Carolina Care Bullies

Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Jewel

2012-01-12T13:18:00.002-08:00

Her foster mom says, "Jewel is a beautiful dog in looks and personality." Jewel is a little over one year old. She's house and crate trained, walks great on a leash, and she adores the company of other dogs and especially people. You don't have to worry about her sharing her toys with kids or other dogs, as she doesn't have a mean bone in her body. This girl is pure love. When offered a treat, she will take it very slowly and gently from your hand, a plus for training! Jewel is a social animal. She loves to lay near her people when she tired and when she is playing with her doggie friends her favorite games are tug of war and chase. Jewel and her foster sister Malley love to chase each other. Both are very quick, but Jewel has her beat when it comes to turning, so she usually wins that game! All Jewel needs is a furever family (without cats!) to give her all the love and attention she deserves. Please visit Jewels, album on facebook here. You can also visit her petfinder page here.

Featured Happy Ending: Jenny

2012-01-12T13:18:00.001-08:00

Ollie and Jenny

Ollie here...Hi everyone! That's me in the picture, the handsome one. That's my sister Jenny sitting on top of me. What a crazy nut she is...I'm going to tell you all about her and how she came to be a part of our family.

You see, at my house there's always been dogs that will come and stay for awhile and then they go to something the humans call a furever home. My spellchecker says that's not a word, but that's how these humans keep spelling it? It's this whole process called fostering. That's what my mom does. I'm a pretty good foster brother and my sister Maggie is too. Maggie is that beautiful brindle girl in the pictures. We've had nine foster dogs come and stay with us until they went to their furever families. Wait...make that eight. Jenny, #9, didn't leave!

Jessi and Jenny

It must be because Jenny and Maggie are such good friends. That Jenny sure does love my human sister, Jessi, too. That's Jessi and Jenny together in the next picture. Jenny waits outside Jessi's bedroom door every night until Jessi falls asleep and then she comes back to the living room to hang out with us. Jenny and our doggie sister Maggie are best friends. Jenny and Maggie do everything together. If Maggie is outside, so is Jenny. If Maggie is going on a walk, Jenny is too. If Maggie is asleep, Jenny is laying on top of her asleep! Look at the pictures if you don't believe me. But, you know what? If mom has the space heater on or she gets the blow dryer out...it's me and Jenny you'll find. That's Ollie and Jenny time.

Maggie and Jenny

That Jenny, she really is a funny girl. She might be more sassy than sweet though. Don't let her fool you. Some days she'll be lying on the couch and I'll think she's sleeping. Then that silly Jenny leaps off the couch on top of me because she wants to play. She does that to Maggie too. She may be part dear the way she just leaps in the air? She sure is proud of herself too when she tricks us. Dogs aren't supposed to know what accomplishment means...but I looked it up. That's what Jenny has. When she tricks us she walks around all proud and excited. That's what you humans call accomplishment, right? My humans laugh at her, that's called enabling, I'm pretty sure!

Jenny, Ollie, Maggie, and Meredith

Anyway, we all like that Jenny girl. Even when she's being ornery. She does this thing to my human sister Jessi that's just too funny. She waits till Jessi is in the shower and if she didn't close the bathroom door all the way that silly Jenny will run in there and steal her socks. She steals dirty socks, can you believe it? If I did that I'd go hide it so I didn't get in trouble. I don't steal dirty socks though, remember that. Ollie doesn't steal socks, but that Jenny girl...watch out for her. She'll steal your socks and then she'll prance around the house all proud of herself. That's your warning. If you come to my house...keep your socks on!

Maggie and Jenny

I'm really glad that CCB saved Jenny's life and I'm happy that my humans decided to keep her forever, or furever if that's what you prefer. She's stubborn, and goofy, and sneaky, and she sure does make our humans take big deep breaths sometimes but life with Jenny is fun. She's a snuggle bug like Maggie and me and she likes to play too. As long as I never have to wear socks and keep them away from Jenny, then she's welcome at Ollie's house every day!

Ollie and Jenny

Wags and Kisses,

Ollie

Volunteer Spotlight: Jennifer Hedrick

2012-01-12T13:18:00.000-08:00

Sadie

Seven years ago I had just bought my own place in Texas and decided I wanted to get a dog. I went to my local shelter and walked up and down the aisles several times before a reddish/brown dog curled up tightly at the back of her kennel caught my eye. I bent down to get on her level; she slowly raised her head and looked at me with big brown eyes. I called to her; she slowly uncurled herself and walked towards me her head down and tail tucked between her legs. As I stroked her head through the wire I glanced at her card. She was a six month old pit bull mix who had been at the shelter for two months. The owners turned her in when they realized she was a pit bull. When I took that scared puppy outside she didn’t romp and play but just sat at my feet and looked up at me with such pleading in her eyes that I knew I would be taking her home. The hardest part of the day had been to see her be put back in that kennel. Her tail tucked back down and her head lowered as she slowly made her way to the back of her kennel. I had tears in my eyes as I filled out that application and drove home. The shelter had a seventy-two hour hold on dogs so they could do a background check on the adopters.

Jenn with Jake and Sadie

The next three days I spent going to the store buying food and supplies for my new baby. I was so excited and couldn’t wait to get her home. First thing Saturday morning I drove to the shelter. I will never forget the pep in her step or the look in her eyes when I slipped that collar around her neck with her freshly engraved tags with her new name Sadie. She knew she had been adopted and was going home. She curled up in the seat next to me with her head on my lap and just stared up at me the whole ride home.

Foster puppies: Dita, Fidget, and Peppe

A little over one year later Sadie and I packed up and moved to North Carolina . It wasn't until my move that I started to realize how hard it was to own a pit bull. I had to lie about Sadie’s breed to get into an apartment, to board her in a kennel, take her on vacation and even finding a vet. Frustrated I tried to find any information on my rights as a dog owner but always got conflicting information. I finally gave up when I couldn't get the answers I wanted.

When Sadie and I first moved into our apartment the complex had the maintenance guy come in when I wasn’t home to fix something. Sadie was locked inside her kennel and became hysterical. When I got home that night her kennel had been ruined along with some blankets and molding around my bedroom door. That day would start a lifelong struggle for Sadie with separation anxiety.

Jake

Less than a year after moving to North Carolina , I would move Sadie and I again this time into a house. I had bought a little home, which I hated, but it had a huge fenced in yard, where she could play off a tie-out for the first time in her life. The first time I let her out into the yard I had tears in my eyes as I watched her race around the yard wide open and a huge smile on her face. After a few months I decided to get Sadie a companion. We adopted Jake and that’s when Sadie’s dog aggression came out. I had owned dogs before in fact most of my adult life, but was ignorant about being a good owner. I didn’t realize how important it is, especially for pit bulls, to be socialized at a young age. Because of my ignorance as an owner Sadie and Jake got into several fights. I learned quickly about dog first aide. Sadie didn’t just fight with Jake, on our walks she would lunge, growl and snarl at other dog owners. I would have to jump on her and hold her to the ground until the other dog passed us by. The first winter after we moved in I was walking Jake and Sadie when a truck slowed down, threw a small puppy out of the window and sped off. I tried to find him a home but he was so small that no one was able to take him. I ended up keeping Picasso and it was because of him that I finally got the help Sadie and I needed.

Picasso

When Picasso was about three months old Sadie attacked him and hurt him bad. I knew then I had to get Sadie and I professional help. After tons of searching on the internet and calling and talking to several trainers I found the perfect one for us. I cried on the drive to take Sadie because she would be staying with the trainer in herhome for one month.

It was the longest and shortest month of my life. I hadn’t realized how tense Sadie’s issues made the rest of the house. I was able to give Jake and Picasso the attention they both needed and the break from the constant worry of being attacked. The dog trainer also gave me homework and told me on a weekly basis what she was doing with Sadie. She gave me some articles to read and websites to visit. I learned all of the things I did wrong in raising Sadie. And if it could have been done wrong I did it! The majority of Sadie’s negative behavior was through no fault of her own but through the fault of a bad owner. Me!

When Sadie came back home Jake and Picasso were wary of her and I watched her like a hawk, but it didn’t take the boys long before they accepted this new Sadie back and were playing in the backyard. It took me longer but after several months we learned to trust one another again.

Jenn is our CCB puppy guru!

Sadie still was having separation anxiety issues, destruction being the biggest one. I was still searching for a way to help her and find a “cure” but I knew we would be okay. I cannot tell you how many times I laid in bed at night and wished that someone had been around when I was going through all of this and could have helped me through all the mistakes I made. I knew then that I wanted to help but was at a loss as to help who. Three months later I was working at my part time job when a local rescue group came in to promote their group, Carolina Care Bullies.

