We love sharing good news, and boy do we have some today. Four of the five dogs who came in last weekend from the East Coast have found bliss in wonderful foster homes with other dogs. Only little Buster Brown is waiting, but we have high hopes of placing him with a foster family this weekend.

Little Callie, the largest of the three Florida dogs, was sweet enough to take a break from playing and send us some photos of herself and a little update. Check out this sweet thing:

“Hi Love-A-Bull!

Who knew that life could be full of soft, warm, coziness and fun, friendly, safe people and dogs to play with? I am having a blast in my foster home! My aussie mix foster-sibling is SO MUCH FUN to play with — I really tucker myself out running and playing all day. Good thing I have nice cozy beds to sleep on and even some nice cozy people, too. I’m proud to report that I haven’t gone potty inside at all, and I’m doing well in my crate, too!

I’m ready to leave the past behind, only my little happy tail — which I wag so hard that it bleeds sometimes — keeps chasing me, and sometimes I cry in my sleep. But with all this fun and love surrounding me, I’m feeling like a brand new dog!

Love, Callie-dog”

 

Filed under: Uncategorized

Our boy River has been through a lot. In the week before we got our hands on him, he had been pulled out of the Colorado River after having been likely hit by a car. He had a fractured hip, a broken toe, a chest full of BB pellets, a side covered in painful, deep abrasions, and an incredible will to wiggle.

Unfortunately, wiggling is not good for this guy’s slowly healing hip, and it turns out he has a severe allergy to the sedatives our vet had prescribed him to keep him calm. This means that he can’t go for walks or play, he can’t breakdance and wiggle, and he can’t take meds to keep him feeling snoozy. So what’s a guy to do?

Start a donations drive for himself, of course.

River has already received generous donations of this adorable monkey sweater, a couple of t-shirts, and a beautiful collar from Dress-A-Bull. But now he needs toys!

Dogs like River — who are on a regimen of strict crate rest — can benefit enormously from what we call “busy toys” — the kind that dispense food and treats and keep a dog busy and exhaust him mentally while he works. River has one busy toy to play with already, but he would do much better with a variety to keep his brain active and help him relax in his kennel.

If you’ve been looking for a small way to help out or love the satisfying feeling of donating something concrete, here’s a great opportunity to help a dog who’s down on his luck. The following toys are recommended by our trainer:

• Starmark Everlasting Fun Ball (size Large)
• Starmark Everlasting Fire Plug (size Large)
• Starmark Everlasting Bento/Beanie Ball (size Large)
• Starmark Bob-A-Lot
• Tug-A-Jug (size Large)
• Kong Extreme (size Large) and fillers (peanut buter, kong treats)
• Kong Wobbler

Donations can be brought or mailed to him at:

River

c/o Research Pet and Bird Hospital

11679 Research Blvd

Austin, TX 78759

 

River has had a hard few weeks, and there’s nothing like opening up a couple of boxes with presents to lift a dog’s spirits. Thanks for your help!

Filed under: Uncategorized

We love our pups like family, which means keeping them safe and healthy too. Do you really know what might make them sick? Think of this as a brief guide book (not absolute fact). And since many of us have the bad habit of giving their dogs table scraps, try to tell the kiddos too.

More detailed information and a more extensive list can be found on the ASPCA website here: Ask the Experts: People Foods

The list below has some of the more prominent foods, combined from several resources:

