Archive for the ‘Media Coverage’ Category

Making room: Love-A-Bull welcomes nine cruelty survivors from the East Coast

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/.

Now on video: “Texas Sized” Pittie Pride!

Ever wondered what a big old party with 1,000 pit bull type dogs would look like?

Those who attended Love-A-Bull’s National Pit Bull Awareness Day event –the “Texas Sized Pittie Pride parade and festival– already know. Those who were not lucky enough to be with us? Wonder no further. The official video is out!

We lost count at a few hundred, but word on the street is that more than 1,000 pit bull type dogs were in attendance — along with special guests actress Holly Marie Combs, musician John Shipe, BAD RAP founders Tim Racer and Donna Reynolds, YouTube star “Sharky”, and LeRoy Golden with frisbee phenoms Karma, Justice and Bruzair.

It’s been a couple of months since that amazing day in November, but we still have chills thinking about it, and this video (from the very talented Cynthia Stein) leaves us with hearts swelling with pittie pride, big wide grins, and teary eyes. We bet it’ll do the same to you.

Check it out:

2011: A big thank you to our supporters

Wowza, it was a big year! January is the natural time to look back over the past year and tally up the results, so to speak. This year, Love-A-Bull sends a big, enthusiastic, heartfelt thanks to all of the generous supporters and volunteers who made such magical things happen. Without you, none of this would have been possible.

We accomplished a lot in 2011. Here are some highlights.

  • Trained 140 dogs through 23 free four-week classes
  • Expanded training programs to North Austin

  • Surpassed New York City to officially become the largest Pit Bull Meetup group in the nation, at 1200 members
  • Held 88 meetups this year
  • Staffed education and outreach booths at more than 10 festivals and events around town
  • Drank with old friends and new at Pints for Pits fundraisers
  • Brought Pit Crew therapy dogs to elementary schools and assisted living facilities

  • Offered medical assistance for 50+ families and their pit bull type dogs
  • Spayed and neutered more than 150 community dogs through the Pit Stop Program
  • Adopted out 56 great dogs to loving homes
  • Expanded to 40 active foster families

  • Hosted the Texas-Sized Pittie Pride event for National Pit Bull Awareness Day, with an estimated 1,000 participants
  • Signed up 40 pit bull type dogs for free spay/neuter surgery
  • Made our national tv debut on Animal Planet’s “The Pit Boss” tv show
  • Were featured in CultureMap Austin’s top stories of 2011 piece
  • Registered 300 “unofficial world-record” photo shoot participants

Here’s to a satisfying 2011 under the belt, and an even brighter 2012 to come!

Media Coverage | Pit Bull Awareness Weekend

Yes, it’s the much-anticipated first blog post after our crazy, busy weekend in celebration of National Pit Bull Awareness Day! Okay, maybe not but here’s a quick recap of the media coverage thus far, though many of you may have already seen some of the news stories and online articles.

KXAN
Jim Swift once again took the time for an in-depth investigation piece and very lengthy story.
Story: Pit bull lovers campaign for ‘underdog’

CultureMap
You have seen or even spoken with Karen Brooks while she chatted with attendees in the middle of the action at Republic Square Park on Sunday. Her article even had a mini-feature on Justice, the most recent addition to LeRoy Golden’s crew of Frisbee dogs and an Animal Farm Foundation rescue alum.
Story: With a face like that, what’s not to love? Pit bull festival celebrates a misunderstood breed

FOX7
Simple but improved (from last year) story, author unknown.
Story: Pit Bull Awareness Day

KVUE
Steve Alberts’ extremely brief sensationalism-based story.
Story: Man attacked by dog at the Hike and Bike Trail

YNN
Not a story, but an event promo from last Thursday.
Promo: Weekend festival celebrates pit bull pride

Austin360 | A bunch of (pit) bull?

Hey, we’re in the newspaper and online! The Statesman’s Austin360 published a quick note about the main event this weekend. Yep, it’s really only a few days away now.

But wait — before you finish reading, don’t forget we also still have tickets available for the exclusive VIP Party on Saturday evening. A BIG thank you goes out to Austin Speed Shop, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Independence Brewery, ZuZu’s Handmade Mexican Food, Love Puppies Brownies, Waialua Soda Works, and Red Bull for making this event awesome!