Jenn and Sarah

I remember talking to Amanda about pit bulls for about 10 minutes. I took a card and went and looked them up online. I was impressed with their mission and knew I had found a group that I wanted to help. They had so much information on pit bulls,what it means to own one, the negative things that happen to owners and how to respond. The people at CCB knew exactly what I had gone through and wasgoing through and could empathize. There was no more sneering at me or my dog or judging Sadie because of the misdeeds of others. I felt a kinship with the other owners and knew I had a great resource on my hands.

Jenn's current foster: Tasha

One month later CCB asked for foster homes for a litter of puppies. I immediately volunteered; I ended up foster failing Sarah and later Fidget. Sadie has taken a back seat to mothering, her bad leg makes her cranky, but Sarah and Fidget have stepped up to the plate. We have fostered 15 puppies for CCB and ten more for other rescues. We foster exclusively for CCB now because it’s all about the pit bulls for us.

I love fostering puppies. I love watching them grow from little squishy faced cuteness into mature dogs. I love snuggling them; giving kisses and getting them back. I like training them and teaching them good dog manners. I like that I am giving them a chance to be an amazing dog, something so many pit bulls don’t get.

Fidget

The best thing about fostering though is what they have given me. I have learned to have more patience and understanding with people. That no one is perfect, and to forgive, you see I struggle with forgiveness the biggest one being myself, for the horrible owner I was to Sadie. I know no amount of fostering can give her what she didn’t have until a few years ago, but I know when I see her playing with those puppies and she looks at me with her big pitie grin that she forgives me!

Jenn and Auggie

Volunteer Spotlight: Vanessa Kearney

2011-10-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

My name is Vanessa Kearney. I live in Greensboro with my boyfriend, Jeremy Williamson, and our two girls. In addition to our human babies, we have 2 of our own dogs, 1 foster dog, a cat, a turtle, and a fish. Juggling two kids and these crazy animals I like to jokingly say that I am the ring leader of this circus.

It all started with a kitty. NotFotsKitty to be exact. Then I rescued a jack russell terrier, Baxter. I never thought of having a pit bull. All of that changed when my long distance boyfriend was laid off in Roanoke, VA. The sluggish economy made finding a job in that area hard. Although we'd only been dating a couple months, I knew finding a job would be much easier in Greensboro. Without hesitating, I told Jeremy to pack his stuff and bring his elderbull to my house. Two years later, I can't imagine my life without Jeremy and Danky.

Jeremy has said many times, that his family was concerned when he adopted Danky as a puppy in 1997. They were worried that Danky would be aggressive and live up to all of the negative media. It took a few years, but his family now loves and trusts, "old Mr. Black." Danky has changed lots of misconceived notions about pit bulls in Crewe, Virginia and abroad.

We happened upon CCB by chance at a local corn maze. We started following them on Facebook and waited about 6 months before volunteering to dog sit while permanent fosters went on vacation. That's when we were asked to sit Valentino for a week. Having a third dog in the house presented its challenges, but everyone rose to the occasion. When it was time for Valentino to go home, we were all sad and crying. About 6 weeks later, while on vacation, I saw that Valentino needed a new foster. Jeremy and I both agreed, almost instantly, that we would step up. Valentino has been with us since August 8th, 2011.

Our CCB friends have become like a second family to us. We look forward to seeing everyone and their fosters at events all over the triad. Whether it's helping with events, soliciting fundraising donations or loving on all the pibbles, Jeremy and I try our best to be good spokespeople for CCB. We are so humbled to be part of this great group pf pit bulls and people.

Featured Happy Ending: Aurora

2011-10-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

InDecember of 2010, we found ourselves suddenly dog-less. Both of our pittie mixes had passed awaywithin 3 months of each other. I knewright away that I wanted to get another pittie or pittie mix, but a couple ofthings were standing in my way. Myhusband, Morgan, wasn't ready for another dog yet, he needed time to grieve ourpainful losses. Additionally, we have twohuman kiddos, Avery, 2 years at the time, and Carson, only 3months old at thetime. Our previous pups had already beenmembers of our family before we had children, so we knew what to expect fromthem. Adding a new dog was a greatunknown to us. Morgan told me that wewould look into getting a dog in the spring.

Well, spring came, and was turning quickly into summer when I came upon CCB’s Facebook page. A friend had shared a picture of one of the Adopt-a-Bulls, so I made that “fateful” click. As I was perusing the pictures of all the sweet pups, I mentioned the site and group to Morgan. He told me to go ahead and fill out an adoption application, causing me to cheer a little bit, and then fill out my application. In the space on the application for choosing which dog I was interested in, I left that blank, opting instead to be matched with the right pup for our family. I explained that we had 2 children under three, and needed a dog who would be able to deal with a frequently chaotic household. Amanda emailed me back, telling me about Aurora – and how CCB wanted specifically to adopt her to a family with children. Morgan and I agreed to meet her, and we were immediately taken with this sweet girl who had been waiting so patiently for the perfect home.

Aurora has fit in so seamlessly with our family; it is as ifshe has always been here. Avery andCarson both love her, and climb all over her. She is so patient, gentle and sweet with them, and seems to love her new“nannying job.” She is also becoming myrunning buddy, as we do the Couch to 5K program (we both have a little babyweight we need to work off). I know she spent a long time in foster care, whilealmost all of her puppies were adopted into their forever homes, but I reallyfeel as though she was waiting for there to be room in our home andhearts. I truly appreciate CCB givingher a place to be until her permanent place to be was ready for her.

Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Lacey

2011-09-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

Lacey, who has affectionately become known as "Lacey-Belle", is already crate & potty trained. She eats at the same time as her foster siblings, and has learned very quickly that her food is hers and theirs is off limits (even though you can tell she wants the big dog food!). Lacey loves to run about with other dogs, and when larger dogs came to play with her and bark at her, she is a calm, wonderfully well-behaved young lady. She also plays well with children! Lacey is now about 6 months old. Her mama is a beautiful petite pit bull named Valerie, and we don't know who her daddy was, but she has slightly longer red fur like that of a retriever. Please email info@carebullies.org if you are interested in Lacey!

Featured Happy Ending: Sovann

2011-09-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

My name is Sovann, which means, “like gold.” I got my name because they thought I was so beautiful and unique --I don’t disagree. CCB saved me and my friends Chewy and Azura when we had to go to the shelter. The place where we lived before was bad and there were too many animals there and we weren’t being taken care of. My foster mommy, Angela, was sad because she lost her pibble to cancer and she wrote to CCB and said she would give me a place to stay and be my foster Mom. I was so excited! Even more exciting was that my friend Azura went to stay with her brother and I still get to see her sometimes. Miss Angela decided that I was doing so well as a foster and everyone loved me so much that she wanted to keep me forever. We even had a cookout party to celebrate.

In my new home I have one brother, O’Malley. He is a very good dog and he shows me how I’m supposed to do things. He is the best big brother. I have one foster sister right now. Her name is Angel and she’s beautiful just like me. She’s really shy and scared sometimes but I lie with her and make her feel better. We love to play, too. I try to run as fast as she does but my mom says she runs like the wind. I also have a kitty friend at my house. At first, I wasn’t allowed to play with her but then I learned to be gentle and not to chase and now I’m allowed to sniff her and wag my tail when I see her.

My most favorite thing about my new home is that I get to sit in the window all day long and nap in sun. Then, when Miss Angela comes home we go outside and play. I’m working very hard on my manners and when I’m good I get to go to work and hang out and sometimes I get to go to the beach. I’m learning to not be afraid of the waves. My brother O’Malley just loves it and I want to learn to swim with him and chase balls in the waves.

I think that I got my furever home because I cuddle so well. I snore sometimes, and I grunt a lot, that’s why they call me “Porkchop.” I even got my picture taken hanging out the truck window like that cute little piggy on the tv commercial, you remember Maxwell? I’m the happiest doggie I know, and it’s all because of Carolina Care Bullies. I started training to become a Canine Good Citizen. If I get certified, my mom is going to take this test she says she’s qualified for. If we both pass then one day I’ll be a therapy dog. I’ll go all over and help people feel better and tell them how CCB saved my life.

Thank you for reading my story and supporting Carolina Care Bullies. If you want to see all my pictures and hear how I’m doing come to my Facebook page, Sovann Keith, and be my friend.

