Meghan Turner

Meghan Turner became active in pit bull advocacy when she adopted her dog, May, in 2005 from a local rescue. She joined a local Pit Bull Meetup group to meet other pit bull owners who took a monthly “fun walk” around downtown. At that time, she was vaguely aware that there were issues surrounding pit bulls, but couldn’t imagine that her dog or others like her would be victimized or villanized to such a horrific extent. Upon learning more about proposed breed-specific legislation and finding that many simply had very little accurate information about pit bulls, she got more involved in trying to effect change. Meghan took over leadership of the Meetup group and joined forces with Lydia Zaidman, another active member, to transform it into a vehicle to change minds and fight negative stereotypes. Together, they founded Love-A-Bull, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in 2008. Meghan and May have participated in Love-A-Bull’s Free Training program and are working toward May’s Canine Good Citizen.

Lydia Zaidman

Lydia Zaidman became a dedicated advocate and lover of pit bulls ever since she first set eyes on her dog, Mocha, whom she adopted in early 2004. Since that time, she has fostered a number of pit bulls in her home. Moreover, because she believes in leading by example, Mocha has her Canine Good Citizen and is therapy dog certified through Divine Canine’s Therapy Dog Program. Mocha has worked at the Austin State School, Austin State Hospital, St. David’s Rehabilitation Hospital, at Ft. Hood Military Base, which aides returning soldiers with stress, and she participates in the Barking Book Buddies Program at St. Elmo’s Elementary School. As an attorney, Lydia has testified before City Councils and the Texas Legislature in an effort to overcome the various myths and stereotypes that have arisen regarding this beloved breed. As a founding Board Member, Lydia has been working tirelessly since Love-A-Bull was formed to restore “America’s Dog” to its rightful place.

Leala Ward

Leala Ward became an advocate for pit bulls in 2006 when she adopted her handsome boy Leo.  Now living with three wonderful pit bulls, Leala has been confronted with many of the pit bulls stereotypes and myths. As a result, Leala was overwhelmed with the need to educate. With that inspiration, Leala instantly became an active volunteer at Love-A-Bull.  She has participated in Love-A-Bull’s Free Training Program and is an active participant in many public events where Love-A-Bull organized grassroots education and outreach to the community. Impressed with her dedication, Love-A-Bull asked her to join the organization in early 2009.

Jennifer Thomas

Jennifer Thomas has been hanging out with pit bulls since 2000, when one was abandoned at her house. Her initial prejudices and preconceptions about these dogs were instantly shattered by the dog she named Felanie. Jennifer went on to create several educational websites, including one on responsible ownership and another about the menace of breed-specific legislation. Over the years, Jennifer has been very active in dog handling, including completing a course from NACA; volunteering with APDT-certified dog trainers; handling dogs at two local animal shelters; participating with her own dogs in obedience and agility classes; and contributing to local and national conversations about dogs and pit bulls. After Felanie died in 2008, Jennifer joined the Love-A-Bull team as Director of Legislative Affairs. She continues to work toward the promise she made to her first pit bull: a future without the threat of breed-specific legislation.