From Austin360
Published: 1:10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011

a360blast:recreation

SUNDAY

Todd Heisler/THE NEW YORK TIMES

Texas-Sized Pittie Parade and festival. Love-A-Bull, the Austin nonprofit that advocates for the dog breeds commonly known as pit bulls, is behind the local event that’s part of National Pit Bull Awareness Day. The day starts with a parade; gather at 11:30 a.m. in the Statesman parking lot, 305 S. Congress Ave., if you want to participate. Adults, kids and dogs of any breed are welcome (all dogs must be on leash), with costumes encouraged. The parade will leave at noon and march down Congress Avenue toward Republic Square Park, where a festival will run from 1 to 5 p.m. With animal rescue groups, trainers, food and drink, games, music, giveways and more. Celebrity guests include Holly Marie Combs (“Charmed,” “Pretty Little Liars”), musician John Shipe and Austin 101X DJ Deb O’Keefe as master of ceremonies. Canine celebrities include YouTube star Sharky, flying Frisbee dog Karma and the Love-A-Bull Pit Crew, an all-pit-bull therapy dog group. Both events are free and open to the public. A kick-off VIP party and fundraiser is Saturday. That event, with special guests, music, food, drink and a silent auction, will be from 7 to 11 p.m. at Austin Speed Shop, 1414 S. Lamar Blvd. More information: www.love-a-bull.org.

Read the online story here: A bunch of (pit) bull? Find it at the Texas-Sized Pittie Parade and festival.

Sharky’s-a-coming, too!

Hey folks! It’s Jessica from L-A-B guest posting!

HI!

We are frantically pulling the last details for the BIG, HUGE, FANTASTIC, AMAZING, ALL PIT BULL (and their friends), ALL THE TIME , FESTIVAL AND PITTIE PARADE  in November!  And getting SO excited!  It is going to be fantastic!

You are all coming, right?!  Still on the fence?  Well, we have several confirmed guests (Holly Marie Combs, BAD RAP, John Shipe) and just confirmed another one!  SHARKY the Pit Bull!  I bet you are coming now!

No offense, but if you have not heard of Sharky the Texas pit bull – you do not have access to the internet.  Or, like my grandmother, computers scare you.

I digress – Sharky the big, beautiful, gentle PB type dog and YouTube favorite has confirmed with us that he is attending the festival!  In costume with his mom no less!  They will be walking in the parade and col’ kicking it with us and our doggies at the festival!  By the way, there will be a costume contest – so get your dogs ready!

You can find his YouTube movies here: SHARKY THE SUPER RAD PIT BULL FROM TEXAS.

I can’t decide which is my favorite.. Is it the bunny ones?  Or the chick ones?  And, who doesn’t love a cat pestering a dog video?

They are all great!  What a fantastic breed ambassador!

So, get those doggie costumes ready and come on down on the 6th!  Meet and mingle with all of our special guests, including Sharky.  And, let’s celebrate our pit bull type doggies in front of the whole city!  Hell, in front of the whole state!  No, wait – in front of the whole country!

Oh!  And be sure and check this out!  Sharky and his mom, Helen made a special video just for little ol’ us!  Dogs in hats are awesome…Jus’ sayin’

See you in November!

XOXO – Jessica

 

Pit Crew at the Farmer’s Market

On Saturday, April 2nd, a few of our recently graduated Pit Crew therapy dogs were at the Cedar Park Farms to Market to hang out and do a little showing off too. Britagne Elliott, came by to film some of the activity. Britagne is a reporter for Texas Newswatch, a live broadcast program through the University of Texas’ School of Journalism.

More Paws-itive Press from Best Friends

Jessi & Jennifer from Best Friends also had a chance to watch our newest Pit Crew graduates showing off on Saturday.

Thanks to Jessi for the awesome write-up and to Jennifer for the great photography!

See the full article here: http://network.bestfriends.org/campaigns/pitbulls/16963/news.aspx

Read a quick except below:

Austin’s First Pit Crew Class Graduates

March 31, 2011, 11:40AM MT
By Jessi Freud, Best Friends Network volunteer
Photos by Jennifer Hayes

Believed to be the first of its kind in the country, class of seven pit-bull-type dogs completes intensive therapy-dog training program…

On Saturday, March 27, 2011, I got to watch pit-bull terriers change lives at a local Austin elementary school. Clearly, not the venue you typically hear the media reporting on pit-bull terriers hanging out with their guardians on the weekend…