“Save the children and the beasts. For in this world they have no choice, they have no voice.” ~Anonymous

Wags and Kisses,

Sovann

Volunteer Spotlight: Meghan Pragel

2011-09-11T11:04:00.001-07:00

Hi there! My name is Meghan. I do graphics work, update PBRC and Pet Portal, and will start event coordinating soon for CCB. I had dogs growing up my entire life and I have loved having them around. When I started living on my own the first dog that I owned was a little brindle pittie named Star. I then decided to get her a friend and found a couple that wanted to get rid of their older pitbull to make room for a puppy so I said I would take him off their hands. His name was Butch and he later became my inspiration and push into the rescue world that ignited the passion in me for pitbull advocacy. I faced a lot of intolerance in the neighborhood where I lived for my dogs being the breed they were. One morning Butch saw another dog, wanted to go play and he got away from me. Before he even got to the other dog a neighbor nearby ran after and assaulted him. I was shocked and angered. When I went to the police about it I was told that there was nothing they could do. Pitbulls were known for their “locking jaws” and aggressive behavior so the man acted out in fear for his life. The next day I searched the internet and found a pitbull rescue in the area and started volunteering. I did home visits, events, and anything else that was needed of me. I truly believe that they are misunderstood and have the wrong reputation. They are some of the sweetest dogs I have ever come in contact with and they are a joy to be around. I have had to defend myself and this breed to my friends and family countless times but their cause is something I truly believe in and I will continue to defend it. Today my boyfriend and I have two pit mix rescues and they are the joys of our lives. I don’t know what I would do without them. I am very thankful to have found CCB to be able to continue my volunteer work in educating people about this breed. As far as who I am outside of the rescue world I asked my friend Lynn if she would write a little something, since I am not really good about talking about myself personality wise, so here is a little insight from one of my best and oldest friends, “I would say that you treat your bestest (human) friends just as well as you treat your doggy children. You are not only extremely loyal, but always go above and beyond to make your friends happy. I know that if I ever needed you, you would do your best to help me in whatever way you could - as you would for your dogs, and dogs of friends. Also, even though you now live in NC, I always feel like we will have that bond that we developed in high school, again, much like you probably have with a lot of the dogs that have come in and out of your life.” That being said, I am anxious to keep getting more involved and meet all of the other volunteers. I have found that other people like me, “bully friends” as I like to call them, are some of the best people I have ever met.

Volunteer Spotlight: Samantha Nguyen

2011-08-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

My love for pit bulls started when I adopted my first dog, Emerson, in 2009. At the time I had no idea that he was a pit and no clue what to expect based on the things I had heard. When Emerson joined our family I knew that I had to throw everything I had been told out the window. The sweet little guy was a lot of work, but every day he surprised me. He was by far the most intelligent and affectionate dog I had ever encountered. Even my husband, who was really not a dog fan, fell in love. As Emerson grew we faced breed discrimination and doubtful comments about his behavior. I knew that the only way for our friends and family to be supportive would be to show them what a great dog he is.

My husband and I attended obedience training through the Positive Pit bull and about a year ago I joined CCB as a volunteer. It felt good to meet with other pit owners and work together to find forever homes for shelter dogs and to educate the public about the breed. In 2010 we decided to foster Chelsea who quickly snuggled into our hearts. After just a week of fostering we decided that her place was here with us. This year I became an event coordinator for CCB. I enjoy showing off our adopt-a-bulls and sharing my love for the breed with others.

Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Meg

2011-08-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

MEG

Meg is a one year old pit bull mix who is an obedient, easy going, silly ball of energy! She loves peanut butter, treats, and the company of other dogs. Meg will come to you home-friendly if you are a first time adopter! She is well housetrained, crate-trained, treat motivated, walks very well on her leash, and does not jump on furniture unless invited. Her interactions with children at public events have been calm, comfortable, and affectionate. Meg is looking for any family that will see past her easily overlooked dark coat and see the sparkle in her eyes that is true love!

Check out my 'pawdicure'!

Featured Happy Ending: Reef

2011-08-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

Formerly Sugar Bear/Nanny

This is Reef! When I set out to choose a pet I did not have a “bully breed” in mind; however, I have since learned that the best things in life are often unexpected and unplanned. Reef came into my life a little over a year ago, and she has been a true blessing. She was a little timid at first but with food, play and lots of love, Reef has blossomed into a social butterfly. “Bully breeds” are often mistakenly known for their aggression; however, Reef did not live up to this negative expectation. Reef was weary of other dogs and she lacked socialization skills, but with training and time she has become a gentle giant. In closing, if you are in search of a pet that is loyal, loving and intelligent please consider adopting a bully breed.

-Debbie

From Reef’s former Foster Mom: When Sugar Bear came to me as a foster, she had just been dumped in a county shelter and was heartworm positive. She also seemed to be dog reactive and I was concerned about how she would react to my neighbor's charging Pomeranian (you know the type :)). But this girl was a complete sweetheart, proved my worries to be unfounded and proved Amanda to be correct with her assertion that her reactivity was probably due to fear and uncertainty and stressed the importance of the Two Week Shutdown (I’m a believer now). Just think about all the changes she had recently been through. The best part is that my next-door neighbor's family adopted her. So not only did she find a great forever home, I still get to see her. She’s now a healthy, cherished member of the family and actually enjoys the company of other dogs. As her former foster Mom, it does my heart good to see Reef in a loving home and I see her often, either when she is visiting Granny’s house next door or the numerous times I’ve seen her riding around town (she LOVES to ride). I see her big bully smile when I walk into my neighbor’s house if she’s visiting and I see her excited wagging when more visitors come into the house. She is just loving life now – and that’s what it’s all about! And that charging Pomeranian next door? They're buddies now.

We Asked - You Answered!

2011-07-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

"Do you think prong and shock collars have a place in today's dog training, or are effective tools for pit bull-type dogs?"

Jaynine Howard

There is much controversy on what discipline is and what abuse is. This is a heated topic for parents and dog owners. No one wants to be around the unruly child or the ill mannered dog. But, where do you draw the line on whether it is discipline or abuse?

I presently do not use a bark collar or one of the wireless fences that requires the use of a collar that can shock or zap a dog if he or she barks or gets too close to the fence. Prior to owning a dog I thought they were cruel and inhumane. I would never have considered owning one. But, now that I am a dog owner the thought has crossed my mind for several reasons.

Let’s first discuss the bark collar. I know many people that have successfully used the bark collar on the lowest setting to stop unwanted barking. They only used the collar active a few times. When the dog returns to the bad habit of barking the owner will put back on the collar but not activated and the dog will stop the unwanted behavior. Through the use of conditioning and association the unwanted behavior is stopped. When a dog stops barking everyone in the household and the neighborhood are happy. Teaching a dog manners and curtailing nuisance barking is a social responsibility. I would rather not hear a dog bark and see him or her wearing the bark collar than to see the dog in a shelter or homeless because the pet owner and the neighbors could not stop the barking using other behavior modification methods.

Now the invisible fence also at first seemed a bit harsh. But, now that I am a pet owner the price of installing a fence is not in my budget. The invisible fences are not cheap either. However, they are an alternative to keeping the dog indoors all day. Dogs need fresh air and exercise. They enjoy lying in the sun soaking up the rays. I think a dog’s quality of life improves when given the opportunity to run outside and enjoy the fresh air without having to be on a leash all the time.

Dog owners need to be responsible. If that means that the behavior modification technique used to invoke the appropriate or desired behavior is through the administration of shock then I vote it in its favor. I would rather see a disciplined dog wearing a shock collar than a dog sitting unwanted in a shelter or running loose as a stray or worse being beat or kicked in an attempt to discipline the dog. Used in moderation the shock collar can be a beneficial tool to training a dog and allowing it to roam outside within limits without having to be on a leash.

We Asked - You Answered!

2011-07-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

"Do you think prong and shock collars have a place in today's dog training, or are effective tools for pit bull-type dogs?"

Shana Markwis

Prong and shock collars are a controversial topic in the animal world, as the interpretation among strangers, bystanders and family can vary. At a glance, your dog might be considered dangerous, out of control or possibly even a victim of animal abuse or dog fighting. Are the double-take stares and whispers as you pass by worth these intense and harsh-looking collars?

