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!

Eddie Diaz and his dog Shorty

Shorty

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

There are so many reasons to spay or neuter your dog, and it’s an important part of being a responsible pet guardian: 

• Reduced risk of cancer and other health problems
• Decreases aggressive behavior
• Less desire to roam, therefore less likely to be injured in fights or auto accidents
• Reduces spraying and marking
• Reduces number of unwanted puppies
• Reduces shelter population

Please share with others to help us spread the word!  Download these digital flyers to print out, distribute, post or e-mail:

• Pit Stop Flyer: Free spay and neuter program for pit bulls (121 kb, PDF)
• Volante de Pit Stop: Esterilizacion gratuita para perros pit bull (126 kb, PDF)

To make an appointment with EmanciPET, please visit emancipet.org or call 512-587-SPAY (7729).

Please help Love-A-Bull raise the funds to get T-Bird his second chance. You may donate via Chipin or donate directly by calling Oak Hill Veterinary Clinic at (512) 288-1016. Please specify that you would like your donation to go towards Love-A-Bull’s fund for T-Bird.

Please pass along and share the link to T-Bird’s ChipIn with your friends and other supports: http://loveabullsadoptabulls.chipin.com/t-birds-second-chance

Read more about T-Bird and his case by clicking on the links below:
http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2009/07/dogfighting-raid.html
http://www.humanesociety.org/news/news/2009/09/guilty_plea_dogfighting_091409.html.

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.

The PR Coordinator would need to be

• Media-savvy
• Social, outgoing, talkative
• Reliable
• Able to pitch intriguing stories to news outlets

The PR Coordinator would get to

• Contact local media sources about our services and events
• Find and connect with other local and state groups that have similar missions and interests
• Handle interviews
• Issue press releases
• Spread the word about our events and services through social media like Craigslist, Holly’s Hot Happenings, Do512, Austin360, News8′s Community Events Calendar, and any other possible free posting

There’s a potential for additional responsibilities as our organization grows and our services expand.

This volunteer opportunity would look great on anyone’s resume, and you would be part of an essential, highly-valued team of core volunteers.

If you are interested in joining our team as the PR Coordinator, please send an email to info@love-a-bull.org and explain why you are a match for the position.