1. Alcohol – Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol — none of it’s good for your dog. That’s because alcohol has the same effect on a dog’s liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes far less to do its damage. Just a little can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma, even death. And the smaller the dog, the greater the effect.
2. Avocado – (all parts of the avocado and avocado tree) No matter how good you think the guacamole is, you shouldn’t give it to your dog. Avocados contain a substance called persin. It’s harmless for humans who aren’t allergic. But large amounts might be toxic to dogs. If you happen to be growing avocados at home, keep your dog away from the plants. Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as in the fruit.
3. Bones and Fat Trimmings – Table scraps often contain meat fat that a human didn’t eat and bones. Both are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Although it seems natural, most bones should not be given (especially chicken bones) because they can splinter and cause an obstruction or laceration of the digestive system. It also poses a choking hazard. It’s best to just forget about the doggie bag.
4. Chocolate – Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs. The toxic agent in chocolate is Theobromine, a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic that can be fatal in dogs. It’s in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate, chocolate mulch, and unsweetened baking chocolate. Eating chocolate, even just licking the icing bowl, can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and be excessively thirsty. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.
5. Coffee, Coffee Grounds, Tea, Soft Drinks, and Other Caffeine – Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a dog. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding. In addition to tea and coffee – including beans and grounds — caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It’s also in some cold medicines and pain killers.
6. Fruit Pits & Seeds (most) – Pits and seeds contain Cyanogenic Glycosides which can result in cyanide poisoning – though the fruit itself is okay.
7. Grapes and Raisins – Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for dogs. But it’s not a good idea. Although it isn’t clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. And just a small amount can make a dog ill. Repeated vomiting is an early sign. Within a day, the dog will become lethargic and depressed. The best prevention is to keep grapes and raisins off counters and other places your dog can reach.
8. Human Medicines & Vitamins – Reaction to a drug commonly prescribed for humans is the most common cause of poisoning in dogs. Just as you would do for your children, keep all medicines out of your dog’s reach. And, never give your dog any over-the-counter medicine unless told to do so by your vet. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. And, they can be deadly for your dog. Vitamins, especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining of the digestive system as well as cause kidney and liver damage)
9. Macadamia Nuts – Dogs should not eat macadamia nuts or foods containing macadamia nuts because they can be fatal. There is an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs. As few as 6 raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog ill. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate. Eating chocolate with the nuts will make symptoms worse, possibly leading to death.
10. Milk & Other Dairy Products – On a hot day, it may be tempting to share your ice cream cone with your dog. But if your dog could, it would thank you for not doing so. Milk and milk-based products can cause diarrhea and other digestive upset as well as set up food allergies (which often manifest as itchiness). Fortunately, many local doggy bakeries and stores make or sell ice cream specially for pooches! They don’t usually pose a great danger but many have high fat content — and many pets are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance leads to gas and diarrhea; though small amounts of yogurt and cheese are usually fairly well tolerated. It’s even often recommended to put a teaspoon of plain yogurt with a dog’s meal to help digestion and gas.
11. Nutmeg & Other Pantry Items – Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage. Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your dog. Keeping food items high enough to be out of your dog’s reach and keeping pantry doors closed will help protect your dog from serious food-related illness.
12. Onions & Garlic – Onions and garlic in all forms — powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated — can destroy a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Both contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulfate/Thiosulphate. That can happen even with the onion powder found in some baby food. An occasional *small* dose (sometimes found in dog biscuits) is probably okay. But just eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause poisoning because it builds up in the system. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, vomiting, little interest in food, dullness, and breathlessness.
13. Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums – The problem with these fruits is the seeds or pits. The seeds from persimmons can cause inflammation of the small intestine in dogs. They can also cause intestinal obstruction. Obstruction is also a possibility if a dog eats the pit from a peach or plum. Plus, peach and plum pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. The difference is humans know not to eat them. Dogs don’t.
14. Raw Eggs – There are two problems with giving your dog raw eggs. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. The second is that an enzyme in raw eggs interferes with the absorption of a particular B vitamin. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your dog’s coat if raw eggs are fed for a long time.
15. Raw Meat and Fish – Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that causes food poisoning. In addition, certain kinds of fish such as salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon can contain a parasite that causes “fish disease” or “salmon poisoning disease.” If not treated, the disease can be fatal within two weeks. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes. Thoroughly cooking the fish will kill the parasite and protect your dog.
16. Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder – It’s not a good idea to share salty foods like chips or pretzels with your dog. Eating too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination and lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, and seizures. In large amounts these can cause an electrolyte imbalance and in severe cases lead to muscle spasms or even congestive heart failure. It may even cause death.
17. Some Vegetables – Potato peelings, green potatoes, rhubarb leaves, and green parts of tomatoes contain oxalates which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. Mushrooms may contain toxins that can cause liver and kidney damage. Broccoli isonly toxic in large quantities.
18. Sugar-Free Foods – Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol can cause an increase in the insulin circulating through your dog’s body. That can cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Eventually, the dog may have seizures. Liver failure can occur within just a few days.
19. Sugary or Excessively Fatty Foods & Drinks – Too much sugar can do the same thing to dogs that it does to humans. It can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly the onset of diabetes. Excess fatty foods can cause Pancreatitis.
20. Yeast Dough – Before it’s baked, bread dough needs to rise. And, that’s exactly what it would do in your dog’s stomach if your dog ate it. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch the dog’s abdomen and cause severe pain, and even lead to rupture of the digestive system. In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.