It is common knowledge that positive reinforcement is the best tool to modify behavior in animals. Dogs, especially pitbulls, are people pleasers that want to be encouraged, therefore positive interactions are key. However, in a situation where your dog has left you exhausting all known techniques, prong and shock collars may be useful when used correctly. They are a tool, and dependent upon the user, can be helpful or abusive. Fully understanding the tool you are about to impart on your dog is essential. Put that shock collar around your neck. Are you scared? Then maybe this isn't the tool for you or your dog. Put the prong collar around your neck and let a family member lead you around, giving you corrections as they feel necessary. Angry yet? It is insensitive to think that you can use a tool on your dog, that can be downright dangerous if used incorrectly, without knowing exactly how it feels. You better know how Shock Level 1 feels, and before you press Shock Level 5 on Fido, you better know how that feels, too. Prong and shock collars have a badrap, but let's be honest, how did that reputation get there? Through bias media, the uneducated public and irresponsible owners. Sound like any other reputations we know of?

Volunteer Spotlight: Megan Ward

2011-07-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

Currently, I am seventeen, I just graduated from the Hawbridge School, and I am entering college at ACC as a jumping off point for my animal career. I love animals (I have nine of them) especially pit bulls. They are my life.

I cannot say that my involvement with bully breeds was at all predicted. I always felt sorry for the bullies that I saw on the news, and on those animal cop shows, and it always sickened me the way they rarely tell you what became of them, because nothing became of them. They were euthanized and it wasn’t fair. That, however, was about the extent of my concern for pit bulls. I had no idea to what extent this breed was abused, misunderstood, and discriminated against. That all changed when I found Natalia.

She was a tiny, thin, goofy looking pit bull that I ran across on a walk. The man who owned her was a back yard breeder, who had tried numerous times to dump her on the side of the road, only to find that she would make her way back. She was twenty-five pounds, and her skin was covered in staff infection and mange. I told the man to give me three days to find a rescue that would take her in. I contacted rescues all over the state, and in surrounding states, only to find that they were all past their limit with dogs. Meanwhile, I fought with my parents to let me take her in. On the last of my three days, I was forced to pick her up. My last call was to Guilford County Animal Shelter. The words I would hear next would be stuck in my head forever. “We don’t take in pit bulls. If you bring her here we will put her down.” After that, I named the dog Natalia and she was safe with me.

As Natalia started her new life with me, I began to notice how prejudiced some people were against pit bulls. It hurt me to see parents tell their kids “no” when they wanted to pet Natalia. “thats a mean doggy” one person said. Once I was even cussed out by a woman at a park for letting Natalia sniff her dog. I then began to learn about BSL laws, where family dogs are ripped from their homes and killed.Through my love and passion for Natalia, I wanted to become involved in helping pit bulls. And I wanted to do it through Natalia. I enrolled her in “Basic Obedience for Bully Breeds” at Paws4ever, taught by Amanda Liston, president of “Carolina Care Bullies”. Amanda and Terry helped shy little Natalia flourish, and they helped me become a better pit bull owner and advocate. Thanks to them, Natalia is attending parties, events, and is getting along with everyone. Everywhere she goes, she leaves a lasting impression on the people she meets. She is becoming a true breed ambassador! We are going for her Canine Good Citizen soon! I was so motivated by Amanda and Terry’s work (and the book, “The Lost Dogs”) that it hit me. “Thats what I want to do with my life! I want to rescue pit bulls!”

So now I have joined them as a volunteer. Being a volunteer for CCB not only shows me first-hand what it takes to run a rescue, but it also forces me to open up and work with people. This has always been a struggle for me, due to Asperger’s Syndrome.

It just makes no sense to me how such a loyal, sweet dog breed with such a great personality could be so misunderstood, and persecuted. I just hope one day I can make a difference. I suppose if I make as big of a difference as CCB has so far, I’m doing pretty great.

Featured Happy Ending: Bodie

2011-07-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

Bodie makes you feel contented and secure, just being near him. My college-aged daughter Natalie, our other two dogs, and two cats adore him. Friends and relatives ask about him. A few weeks ago, my eight year-old nephew, Henry, met him and
said he loves Bodie and wants "to go on adventures with him every day." Now, when we skype with Henry, we have to include Bodie. Bodie loves kids too. When we have kid visitors, he is in heaven.
Strangers pat his head and say, "Hey Boy!"

Bodie looks at me often to see that I think about a situation. It's a quick, endearing glance. He knew very few words in the beginning, but now understands a lot. His intelligence is astounding! He has a good sense of humor, and, now that he trusts us, he loves the silly games we play. If he does something that we don't like, we just tell him to stop, and he does. Skilled at diffusing a situation, Bodie is the perfect friend for our other pit mix, Violet, who is younger and can sometimes be a bit bossy.

Bodie is very strong and seemingly spring-loaded. When the leashes come out, it's hard for him to be polite. He's a very physical guy, and it takes a strong person to handle him when he gets excited and forgets not to pull when he sees a squirrel. We're working on that.

Bodie loves sitting in the front yard while I work in the garden. He is a great companion for errands or to meet a friend at an outdoor cafe. When we're leaving the house, he places himself in a strategic position near the door, in hopes of being asked to go along. When we can't take him, he's crestfallen!

Bodie's success story helps me forget that he probably spent his first two years chained, until his family moved away and abandoned him. The family moving was the best thing that could have happened to him because after that things got better. Compassionate people intervened and made sure that Bodie was taken care of, starting with a good Samaritan neighbor whose good deed led to Carolina Care Bullies (CCB). Volunteer Renee fostered Bodie. In the beginning he was afraid to even cross the threshold into her house.

I met Bodie in Chapel Hill when attending a CCB adoption event to see "Poca," a puppy (who we adopted a few weeks later). Poca wasn't there that day, so I took the opportunity to learn more about pit bulls, and talked to Renee. I was actually a little afraid of Bodie because he was so still and quiet. He looked unhappy to be there, but compliant. When I took him for a walk outside, he was stiff. All he wanted to do was get back to Renee. After only spending five minutes with him, something about him seared into my heart. I didn't know what it was, because he showed no affection and revealed almost no personality.

Two months later, I still couldn't stop thinking about Bodie. He just got to me. I surprised myself and asked to adopt him. By this time my daughter, Natalie, was back at college, and she was surprised when I signed her birthday card with all of our names, including Bodie's. She had never even met him.

On his first day at our house I gave the dogs a great one-hour walk in the woods. After arriving at home, Bodie ran up and gave me a quick little thank you kiss. It didn't take long for him to get used to the good life, but he is grateful every day and often gives thank you kisses. For the first whole week he pulled me out to the spot in front of our house where Renee said goodbye, to look for her. He really loved her, which endeared me him even more. He and Natalie are fast friends; Bodie jumps into her bed every day to snuggle and say good morning.

We are so thankful to the unnamed good Samaritan and especially to all the people at CCB that made it possible for Bodie to live a happy life, and for us to share our time together! All the work and compassion that it takes to do what CCB does is truly meaningful. We are smitten, and thankful that Bodie brings so much sweetness, fun and love to our family!

Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Zorro

2011-07-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

Zorro is an eleven month old pit bull/boxer mix puppy. Zorro is a very sweet and gentle boy. He loves to play in the yard with his foster siblings. He gets along with male/female dogs and size doesn’t matter. He is a cuddler and thinks like many big dogs that he is small and wants to be a lap dog. Zorro has excellent dog manners and knows how to properly introduce himself to new dogs. He knows the commands sit, stay, wait, leave it, off, down, look at me. He is learning to shake. His current favorite toy is the swimming pool in the backyard, he loves to splash around biting the water and lays in it to cool off. He loves to play fetch and will carry a ball around in his mouth for hours. He loves to chew on his kong and play tug-of-war with the rope toys.

Read more about me here.

Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Zilphie

2011-06-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

Zilphie and her family recently suffered a terrible tragedy when her dad died unexpectedly. Zilphie has lived with her daddy since she was just a few weeks old in April 2010, and she recently celebrated her first birthday. She is well-socialized with male and female dogs, is house and crate-trained, and is a wonderful dog who has been brought up with lots of love.

Read and see more about me here.

Featured Happy Ending: Nahla

2011-06-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Dear CCB,

Thank you! Thank you so much. Nahla (formerly Piper) is without a doubt, one of the greatest, most laid back dogs we have ever owned.

When we went to Petco in Greensboro, our mission was to meet the volunteers and become involved with your wonderful program. Little did we know that we would fall completely in love with our beautiful, green-eyed girl. Nahla and my daughter, Mathis, bonded instantly and have been inseperable every since.

Shortly after Nahla came home, she and Mathis took a basic obedience class. Nahla was quick to learn all of the commands and one day hopes to become a CGC. Mathis broke her foot and hasn't been mobile for a month. That doesn't bother Nahla, she sits patiently with her, is gentle when she plays and sleeps with her every night. Nahla is a member of

our family.

We are so thankful for your program. Don't stop saving precious lives!

