A-Bulls, Media Coverage, Rescue

We’re going to let you in on a little secret. Fostering dogs through Love-A-Bull is not only a good way to save lives, but it’s also a great way to make new friends, become a stronger dog handler, and learn a lot about yourself.

With River still waiting patiently for a foster home at our vet’s office and five dogs coming from the East Coast this weekend, we’re thinking this is a great time for those who are fostering-curious to come out of the shadows and announce themselves. We’re waiting with open arms!

Not sure if fostering is for you? Read on.

Foster families provide a much-needed soft spot to land on for dogs who have usually just endured a long and difficult journey. Most dogs who join our program have spent the last weeks living in a kennel with little human touch. Some of them need to learn to be dogs again.

We evaluate our dogs carefully, and only select ones who are great with people. Most of our dogs are also fantastic with other dogs, and some even like cats. While the Adopt-A-Bulls join us with varying degrees of that understanding-how-to-be-a-house-pet quality, they tend to be extraordinarily willing to work, and pick up new skills very quickly.

If you choose to join our program, we will take the time to talk with you about your unique needs and capabilities. We wouldn’t put a dog with a too-keen interest in cats into a home where a kitty rules the roost, nor would we place a young pup with somebody who works 12 hours per day.

We love when foster families have some experience with basic dog training, but beginners are welcome too! Our foster families have access to Love-A-Bull’s own four-week basic obedience course, which is held in two locations in Austin. We also have good relationships with a couple of experienced trainers, who are always willing to lend a hand in helping foster families work through little hiccups or puzzling behaviors.

Love-A-Bull takes care of all vet care for the animals, and if needed, will provide collars, leashes, tags, and crate. Most of our fosters provide their own food, beds, and toys, but we’ll gladly acquire those for a foster family in need.

Most of our dogs are adopted through our website and petfinder, which means that the more cute photos and stories you can tell us about your Adopt-A-Bull, the better a chance it will have. We also hold adoption events every few weeks — these events are a great way to meet our community and show off your foster!

Most of all, foster families are the foundation upon which our rescue branch depends to save lives. Without the generous families who open their hearts and homes to dogs in need, we wouldn’t be able to change these dogs’ world.

To submit a foster application, click here.

Tagged: adoption, foster, friendly, love, rescueFiled under: Adopt-A-Bulls, Rescue

Well folks, we’re pumped to announce that two of our fantastic Adopt-A-Bulls went home last week, and just in time — there are five dogs traveling cross-country to join Love-A-Bull later this week, and we need foster homes open for them. Stay tuned for more on our new beauties, but for now, let’s celebrate the adoptions of Libby aka Penny, and Buck Rogers!

LIBBY (formerly PENNY)

Oh, Libby. When we whispered to you to be a good girl and make yourself at home in your foster home, we didn’t mean that you should make yourself literally at home!

Libby (formerly Penny) had been in foster care for a few months when foster dad started falling more and more deeply in love with her. We had a suspicion that her foster home would be her happy ending, but we kept our mouths shut and just watched. Sure enough, six months later, Libby is home! Although she came to us as a survivor of cruelty — brought in after Animal Control received a call about some kids burning a dog — she has left her sad past long behind. Now she’s focused on the present, and for good reason: she gets along famously with her canine sibling, and dad takes the dogs out to his family ranch on holidays and weekends to run, run, run. Libby is a lucky gal to have such a fantastic dad, doggie sister, and the promise of ranch-style vacations where she’ll get to play with other family dogs and explore the wilderness. Congrats, Libby!

BUCK ROGERS

We never could resist Buck Rodgers’ sweet little face. When we pulled him from a high-kill city shelter just hours before his scheduled euthanasia, we thought hewouldn’t be in our foster program for long. This guy has too much to accomplish! Even though he was very thin and sick when he came to us, his new mama fell in love with him at first sight. She could just tell by looking into our guy’s eyes that he would be her perfect companion: once spring hits, she and her boyfriend plan to train him to run the trails along with them when they go out on their BMX bikes! Go get ‘em, Buck Rogers!

Tagged: adopt-a-bull, adoption, foster, love, pit bullFiled under: Adopt-A-Bulls

River is in critical need of a foster home and of funding to support his ongoing medical care. Please click here to donate, or click here for a foster/adoption application!

We know for sure that River’s life was saved by the kind soul who rescued him from the Colorado River last week. What we don’t know is how many times his life had been saved before, and how many more times it will take before River can breathe easy.

The poor guy is sweet as they come, but just can’t seem to catch a break.

River was found last weekend, barely clinging to a rock in the Colorado River. He was emaciated, heartworm positive, suffering from hypothermia, and one side of his body was covered in deep, gritty wounds and scratches. Nobody saw him fall in to the river — or the events leading up to it — but his injuries suggest that he may have been hit by a car before his tumble.

After being pulled by Love-A-Bull and moved to a partner vet’s office a few days ago, River’s deep wounds and infections were cleaned up, and Xrays were taken to determine the extent of his injuries. It was at that time that the vet discovered that River had a fractured hip, a broken toe, and had BB pellets embedded deep in his chest from where he had been shot at some point in his prior life.