When in doubt, check with your vet!

Here are some of the resources that you might find helpful:
• 25 Human Foods Toxic to Dogs
• WebMD Slideshow: Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat
• Dogster – Poisonous Plants & Immediate Treatment for a Poisoned Pet
• Doctors Foster and Smith pet education.com

Tagged: education, healthy, pet owner, pit bullFiled under: Uncategorized

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

As you know, Love-A-Bull is a 501(c)3 organization — basically the fancy way of saying we have our non-profit status. What’s it really mean for us? As opposed to a federally funded program or a local business, we’re more reliant on fundraising, membership dues, and occasional grants to sustain our programs and initiatives.

Sure we can stand there and give you the spiel about why this is so important and where the money actually goes until our lips turn blue.

But it’s much better when we can tell you an actual story when someone (Eddie) reached out to us for assistance, and we were able to help them (Eddie & Shorty), because of the support we receive — and of course our partner organizations.

December 21, 2011

My name is Eddie Diaz. Love a bull helped me get my dog Shorty fixed. I am mentally ill and will be using Shorty as a therapy dog/service dog. I am on fixed budget and in order for Shorty to start his training he had to be fixed. I found trainers to help with his training but no one could help get him fixed so he could start his training. My wife met love a bull at pet expo and love a bull was in touch with us in hours. I cannot thank you enough for helping me with my dog, because for me he is more than a dog. He is able to alert me when I am having episode, and he is always there to lick my face when I sad. I know y’all try to save pit bulls, but today you saved me. Thank you just doesn’t seem enough, but thank you truly.
– Eddie Diaz

Eddie ~ we’re so happy that we could help out!

Tagged: advocacy, community, nonprofit, spay / neuter, therapy, trainingFiled under: Uncategorized

A couple of Love-A-Bull representatives got to play Santa and Hannukah Elf yesterday at the Austin Animal Center.

The goodies? More than 200 bully sticks, mailed to us from our friends at Handsome Dan’s Rescue in Rhode Island.

Our own adoptable Dora the Explorer helped count and organize the goodies, and some of her human friends zipped them over to Austin Animal Center to distribute.

The new Austin Animal Center is a state-of-the-art facility where the dogs are about as well off as shelter dogs can be, but still– active minds and active mouths need plenty of stimulation to keep them busy while they patiently wait for their forever-homes.

We were one of the lucky cities to receive treats for our shelter dogs from a recent bully stick drive by Vicktory dog Handsome Dan, that also benefitted the Philadelphia SPCA, the dogs of Animal Farm Foundation, and shelters in Portland, Maine and Providence, Rhode Island.

And wouldn’t you know? The dogs loved their holiday gifts. As Love-A-Bull volunteers walked through the kennels handing them out, a hush fell over the facility. Dogs who had been barking or trembling or cowering took to their chewy treats with great concentration and satisfaction, and for a short while, their whole world was content, tasty, and still.