-Melanie Curtis

Pit Bulls in the Park: Successful Outreach Event!

2011-05-08T18:52:00.000-07:00

It was 11 am on May 7, 2011. CCB pulled into the parking lot of Fairview Park in Hillsborough, and began to unload the donations. A few dedicated pit bull owners were already there, walking their dogs. As we organized the leashes, collars, food, and treats, we all were astounded by the overwhelming amount of freebies we had been blessed with for our first community outreach event. So many goodie bags, we were bound to go home with leftovers for the CCB foster dogs. We were wrong.

By the start of Pit Bulls in the Park an hour later, a line had formed at the microchip table, the weight-pulling demo area; and people were picking out new collars for their dogs. We did not have time to survey the activity among us; there was work to be done. We fitted dog after dog for collars, and for some dogs, it was the first one they had ever had. The line for the free microchip table didn’t let up for hours, as we promised dog after dog that they would never wait unclaimed as a “stray” at the shelter again.

Two hours in, we were running low. The donated food was gone. And how many treat bags had we distributed? 50? 100? No one had time to count at the start, but we knew we were down now to our last dozen or so. AnimalKind reported that they had given a half a dozen spay/neuter vouchers, and Orange County Animal Services had vaccinated at least a dozen dogs for their rabies vaccines. Dog trainer Lisa Mayhew of AttaGirl! K9 had spent most of the afternoon consulting with people about dog behavior issues. The kids table had been abuzz with children who loved to tell us about their beloved dogs.

We learned a lot of things that day, the first being, we are not much different from these families, these pit bull owners. We all take pride in our dogs, and we all love them for what they are. We may have different ideas about what makes a responsible owner; about spay/neuter; or about just where these dogs fit into our families. But one thing can not be disputed – we all love our dogs.

By 3:45 pm, the tables were empty. We turned away people interested in getting microchips, collars, leashes, and food; because there was nothing left to give. Physically, and emotionally, we were drained. But we were smiling. Empty tables meant we had succeeded. This was a community that needed us. And Carolina Care Bullies had come though.

We will not soon forget the experience of the first ever Pit Bulls in the Park hosted in the Fairview community, in the small historic town of Hillsborough, North Carolina. It reminded us that there is more to rescue than finding good homes for good dogs. It is about connecting with the community on a personal level, and helping to turn the tide for the pit bulls of tomorrow.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kenton Bradford & Rae Boney

2011-05-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

Kenton and I both grew up in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. We were in the same circle of friends towards the end of high school, then went in different directions for college and lost touch.

Kenton had a friend that started a private rescue in Charlotte when he was living in that area; Kenton’s love for the Bullies began then. He saw first-hand the abuse and misunderstanding that was focused on the breed. He saw dogs that came from very bad situations that just wanted to be loved. He moved back to his home town in 2009 and went looking for a companion at the Humane Society. He fell in love with Lola, but was put on a waiting list for her adoption. Kenton didn’t give up there, he visited her almost every day, and after several people on the list where disqualified due to breed restrictions and seeing Kenton’s true devotion to Lola he was able to take her home!

On one of my visits back home I was visiting with some old friends and in walks the most gorgeous red dog I had ever seen, and right behind her was Kenton! I like to tease him that I fell in love with Lola first, and was going to take her home that first night! I had always felt that Pit Bulls where the most handsome of all the dogs I had ever seen. And after being reconnected with Kenton, we decided it would be great to get a companion dog for Lola. We went to the WASPCA and walked out with Carrie, a beautiful brindle that very day. My love for Carrie a Stafford Terrier was automatic, and she loves me back more than I could ever hope for.

I started doing a little googling on the breed and was just horrified at the bad rap these awesome dogs have been getting over the years, horrified that all their wonderful qualities are being overshadowed by bad press. Kenton had always wanted to foster but hadn’t been in the right position or living space to do so, but now he could! I did a google search and loved CCB’s reach across the state. We got our first fosters soon after from an area up in the mountains, and we knew it had been the right decision the moment we saw their adorable faces!

I fell fast and hard for these wonderful animals that have been so abused and misunderstood by us humans. Their love is so unconditional!

Kenton and I spend our free time working in our garden, playing with our furbabies, and spending time with my 8 year old son Sebastion, who is already a Pit Bull defender!

This is just the beginning of our relationship with CCB! We are looking forward to saving many more Bullies and helping to educate the public.

Know Your Bully: Kids, Babies and Pitties

2011-04-06T16:28:00.000-07:00

I'm Getting a New Puppy - I Need to Rehome the Kids!

OK, maybe that is a little extreme but for those that have raised children around dogs it makes about as much sense as rehoming your dog because you’re expecting a baby. You’ll need to make preparations but the reward is two-fold both to you and to your child. Above all, you’ll be teaching your child an important life lesson through example: the responsibility of commitment, the responsibility of caring for another life and the importance of staying true to that commitment even when things may get a little difficult.

“The Pit Bull has a special fondness for children and a pleased, relaxed look crosses its face when they approach. It can prove to be a safe*, hardy friend that can keep up and put up with the active play life of kids. For a child, no better companion can be found.” Excerpted from: http://www.pitbulllovers.com/pit-bulls-and-human-aggression.html

Growing up with a pet is beneficial to children in many ways. They learn about relationships, compassion, nurturing, loyalty, understanding and a respect for life. Studies indicate that a child who loves and has respect for animals become better adults in the area of love and compassion. They develop a sense of responsibility and connection with nature; kids with dogs spend more time outdoors running, playing, walking/exercising their dogs. Dogs can build self-esteem and social skills in children, improve impulse control and many times can calm a child that is agitated or out of control better than an adult can. Children that have pets are better at handling stress, have less anxiety and more patience in dealing with others. Dogs are non-judgmental; children will confide in their dogs, confident their secrets will not be revealed. Having a dog gives families things to do together like walk/exercise the dog and helps form a common bond – love for the dog. Growing up with pets lowers the incidence of allergies and asthma, eczema and builds stronger immune systems. Pets teach children lifes lessons – love, friendship, and sometimes, grief. Through it all, many consider their dog their best friend.

Get Ready!

If your dog has never been around babies before, imagine the stress he will be under. New smells, new schedule, new rules, etc. Start now to prepare him for the baby’s arrival.

• Obedience Training: attend a class now if you haven’t already or ‘firm-up’ skills they already know.

• Work on behavior issues now, not the day before you bring the new baby home from the hospital

• Familiarize your dog to baby sounds and smells: You can even download recordings of baby cries here. Read more: wearefamilysa.com: Preparation/SoundsSmells

• Familiarize your dog with baby “things”: like strollers and high chairs. Take him for a walk while you push the empty stroller, etc.

• Start altering your schedule now. This will minimize the risk of your dog associating the changes in his schedule with the baby, lessening the chance of resentment. http://www.wearefamilysa.com.au/WeAreFamily/Preparation/tabid/56/Default.aspx

• Follow proper introduction techniques:
http://dogs.about.com/od/childrenanddogs/a/Introducing-Your-Baby-to-Your-Dog.html
http://www.wearefamilysa.com.au/WeAreFamily/TheFirstSixMonths/tabid/63/Default.aspx

• Be responsible - ALWAYS supervise your dog near a baby or young child.

Recommended Reading:
Getting You Ready
Step-By-Step Guide from "Pregnancy to Preschool"

In addition to the wealth of online information, there are lots of other resources available to prepare you such as workshops, DVD’s, in-home consultations, etc.

More Links:

http://dogsandstorks.com/index.html

http://www.familypaws.com/

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/06/health/06pets.html?_r=3

http://SeeSpotRead.com/

*According to American Temperament Test Society the American Pit Bull Terrier has a current passing rate of 86% -- compared to only 82.4% of the all breeds on average.

Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Sponge Bob

2011-04-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

Sponge Bob is a loving, puppy-like 1 year old lab/pit mix with a joy for life unlike any that's ever been seen! Deaf since birth, the absence of sound is of no matter to this happy boy! A tap on his butt, or using your finger or arms to motion him to you does just the trick to get him to come when you need him! He is a graduate of Basic Obedience for Bully Breeds and responds well to hand signals. He absolutely adores other dogs and running around with them, so he would be happiest in a home with another dog to play with!

Featured Happy Ending: Alli

2011-04-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

Alli, who was originally named Onyx when I adopted her, has been nothing but amazing!

I was in the Cary Towne Center Mall doing some misc. shopping and walked past a CCB event. Being a dog lover I figured I would stop it for a quick head pat and then go about my day. Little did I know Alli would be there, looking at me with her big beautiful eyes and wiggly butt. She is strong and has well defined muscles but carries that power with grace and a gentle touch even when excited.

