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

January 26, 2012

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!

January 9, 2012

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

January 4, 2012

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

• Graduated 9 therapy dogs in brand new Pit Crew therapy dog program
• Gained 15 CGC certified dogs in our membership ranks

• 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

November 8, 2011

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?

November 3, 2011

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!

October 13, 2011

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

April 18, 2011

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

March 31, 2011

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…

KXAN’s Paw-some News Coverage!

March 29, 2011

This past Saturday, KXAN’s Jim Swift stopped by Gullet Elementary to witness the very first graduating class of Pit Crew therapy dogs.

Here, the dogs and their trainers demonstrated skills in a realistic school environment. But the day wasn’t complete without the graduation ceremony!

Read the full article here:
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/pit-bulls-go-to-work-as-therapy-dogs

A big thank you to Jim for joining us to welcome these graduates!

101x Interview – November 5, 2010

March 11, 2011

Lydia, Meghan and Rescue Ink’s Johnny O. went on the air with Jason and Deb of 101x on November 5, 2010 to promote Love-A-Bull’s Pit Bull Awareness Day. Check out Pitbull Power! on 101x’s blog and then listen to the clip:
101x Interview with Lydia, Meghan and Johnny O. from Rescue Ink.

Fox News Talks Layla and Pit Bull Awareness Day!

November 4, 2010

Beautiful Layla gets a bit of media spotlight and Love-A-Bull talks about its upcoming Pit Bull Awareness campaign!

Love-A-Bull’s Lydia talks to the Press about Guardianship Responsibility!

September 20, 2010

Fox News talks to Love-A-Bull about responsible Pittie guardianship, and Love-A-Bull’s upcoming National Pit Bull Awareness Day.

And KVUE Questions Lydia About National Pit Bull Awareness Day:

Fox 7 Interviews Love-A-Bull on Pit Bulls and the Pit Bull Task Force

August 7, 2010

You can learn more about the Pit Bull Task Force, here.

Love-A-Bull Pooch Comforts Soldiers At Ft. Hood!

July 4, 2010

Ms. Mocha, a therapy dog, is proud to comfort members of our armed forces.  Pictured above with a female service-woman, who admitted that before she met Mocha, she was afraid of all pit bulls.  She sure did change her mind!  Click for the full story:  The Divine Ms. Mocha at Work!

Love-A-Bull takes a stand against chaining, seeks homes for rescued dogs

June 14, 2010

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/dogs-on-chains-raise-concern-in-rural-areas-745619.html

Dogs on chains raise concern in rural areas

Animal advocates want a statewide ban on tethering similar to Austin’s

By Patrick George AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Updated: 1:20 a.m. Monday, June 14, 2010
Published: 9:33 p.m. Sunday, June 13, 2010

MARTINDALE — When Titan and Ladybug came to Austin, the pair of 3-year-old pit bulls were in bad shape. Being chained to a stake in the ground all day since puppyhood had taken a toll on the dogs’ health.

Ladybug’s harness had started growing into her skin. She walks with a permanent hunch and can’t bark because of a damaged throat. Titan’s ribs were sticking out from malnourishment, and he had had his ears cut off with scissors. Both had heartworms, fleas and ticks.

In 2007, Austin passed an ordinance that punishes owners who chain their dogs with fines of up to $500. Dogs kept mostly outside must have an enclosure — such as a fence — with a minimum of 10 by 15 feet for each adult dog. In 2008, the City of Georgetown passed a ban on dog chaining as well.

But in rural areas such as Martindale, in Caldwell County, no laws keep dogs off chains, and animal advocacy groups say it is a problem for dogs and humans alike.

Titan and Ladybug are receiving care and are waiting for a home at the Canine Hilton shelter in East Austin after members of the Austin nonprofit Love-A-Bull persuaded their Martindale owners to let them have the dogs for $200.

Although both dogs had suffered from the chaining, there was no indication they were being used for fighting, and both have playful, friendly temperaments. Martindale Police Chief Jeff Caldwell said no citations were issued against their owners.

“While not the ideal situation for those dogs, it’s not necessarily illegal,” he said.

Love-A-Bull has helped five dogs from Martindale this year, all of whom were victims of chaining. The group mostly does education and advocacy work, member Lydia Zaidman said, but it acted to rescue the dogs in this case because of the extreme situation.

Animal control resources — including money for enforcement officers and shelters — are scarce in rural Central Texas, and education about the dangers of chaining dogs is hard to come by, animal advocates said.

Caldwell County’s strays usually end up at the Lockhart Animal Shelter, a facility on Old McMahan Road. The shelter houses about 56 dogs and 24 cats daily, with an average of 180 animals a month. Its $267,000 annual budget comes from the City of Lockhart, Caldwell County and donations.

