Two pit bulls who were once on euthanasia lists now use their instincts to help others overcome illness, discomfort and emotional stress. Moby and Pearl work as therapy dogs for Love-A-Bull’s Pit Crew Therapy Dog program.
Moby and Pearl spent the holiday weekend playing and enjoying treats but will be back to work on July 4 at Rancho Mondo NW Canine Resource Center in Leander. Photo courtesy Julie Eskoff Imagery
Photographer and dog trainer Julie Eskoff spent the Fourth of July holiday weekend with Moby, 3, and Pearl, 2. The fun included playing ball at Jonestown Park, posing for a patriotic portrait and will conclude today with homemade frozen yogurt treats, a doggie pizza and grilled wieners.
“We love our country and we love pit bulls, so what better way to honor them both than to put them together,” Eskoff said.
The trainer for Love-A-Bull’s Pit Crew operates Rancho Mondo NW Canine Resource Center. Eskoff’s boutique training center on five acres in Leander specializes in individualized training and helps dogs improve mental and emotional fitness.
Moby was scheduled to be destroyed at Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter when former Austin Pets Alive representative Curtis Stringer rescued him.
Holly Livermoore of Austin Pets Alive introduced Moby to Eskoff in May 2008.
Eskoff was mourning the loss of her 15-year canine companion, Jack Russell terrier Jonsie, and didn’t think she was ready to adopt. The third time Moby met with Eskoff, he found his forever home.
“He’s the best thing that could have happened to me,” Eskoff said. “He’s a mystical, quiet, smart, laid back, real cool cucumber and takes to training so well.”
Moby’s nickname is “The Doctor,” for his intuitive approach to soothing people.
“It’s amazing to watch how he reveals himself to people,” Eskoff said. “He puts his little foot on their thigh when they’re in pain or will lick a child’s hand when they’re crying.”
About a year later, Eskoff adopted Pearl after Emma Monday of Austin Pets Alive rescued her from Town Lake Animal Center.
Pearl’s mother weaned early and she wound up at at the center just a few weeks old.
“The litter was going to be put to sleep because they didn’t have the resources to deal with puppies,” Eskoff said. “Now she’s a Delta complex therapy dog.”
In addition to working for Pit Crew, Pearl is a Delta Society Therapy Dog with a “complex” rating, which means she can perform therapy duties in uncontrolled situations, such as a hospice environment or hospitals.
The Delta Society is a nonprofit that promotes the use of therapy, companion and service animals to help people live happier lives.
On July 4, Moby and Pearl will return to work at Leander-based Rancho Mondo NW Canine Resource Center where the pair help Eskoff evaluate and train other dogs.
Patriotic dogs through the years
For many decades, pit bulls were regarded as “America’s dog.” Many advertisements, including calls to patriotic causes, featured pit bulls in recognition of their loyalty and gameness.
The U.S. Navy used the pit bull as a patriotic symbol during World War I.
Gameness is defined as the willingness to see a task through to its end, even under penalty of serious injury or death.
One of the earliest patriotic dogs was Sallie, a Staffordshire bull terrier who was the mascot for the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. She followed soldiers into battle and was known to stand guard over the dead and wounded.
Sallie was separated from her unit during the battle of Gettysburg, July 1st – July 3rd 1863. Unable to find her way, she returned to the Union battle line at Oak Ridge to be reunited with her men.
Sallie died in February of 1865 during the battle of Hatcher’s Run. She was buried on the battlefield while surrounded by enemy fire.
In appreciation of her loyal devotion, a monument of Sallie now stands in Gettysburg, directly in front of the monument that commemorates the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry.
Another pit bull with patriotic spirit was called Jack Brutus, who became the official mascot of Company K, First Connecticut Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War.
Sgt. Stubby became the most highly decorated dog in the military.
The pit bull best-known for service to country is Sgt. Stubby, the now legendary World War I dog who was smuggled aboard the troop ship S.S. Minnesota in an overcoat. He became the military’s most decorated canine, even though animals were forbidden.
When Private J. Robert Conroy’s commanding officer discovered Stubby, the superior allowed him to stay after the precocious pit bull gave him a salute.
Stubby had a profound effect on morale and proved himself on the battle field countless times.
During his service in 17 battles, Stubby warned U.S. troops of incoming artillery rounds, which he could hear sooner than troops, warned of gas attacks after being sensitized to the noxious weapon and is credited with catching a German spy.
While recuperating from a grenade attack in which shrapnel damaged his chest and forelegs, Stubby visited wounded soldiers in the hospital lifting spirits.
After his death in 1926, Stubby’s body and uniform were presented to the Smithsonian Institute. He is on display in the Division of History of Technology, National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.
“Sallie” a brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was regimental mascot for the 11th 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Sallie, came to 1st Lt. William R. Terry when she was but four weeks old. Always by the side of Lt. Terry, Sallie grew up among the men of the regiment. She followed them on marches and into battle. At the battle of Gettysburg, July 1st – July 3rd 1863, Sallie was separated from her unit. Unable to find her way, she returned to the Union battle line at Oak Ridge, where Sallie stood guard over the dead and wounded. Sallie continued her faithful service until February of 1865 when during the battle of Hatcher’s Run, Virginia, Sallie was struck in the head by a bullet and killed instantly. Sallie was buried on the battlefield while surrounded by enemy fire. In appreciation of her loyal devotion, a monument of Sallie now stands in Gettysburg, directly in front of the monument that commemorates the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry.
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