She meshed with my family with ease,

establishing rank with my other dog, Franco, in only a few hours. Her training went very well and took all of 20 minutes to teach her that when I say "bed bed" she goes and lays on her dog pad next to my bed. The same goes for teaching her to sit, lay down, wait for treats, etc. the only issue she has is not jumping up but thats my fault because she I like to give her hugs all the time.

Over the months and with my experience in the dog world I have concluded she is a mix of mixes. Her face says "pitty" or other Stafford breed, but her body is more in line with a hunting dog and this is obvious when she sees a squirrel or rabbit, she points better than a German Short-hair Pointer LOL.

The story I was told when I wanted to adopt her was she lived nearly all of her life in a shelter, being adopted out for 6 months then dumped back at a shelter without even a call to explain why. I have come to conclude she must have made the decision her previous owners were not right for her because she has been nothing but perfect since I adopted her. Even with her past as a "pound dog" she ate only one shoe (house slipper at that), have never once wee wee'd in the house nor any other issue so many other dogs seem to have.

I tell everyone who mentions wanting a dog to adopt a dog in need, they will love you more than life itself because they have lived a hard life and just a little love goes a long way. They do cost money, you will have problems but those will be outweighed by smiles and laughter and love 1,000,000 times over.

No matter how bad my day, how much stress I might have, I never go to bed without a smile on my face because of my two dogs, Alli and Franco.

Thanks,

Justin

Meet the Board: Amanda Boykin

2011-04-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

Amanda Boykin is the Carolina Care Bullies Volunteer Coordinator and can help you with any questions in regards to volunteering. In addition, she also works to raise awareness and education further East.

Amanda B. was raised in Wilson NC most of her life and lived in Alabama for about 3 years. She had an animal-loving mother and, therefore, was lucky enough to have all kinds of animals in her life. From dogs of all kinds to horses, pigs and chickens. She followed in her mother's footsteps with her love for animals but it wasn't until 2008 that she encountered her first pitbull. She was one of the many who had believed in all the negative media hype about pitbulls! With this first encounter, she had agreed to petsit a puppy for a friend --only this "puppy" turned out to be a mature pit bull! Although she was "taken-aback" by this "scary dog" at her door, she loved animals and thought she could handle this, too!! Amanda fell in love with this dog that had, unfortunately, been mistreated. Her ears were cropped but it was clear that it was not done by a veterinarian. Amanda decided that this dog was not leaving her home! This would be the start of a new life for Amanda and the many pit bulls to come!

In 2009 she found CCB online and volunteered for the Dogtoberfest event. In January 2010 she started to foster some of the less-desirable foster doggies and helped turn them into great family pets.

Amanda is 32 years old and married to a wonderful man named Carlos who supports and helps her with her rescue endeavors. She has 2 children who sometimes reluctantly help her and the pibbles too! Olivia, her beautiful 10 year old daughter, likes the social aspect of rescue work. Antonio, her 8 year old son, will most likely follow in her footsteps because he has the strong love of animals just like his Mom. Amanda works full time as the Assistant Manager of a local finance company and has been there for 10 years now. Amanda currently has Tremenda, her female pitbull, Canela (female pit), Batman (pit/lab), Lana (chow x), Yoda (bishon frise), CCB alumni, Scooter (pit mix) and her foster doggie, Sugar.

Volunteer Spotlight: Callie Booker

2011-04-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

My love for pit bulls began to emerge about five years ago. While in high school I worked part time at a kennel. It was during that time I determined pit bulls were my most favorite breed. I noticed that all the pit bulls in boarding were the sweetest dogs! I enjoyed their loving personalities and the fact that they felt the need to be at your side all the time. I was also won over by their appearance, especially the big heads and wide smiles.

Currently, I am a student at Alamance Community College. I also work a small part time job, as well as, volunteer for CCB (which I began doing about 6 months ago). When I first discovered CCB I had been watching a dog show on TV that was focusing on pit bulls being mistreated. Being a huge pit bull lover, I felt a determination to help make a change for the breed. So I got online and found CCB was my local pit bull rescue. Because I work most weekends, I have not been able to attend any events for CCB, yet, but I have helped with lots of transports and I am the contact for owner surrender inquiries. I also think I am going to be fostering soon since I am fortunate enough to have a landlord that is very open to pit bulls. When I am able, I even make efforts to donate a couple bucks to CCB because I know every little bit can help contribute to another pit bull saved.

I have gotten a lot of happiness, as well as some sadness, out of working with pit bulls but my love for the breed has also impacted my life in a way I never thought it would. I have recently gotten engaged and I wouldn’t have met my fiancé, Lucas, if it weren’t for his pit bull, Irie. I’ll try to make a long story short: while my fiancé was away at school, his mother, who lives next door to my parents, would watch Irie. I was working on a school project about pit bulls to help spread awareness and such so I asked if I could use Irie as my example to represent how great the breed truly is. His mother said yes. She then told Lucas and he ended up contacting me afterwards, interested in how everything went. Now, almost two years later, we are renting a house in Hillsborough that has a huge fenced in backyard that is perfect since we have 4 pit bulls! We also have a Chihuahua, who, ironically, intimidates our pitties. I am so lucky that our mutual love for pit bulls was what first connected us and brought us together.

From my experience with pit bulls, I have learned that the more I am around them, the more I adore them and the more I want to help out and promote this breed. What CCB does is truly amazing and I am so thankful to be even just a small part of it!

-Callie

Featured Happy Ending: Gracie

2011-03-06T18:05:00.000-08:00

Hello! My name is Molly and I am a dachshund. Yes, I know this newsletter isn't about dachshunds. I'm here to tell you about my sister, Gracie.

On January 1, 2010, my mom brought home a new dog. This time, it wasn't a dachshund like me or my other sister Ava. Mom said she was a pit bull and that she was a rescue, just like Ava. She was coming to live with us for good because she needed a safe, loving home because she was scared and her former people hadn't treated her very well. You see, Gracie and her six puppies were found along side of some road. Then she was dumped at an animal shelter at night. Wow, talk about scary! Needless to say, this whole experience made Gracie a very timid girl. When Mom first brought her home, she didn't even want to come in the door. We gave her time and space to explore and get comfortable.

Mom wanted her to sit on the couch with us but Gracie prefered to sleep on a big comfy pillow on the floor. She was too nervous to eat in the kitchen with us, so Mom started feeding her in the bedroom which is where she still eats to this day. Gracie was so scared of little noises. If Mom walked into the room and looked like she was carrying anything in her hand, Gracie would cower and run out of the room. Poor Gracie, she just didn't realize how excited Mom was to have her with us and that she's in a safe place now.

Its now 2011 and Gracie has been with us for over a year. She no longer cowers and runs out of the room though some little noises still startle her. She has been a great friend and playmate to the foster dogs Mom has brought here. She loves to play and wrestle with them and me and we're all smaller than she is! "Vicious"? Hardly! She loves to ride in the car, chase squirrels out of the backyard and catch treats.

Gracie's a great big sister. I'm glad Carolina Care Bullies was able to help her become part of our family. Thanks CCB!

Sincerely,

Molly

Volunteer Spotlight: Janet and Cassie Brown

2011-03-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

My daughter and I are new to CCB. Once I told Cassie that we were asked to be the Volunteer Spotlight, she asked if we would be called the Dynamic Duo! She makes me laugh!

There is a little story about how we got started working with CCB. We have two dogs – a Boston Terrier named Frank and a Boxer named Roger. The dogs just happened to become part of our lives. Frank was found in SC on a farm and Roger needed a home after his owner passed away. We had a full house at this point!! However, my husband and I were at a party a couple of years ago and fell in love with Maggie. Maggie is a pit mix puppy that my friends had recently taken in. They had both Maggie and her brother Hank. After having both puppies for a while, they decided they only needed one! I left that night with Maggie in my hands!

Once we had her home, we all started looking up and researching her breed. My husband has always said he wanted a pit bull, but I had never really thought about it. BUT Maggie was SO loving, SO attentive, SO loyal, SO beautiful! We fell completely and totally in love. I started looking up pit bull groups on Facebook just to learn more and found CCB. To be honest, I just have never been much of a volunteer. There was just something about this breed that made me want to get involved. I got Cassie involved right away with me! It has become “our thing” – our mother/daughter time!

Cassie is so helpful at all the events she attends. She has even written about her experience for a few school papers, as well as her camp counselor application (she got accepted at Camp Kanata this summer as a Counselor in Leadership Training!!!) I feel this is a good experience for a teenager to be involved in a volunteer group, and this has been good for me too – you just feel so good about helping!