Happy holidays, little ones of the Austin Animal Center!

Tagged: rescue, santa, shelter, treatsFiled under: Uncategorized

OPT TO ADOPT

Opt to adopt (or foster) this holiday season! Welcoming a furry friend into your loving home is one of the best gifts you can give — and you’ll be receiving a whole lot more!

Check out our wonderful adopt-a-bulls looking for their forever home, or pass them along to your friends looking for their new best friend. And we’re always accepting new fosters now or in the future. If you’re interested in fostering, please fill out the form here.

---

2012 MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE

Our 2012 Membership Package has arrived! We’re offering a great variety of discounts for our dues-paying members (including 10% off all services at Oak Hill Veterinary Clinic).

Thanks to those of you that have already renewed! If you’re not yet a part of this, please consider it this year — it’s only about $2/month. We rely on dues to help fund our programs and initiatives, and we greatly appreciate your support. Plus it makes a great gift for those pittie owners! You can see the full list and order through our store here.

---

BLOG, BLOG, more BLOG

Keep up with the Love-A-Bull blog — it’s a great way to stay informed on the happenings and learn about what we’re doing!

Some of the most recent posts include: 10 year-old forgoing presents for his dog, rescues on the way from South Carolina dog fighting bust, a Q & A about film Pit Bull Confidential, amusing adventures of Dora the Explorer (the Adopt-A-Bull). And more!

---

CALENDAR TIME

And of course, don’t forget your 2012 Unexpected Pit Bull calendar in time for the new year! You can order online AND Love-A-Bull will have these awesome calendars available for sale at our events.

---

PITTIE PRIDE WRAP-UP

Thanks again to everyone that attended the Texas-Sized Pittie Pride event!
• Over 300 responsible owners and their pitties registered at our World Record booth and some even got their photos done
• Free spay/neuter appointments were made for almost 40 pitties
• Collars, leashes, tags, microchips, and training info. were distributed to hundreds of participants
• Mostly it was a great day with all of you and our special guests
Please check out all the videos, pictures, postings and more!

---

UPCOMING EVENTS

Woof, woof! Stay alert pittie friends. Upcoming events to be posted here soon!

Tagged: friends, holidays, loveFiled under: Uncategorized

On occasion, you receive an email or phone call that just begs to be shared. It’s a nice reminder of why we do what we do — and sometimes we need that. I’m very happy that Love-A-Bull has one of those stories for you. We know it’ll make you smile, but grab a tissue just in case!

About a week ago, we received an email about a recent donation that had been made. This note was from a mother about her son’s gift to us. She explained that her son, Tarak, chose to raise money for Love-A-Bull instead of receiving presents at his 10th birthday party that past weekend. And he made a donation of over $100!

It seems we all might have something to learn from this act of kindness and passion for a good cause. So of course we asked if we could share this story. We received a letter AND pictures! Aren’t Tarak and Huxley just adorable?

Dear Love-A-Bull,

For my 10th birthday, I raised money for Love-A-Bull instead of getting presents, because I have a pit bull terrier named Huxley, and he is the sweetest dog in the world. My family trained him at Love-A-Bull.

People shouldn’t be so scared of pit bulls. They should be scared of the people who train pits to be aggressive. Really, pit bulls are naturally friendly and gentle. When I had my birthday party two weeks ago, over 20 friends came over, and Huxley was kind to everyone. In fact, every night before I go to sleep, my 60 pound pit bull climbs into my bed and sleeps beside me.

I think everyone who cares about pit bulls should try and raise money for Love-A-Bull, so that people who are afraid of pit bulls understand why they should love and take care of them instead!

Sincerely,
Tarak

Tagged: advocacy, dog, friendly, gift, love, pet owner, pit bull, present, training classFiled under: Uncategorized