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

My name is Peanut. I live with Foster Mom for Love-a-Bull. I have been super busy lately.

Here I am in the leaves

The last of the leaves have fallen and I surely did my part to help clean up. I chewed up all the big sticks into little sticks to fit into the brown bags. I sat on the leaves to make sure they didn’t blow away in the wind and gave lots of kisses on a job well done. 

These sticks are too big!

After our chores a super-sized car pulled up. It had stairs, a bed, table and a huge window in the front. I knew the front window would be my spot to take in the sights.

I belong up front, see?!

We drove out to the country and followed deer trails and the smell of BBQ. I had brisket and cautiously walked around the fire sniffing everyone’s fingers for tidbits of sauce. I have a really great nose.

Next time I’m going to help with the vacuum cleaning, and maybe learn to swim!

Tagged: adopt, adoption, foster, love, photos, pit bull, rescueFiled under: Adopt-A-Bulls

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!

Tagged: adoption, events, foster, home, media, Meetup, PBAD, Pit Crew, rescue, spay/neuter, therapy, trainingFiled under: Events, Media Coverage

You may remember our adorable girl Coco from a story last year.

Coco was found as a stray in East Austin at the beginning of 2010, limping in the cold spell during Austin’s winter. She was found emaciated, flea-covered and extremely weak due to injuries that we guess might have come from being hit by a car. She had also recently delivered a litter. She sustained some semi-permanent nerve damage, which causes her to drag her foot when she walks.

Coco was adopted out about six months ago but due to some changes with her new family she has returned to the Love-A-Bull program. We are so happy to have this sweet girl back safe but upon her return, we noticed her brace no longer fits her foot and she could really use a new fitted brace to help her on walks.

This sweet girl and been through a lot and we want to help her continue to do the one thing in life that she loves so much — take walks! No matter where Coco is she will always have her walks. Can you help this sweet girl this holiday season?

Here’s a link to some of the original footage from when Coco was rescued. Don’t worry, she looks TONS better since this!

Please pass along and share the link to Coco’s ChipIn with your friends and other supports: http://loveabullsadoptabulls.chipin.com/cocos-christmas-wish.

Coco (Puffin)

Smiles from Coco!

Tagged: adopt, chipin, foster, pet owner, pit bull, rescueFiled under: Adopt-A-Bulls