Cassie and I just attended the volunteer orientation with Amanda and the crew. I am happy to report that I am about to plan my first adoption event at a local doggy day care here in Raleigh! You all better come help and support Cassie and I!

Meet the Board: Meredith Denny

2011-03-06T17:57:00.000-08:00

Dear CCB Fans,

Hey! My name is Meredith. I am y’all’s Foster Coordinator. Although I’m still trying to figure out all the details of this job, basically, I take care of all things FOSTER. I email people asking if they want to foster, I email people telling them I found them a foster, I email people asking if they want to transport a foster, I email people begging for current pictures and bios on their foster, I email people when we get an adoption application submitted on their foster, and sometimes, I email people just because. I work out doggie-sitters, order monthly meds, attend events, and do any other odds and ends Amanda asks me to.

As you can see, I am always connected to my computer and phone!

In my spare time, I hang out with my family. My eight year old daughter, Jessi (self proclaimed “puppy spokesperson”) and I live with my boyfriend, Ryan. We share our home with Ollie, our pit bull, Maggie, our boxer, and three lazy, spoiled cats, Tang, Honey, and Bear. Our favorite thing to do together as a family is to go hiking and camping. Once the warm weather gets here, we will be headed out to see some beautiful scenery.

When I’m not volunteering with CCB, I am also the room-parent for my daughter’s 3rd grade class and Girl Scout cookie Mom for Troop 41616. Believe it or not, I email people all day long for those jobs as well!

I really enjoy the role I play in the CCB Team. Being foster coordinator has given me the opportunity to meet lots of great people and dogs. Working alongside the rest of the Team to reach our common goal of saving pit bulls and raising awareness of the breed is certainly a wonderful reason to wake up every morning and crawl out of bed.

I hope to see y’all at the next CCB event!

Meredith Denny

Featured Adopt-a-Bulls: Pepper, Fidget, Pongo

2011-03-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

Pepper
Pepper is a 5 month old pit bull puppy mix puppy. Pepper is a little shy with new people and new situations, but give her a few minutes to warm up to you and she blossoms into a sweet and loving little girl. Pepper is potty and crate trained. She knows the commands, sit, leave it, wait, come and is getting good at down. Pepper was not real fond of the leash but once she realized it would take her places other than the backyard she was all for it. Pepper loves to go for rides in the car. She has excellent dog manners, so she gets along with dogs male, female, old and young. She is a curious little girl and loves to inspect new things once she realizes they aren’t scary. Pepper doesn’t believe in wasting daylight and will let you know when the sun has risen. She loves to play with her foster siblings and be outside in the yard. When she is tired she will find a good spot to lay down and go to sleep preferable on a lap.
Pepper has her own facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pepper-Pep-CCB-puppy/118879384839418

Fidget
Fidget is 5 month old pit bull puppy mix. Fidget was the runt of her litter, so she is still catching up to her sister. Fidget knows, sit, leave it, wait, down and she is working on her recall. Fidget loves to play with her foster siblings. It doesn’t matter if it’s outdoors or in she is in full puppy play mode. Fidget gets along with dogs of all sizes, female or male. Fidget thinks she is a big dog, she can be found in the middle of a wrestling match with her older foster siblings getting in on the action. She has excellent dog manners and knows her place in her foster home. Fidget loves to go for walks and is currently learning how to walk on a leash. She is starting to get the whole potty training thing down with lots of encouragement from her foster mom. When it’s time to settle down for the night Fidget wants to be cuddle right up against you.

Fidget has her own facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fidget-Fidge-CCB-puppy/169619266383530

Pongo
Pongo is crate trained and almost potty trained. He has learned to go to the back door to let someone know he needs to go out. Pongo knows how to 'sit' and has been working on 'down', 'stay', and 'leave it'. He responds well to his name and really wants to please. He's treat motivated so that is very helpful when teaching him. He loves to play with his 8 yr old Sheltie foster sis and they get along great. Pongo is very submissive and will lay down and roll over on his back when playing with my dog. And he LOVES belly rubs. Pongo's learned how to walk on a leash and enjoys the sunshine and fresh air. He doesn't seem to pull while on the leash and responds when needing to be correct (like when other dogs pass or he is distracted by other things...like blowing leaves :) And he's recently noticed his tail because he looks back and decides to chase it sometimes! He's a silly boy!

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Volunteer Spotlight: Jennifer Turner

2011-02-05T18:35:00.000-08:00

My name is Jennifer Turner and, by day, I am an Interior Designer for a commercial architect firm specializing in healthcare. I live in Burlington with my husband and our three dogs: "Daisy, a Labrador; "Lily", a pit bull lab mix; and "Cooper", a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. We also have a cat, "Sweet Pea"; and eight chickens.

I am sad to say I was leery of pit bulls in the past. I did not know anything about them and had only grown up with labs. I rescued my first pit bull mix about 2 1/2 years ago and now Lily is my best friend. We were considering a friend for Daisy when we heard that a black 8 week lab puppy was found on the side of a busy highway by a coworker. When we went to meet her she was an energetic little puppy with a personality that could fill a room. We noticed she had a white patch on her chest and a bully wobble in her back legs. That night I did some research about pit bulls and discovered she was most likely a pit bull mix. There was no changing my mind; I loved this little ball of fur from the moment I met her.

A year went by, and we trained Lily to have good manners, just as we had taught our Daisy. Daisy and Lily got along great and were inseparable. In March 2010, I was considering the idea of a third dog. I ran across a few sites that eventually led me to Carolina Care Bullies. I read about their organization and became a fan on Facebook. My husband also joined, and fell in love with Buckley Von Piggles. He was going to surprise me and try to adopt Buckley; however Buckley's good looks got him adopted a few days later. After that, we decided to wait to adopt. I continued to keep tabs on all of the adoptables from CCB and finally decided to volunteer.

My first event was the dog wash at Unleashed. Amanda L, Terry, Valerie, Amanda B. and the other volunteers were very warm and welcoming to me, so I decided this was an organization I wanted to continue to volunteer for. One evening, after I returned from volunteering at another event, I mentioned to Amanda L that I had a passion for graphic design. Soon after, she contacted me to create an event poster and I have been helping out in that area ever since. I also continue to volunteer for local CCB adoption events. I really enjoy implementing my creativity into my passion for animals.

Our newest addition is Cooper, that we adopted from a shelter in Georgia. He has brought even more joy into our lives. I could not imagine life without my fur babies. They are wonderful dogs and are a testament that the breed is loyal and loving. Cooper is sleeping peacefully on my lap now as I write, just as happy as he can be, knowing he is safe and loved in his forever home. Carolina Care Bullies is a wonderful organization, and I am so lucky to have found them and all of the fantastic new people I have met along the way.

Featured Happy Ending: Sarah Bear

2011-02-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

As Told By "Sister" Sadie:

My name is Sadie; I’m a 6 year old pit mix dog. I was adopted by Momma Jenn six years ago when I was just six months old. When we moved to North Carolina four years ago I developed severe separation anxiety because a strange man came into our apartment without Momma there. I started destroying things and going potty in the house when I became nervous. I have two brothers but even their companionship was not enough to ease my anxieties.

Last January, Momma brought home this tiny little black puppy. She said her name was Sarah and that we were going to keep her for a little bit until she found her new home. Sarah is a pit bull just like me. She is black with just a little bit of white down her muzzle and she has an under bite that I am so jealous of. I loved Sarah immediately and wanted to be her dog momma. I followed her everywhere, taught her that we go potty outside, how to play with toys and dog manners. I would go and lay by her kennel when I got nervous instead of using the floor as my potty.

I asked Momma if we could keep Sarah and she wasn’t too sure at first but when I pointed out that she helped me with my separation anxiety she finally agreed. I still have my ups and downs with my anxiety but when I do, I go back and sit by Sarah’s kennel her calming, sweet spirit helps me to calm down and be okay.

Momma decided that since Sarah has such a great loving personality that maybe we should try fostering again. She brought home two puppies, Eric and Poca. Sarah is such an awesome momma, that she taught them everything they would need to know to be great dogs in their furever homes. Eric went to his home first. Right after he left we got Shyloh. Shyloh was a scared, timid and aggressive little puppy. Momma Jenn would teach her basic commands that humans like, but it was Sarah who taught her that she can’t act like that if she wanted her furever home. It took Sarah working with Shyloh two weeks but Shyloh finally started to come out of her shell and become a great puppy.