But River is a brave, strong boy who just won’t give up. He won over everybody at the vet’s office with his sweet personality and his courage, and we are amazed at how loving, optimistic, and happy he seems despite the suffering he has endured.

A few days ago he began daily hydrotherapy for his necrotic hip wound. He has taken to the treatment very well, and his wounds — though still dramatic — look much better than just a few days ago. In addition to the therapy that River is already receiving, he will likely need surgery to repair his fractured hip and heartworm treatment.

But in the case of River, when it rains, it pours. During a routine examination last night, River collapsed, went pale, and stopped breathing. He came back on his own without CPR, but the incident led to the discovery that River suffers from a heart condition called an atrioventricular block (or AV block), which impairs the conduction between the chambers of the heart. Although it is unclear what causes this condition in River’s case, we know that it can be exacerbated in any incidence of high stress or excitement, which can potentially lead to another collapse. River will be seeing a cardiologist to determine the cause of the AV block, which may be resolvable with treatment of the underlying issue.

What River needs right now is lots of TLC and a steady, quiet foster home where he can be kept calm and given the peace and comfort he needs to rest and recuperate.

If you may be able to provide a foster home for sweet River, click here. To donate toward his rapidly expanding medical needs, click here.

Tagged: adoption, dog, foster, friendly, fundraiser, love, photos, pit bull, rescueFiled under: Adopt-A-Bulls

Since 2009, the City of Austin has taken heroic measures to boost adoptions of homeless dogs and cats, thereby reducing the euthanasia rate of animals that come through the shelter from about 30 percent in 2009 to about 8 percent in 2011. A huge victory, right?

The city has achieved this incredible reduction in euthanasia through a set of initiatives that include free microchipping of pets, free ID tags, new reduced cost and free spay/neuter programs, free adoptions on critical days, and partnerships with local rescues and animal advocacy organizations that are working hard to make adoption more “cool.” In 2011, Austin opened a sparkling new state-of-the-art adoption facility that is both attractive and user-friendly for adopters and more comfortable for animals.

These changes haven’t been easy, but they sure payed off: in 2011, Austin achieved the elite and sought-after status of “no-kill city” — a well-deserved honor for a city whose leadership and animal care staff and volunteers work so hard.

And yet, even though Austin has achieved this well-earned recognition, 2011 saw the euthanasia of more than 2,200 cats and 900 dogs — including more than 400 pit bull type dogs — at the city shelter.

How does this happen?

Undoubtedly, some of these 3,000+ animals were too sick to save or had irreconcilable behavioral issues. But many were just regular, adoptable cats and dogs. The problem comes down to one of math. With limited kennel space, limited resources, and limited adopters, a publicly-funded shelter like the Austin Animal Center is required to take in any animal that is brought to its doors. When the kennel runs out of space, some hard decisions have to be made.

Because of the short straw that many pit bull type dogs are dealt in life and the still-lingering sentiment among some people that pit bull dogs are somehow different than others, a disproportionate number of these hard decisions affect our lovable block-headed friends. 400 pit bull type dogs under the needle is a huge improvement from 902 just the year before, but it’s still a lot of dead dogs.

So at the same time that we are celebrating the remarkable work being done by the city to make Austin a friendlier, safer place for homeless animals, let’s not forget that while “no-kill” is an aspirational phrase, our work is far from done.

Do your part — check out Love-A-Bull’s own adoptable dogs here.

Tagged: adopt, adoption, city council, community, pit bull, rescueFiled under: Adopt-A-Bulls, Breed-Specific Legislation, Press Releases, Rescue

We are so excited to be presenting at Austin’s American Pets Alive No-Kill Seminar on Saturday, February 25! Speaking will be Love-A-Bull’s Meghan Turner, Aleksandra Gajdeczka and Jessica Anisman.

The subject of our session will be — naturally — pittie power! The presentation will include the challenging issues that pit bull type dogs face in shelters, and the damage suffered due to misguided media and myths. We will tackle some of these issues, discuss creative solutions, and host a constructive dialogue about ways to boost adoptions, support owners, educate the public, and build partnerships, to better serve dogs that often, and unfairly, get a “bad rap.”

We hope to see everybody there! Here are the details:

American Pets Alive No-Kill Seminar 2012

• Location: Radisson Hotel & Suites, 111 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX
• Dates of the seminar: Saturday (2/25) 9am-6pm, Sunday (2/26) 9am-6pm, and Monday (2/27) 9am-1pm
• Lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday

Hotel accommodations: Attendees can get a room at the Radisson for $119 per night by calling 512-478-9611 or 800-333-3333 and mention the American Pets Alive! Seminar. Or go to www.radisson.com/austintx and use the promotional code PALIVE.

Details for registration can be found at http://americanpetsalive.eventbrite.com. For any questions regarding the conference, please email info@americanpetsalive.org.

Tagged: adopt, adoption, advocacy, community, education, event, pit bull, rescueFiled under: Events