By comparison, Austin’s Town Lake Animal Center has an annual budget of $5.5 million and cares for about 23,000 animals a year. The city has plans to build a new $12 million facility in East Austin.

Melanie Tucker , Lockhart’s director of animal services, said the city bans leaving restrained dogs outside and unattended for long periods. Chaining is more of a problem in rural areas, where enforcement is left to two Caldwell County sheriff animal control officers and where chaining often is unreported, she said.

Animal advocates say chaining dogs is inhumane, encourages aggressive behavior and makes dogs more territorial.

“There is a total lack of understanding about why chaining is so bad for dogs,” Zaidman said.

Zaidman said her own pit bull, rescued after up to three years of being chained up alone, has no teeth from trying to gnaw the chain off.

Lyndon Poole, a member of Chain Free Austin , among the groups that pushed for Austin’s chaining ban, said that children who wander near chained dogs are in danger because of the dogs’ increased aggressive behavior. Many people think that chaining a dog in their yard will offer protection, but Poole said chaining prevents the dog from properly bonding with humans.

“A dog is better able to protect you if it’s inside your home and not restrained by a chain,” he said.

Since the Austin law passed, Poole said he sees fewer dogs on chains these days. “Unfortunately, those laws stop outside the city limits,” he said.

Patt Nordyke , executive director of the Texas Federation of Animal Care Societies, said the federation and other groups are pushing for a statewide ban on dog chaining but that they aren’t optimistic because of the current budget crunch.

A bill signed into law after the 2007 legislative session put some restrictions on tethering dogs, including making it a Class C misdemeanor to leave a dog within 500 feet of a school or in extreme weather, such as freezing temperatures or during a heat advisory.

Nordyke, Zaidman and others want to see a state law that mandates an enclosure for dogs kept outside, similar to Austin’s ordinance.

“The state needs to do something because these towns won’t do it,” Zaidman said.

pgeorge@statesman.com; 512-392-8750

101X (101.5 FM) interviews John Garcia for Love-A-Bull’s Pit Bull Awareness Weekend

October 22, 2009

101X (101.5 FM) interviewed John Garcia for Love-A-Bull’s Pit Bull Awareness Weekend!

The interview took place on 10/21/09. Listen to the interview (mp3).

Austin-American Statesman’s Charity Chat picks up our Pit Bull Awareness Weekend Press Release

October 20, 2009

View the press release here: http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/charity/index.html

Best Friends Network spreads the word about Love-A-Bull’s Pit Bull Awareness Weekend

October 8, 2009

Our Pit Bull Awareness Weekend piqued the interest of Best Friends, especially with special guest John Garcia attending!

Check out the article here: http://network.bestfriends.org/golocal/texas/news.aspx?pID=13354

Examiner covers Pittie Pride and Memorial Walk

September 13, 2009

The Pittie Pride and Memorial Walk, which was both a chance to show off our great dogs and a way to remember the victims of dog fighting who cannot speak for themselves, was a great success. Despite the possibility of bad weather, nearly 40 members and their dogs attended the walk. We attracted quite a sight downtown!

Read the Examiner article about the walk here: http://www.examiner.com/x-20590-Austin-Dogs-Examiner~y2009m9d13-Austin-shows-its-Pittie-Pride-Love-A-Bull-hosts-a-pride-and-memorial-walk-for-Pit-Bulls

Love-A-Bull member sells her team spirit on eBay

August 16, 2009

Love-A-Bull’s Lydia Zaidman placed her team spirit up for auction on eBay after the Philadelphia Eagles signed dogfigher Michael Vick to their team. The winning bidder chose which team Lydia would root for for the rest of the season. The proceeds from the auction went to Love-A-Bull.

KEYE-TV featured this story on their evening news.

Good Day Austin (FOX) segment about Love-A-Bull

May 27, 2009

Fox News interviewed Love-A-Bull’s Lydia Zaidman about the pit bull’s bad rap and about our free training classes for members! (Please allow a few seconds to load video.)

Can’t view it? Click here: Beating the Bad Rap of Pit Bulls

Fox 7 news segment about Love-A-Bull’s therapy pit bulls

April 19, 2009

Two Love-A-Bull therapy dogs appeared on the news while working at the Camp Mabry Heroes Celebration.

Can’t view it? Click here: Pit Bulls Dispel Myths at Camp Mabry

Love-A-Bull protests illegal BSL in Madisonville

March 10, 2008

Love-A-Bull members went to Madisonville, TX, to protest the passage of breed-specific legislation in that city and to try to educate city leaders about safer, more effective alternative dog laws. Breed-specific legislation is not legal in Texas.

Read the coverage at these links:
KBTX Coverage
Best Friends Coverage