Poca went to her furever home a few days later we brought home Charlie and Zorro. They were so tiny that they could barely walk. Momma tried to keep us away but Sarah would have none of it, she jumped right into the bathtub and gave those tiny puppies the love they needed. As soon as they were okay, Sarah started teaching them good dog manners so they could find their home. Shyloh meanwhile found a great furever home with grandma and flew to Utah with her.

Since then, Zorro has been adopted; and we have brought home Dita, Pepper and Fidget. Dita and Charlie are in their furever home already. We still have Pepper and Fidget but we aren’t worried they will find great homes because Sarah has taught them so well.

I am very grateful to CCB for rescuing Sarah and bringing her into my life. She is a great little sister and I am so proud of all her hard work in helping Eric, Poca, Shyloh, Zorro, Charlie, and Dita all find their furever homes.

Know Your Bully: Housebreaking

2011-02-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

Let’s face it. Having a dog in your house that isn’t housebroken can be extremely frustrating, make your home life miserable, cause bonding/training issues and even lead to a dog being surrendered to a shelter. After all, who wants to be consumed with cleaning up pee and poo, replacing carpets and furniture and having a home that smells like a sewer. For those that work with shelter and rescued dogs, housebreaking is almost second nature. It comes down to a few simple steps and is all about consistency.

Housebreaking is one of those things I can do in my sleep, literally, since I sometimes end up outside walking a dog when I would normally be sleeping. There are several links below for detailed information on housebreaking including schedule differences for puppies vs. adult dogs and training your dog to signal when it needs to go out. For me, these 3 simple rules have worked quickly and flawlessly through countless dogs and puppies over the years:

1) NEVER let a dog out of your sight in your home until it is solidly housebroken. If you cannot supervise, confine – crates are perfect. I actually keep a leash on (adult) dogs during housebreaking and within ‘leash-radius’.

2) Quick verbal correction as soon as they start to have an accident and immediately head outside to the same designated potty area. If you already had the leash on them, this part happens quickly. In my house, the ‘verbal correction’ is usually just me going [GASP!] because that’s my first reaction to my brand new rug getting 'watered' and it is enough to startle them which is all that needs to happen. NEVER correct if you didn’t witness the accident which, by the way, could not happen if they were in your sight at all times.

3) Praise them when they potty in the correct place. You can only do this if you are outside with them so, no, you can’t just throw them outside in the backyard while you clean up the accident. You have to walk them out to the potty area. Even in the rain. Even in the snow. Even when it’s dark. Even when it’s frigid cold. Even when they wake you up in the middle of the night and it’s raining, and cold and you don’t feel like getting dressed. It’ll all be worth it. I promise. The more consistent you are, the quicker you will see results.

Links for more information:
http://www.thehousebreakingbible.com/
Bell Training
http://www.ehow.com/how_2191827_teach-dog-bathroom.html
http://www.raisingspot.com/training/housebreaking-dog
http://www.cal.net/~pamgreen/adult_housebreak.html

It Takes A Village: Dog Gone Transport

2011-01-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

Dog Gone Transport was started in Nov 2009 to save the lives of dogs by transporting them from the Carteret County Humane Society to rescue organizations located across the country and to no-kill shelters in the north where overcrowding is not an issue. As with many NC counties, shelter overcrowding is a big problem in Carteret County where the average intake at this shelter is far more than the local homes in the area can accommodate --and many times dogs are euthanized simply to free up space. Candace Christopherson, manager of the shelter in Carteret County and president of Dog Gone, said that transporting the animals gives them a better chance of getting adopted and frees up space in the shelter for other animals. As can be expected, there is more to transporting than just…well, transporting. For Dog Gone Transport, this includes having the dogs professionally evaluated, continually networking to locate available rescues or shelters, arranging for fostering of these dogs until transport is available, arranging for vetting and obtaining a health certificate for dogs that will be crossing state lines and, of course, coordinating transport plans with volunteers to transport animals via ground and/or via air by Cloud Nine Rescue Flights, an airplane transport group. With the help of Dog Gone Transport and all of the other organizations involved in transporting these dogs, CCHS is now a low-kill shelter.

Without the work of Dog Gone Transport and volunteer /VP of Dog Gone, Julie Tiso, the following CCB Adopt-a-Bulls and alumni may have ended up as yet another casualty of shelter overcrowding. Dog Gone has transported countless dogs out of the Carteret County Humane Society to CCB including Hooch, Stig, Sophie, Jade and Gauge! And Kendra is on CCB’s waiting list.

What can you do to help? Dog Gone is always looking for transport volunteers and fosters to care for the animals while waiting for transport. Contact: Julie Tiso at jdtiso@gmail.com for information. Donate: It costs approximately $200 per dog for a transport flight up north (vetting, food/supplies while waiting for a flight, donation to pilot, etc.). Long term solutions: Promote spay/neuter. The primary reason the northern states where these animals are being transported do not have problems with overcrowding is due to the effectiveness of their spay/neuter campaigns.

Links:

Dog Gone Transport in the news: http://www.enctoday.com/articles/euthanasia-85225-jdn-homeless-transport.html

Video/Article Cloud 9 Rescue Flights: http://coastal.news14.com/content/top_stories/620685/nonprofit-organization-saves-pets-by-flying-them-north

Carteret County Humane Society Shelter: http://www.cchsshelter.com/

Dog Gone Transport’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/DOG-GONE/111092135595417#!/pages/DOG-GONE/111092135595417?v=info

1. Does Dog Gone Transport pull from Carteret County only? Usually, but if there is a crisis in another high-kill shelter (Craven and Onslow counties), we will assist them and transport those dogs up north as well.

2. How has Dog Gone affected CCHS euthanasia rates? With the exception of November and December, we haven’t had to euthanize for space issues since Dog Gone Transport was started, however, we do still have to euthanize some due to aggression and/or medical reasons.

3. What is your primary need? Foster homes and transport volunteers. Of course, funds, too but we need people. Foster Homes seem to be the hardest to flnd.

4. The name “Dog Gone” implies dogs only. What about cats? We started with dogs, but now we also include cats. In fact, during the last few months of 2010, about 40 cats were also transported.

Volunteer Spotlight: Susan Johnson

2011-01-05T18:26:00.000-08:00

By profession, I’m a Radiation Therapist. This means I treat cancer patients with radiation. This a very rewarding job. All the patients you make feel better or help them live a long cancer-free life just make your day.

I have to admit that I was a pit bull naysayer. When my son wanted to get a pit bull, we told him he couldn’t bring one of those aggressive dogs into our house. Needless to say when Jade joined our family, I had to eat my words. She is a sweetheart, no other way to describe her. After Jade joined our family, I researched the breed and found more and more reasons to love the breed. I began sponsoring pit bulls at an out of state rescue. When my toy poodle passed away at 11 yrs, I knew I had to rescue a pit bull. After searching online I found an instate rescue. I was going to apply for a Katrina dog, but there was a black male I liked also. After I finally talked my husband into letting me get a dog to replace my poodle, I looked for the black dog on pet finder. He was gone. My heart sank. There was no ‘adoption pending’, no ‘adopted’ , no nothing. I emailed the rescue. The black dog had been adopted but he had supposedly growled at his new owner. The rescue had two temperament tests done. He passed one and failed one. The deal was now he needed a home fast and someone to work with him if he really had issues. My husband calls work as I’m reading this email. I’m crying like a baby. Well being the great man he is, he said to go get the dog and quit crying. I went and got him on Jan 8, 2005. He has been the best dog. He loves kids, adults and other dogs.

After getting Buddy I had wanted to volunteer for a pit bull rescue. I was thrilled when I saw CCB on Face book and they weren’t too far from me. I began volunteering in July. I got my first foster, Roxxy, in August. We also have a temporary foster, Gizmo. Our house is a doggie zoo. We have Haley, our old grumpy Lab; Jade, our white pittie; Buddy, my black pittie; and Molly, our border collie mix, who showed up at our house starving with mange.

Since I started volunteering for CCB, I have met lots of nice people and pitties. The events are rewarding when you have interest in one of the adopt-a-bulls. I am the Triad Media manager and have helped to organize some events. I hope to be able to work with CCB for a long time. This helps me fulfill my dreams of helping animals, especially pit bulls.

Featured Happy Ending: Lola

2011-01-05T08:18:00.000-08:00

We adopted Lola on January 9, 2010 after searching through many pictures of pit bulls on Petfinder.com. She immediately stuck out to me even before I ever met her in person. We knew we wanted a Pit Bull because we had previously rescued an American Staffordshire Terrier who we had to put down due to renal failure a week prior to getting Lola. She was just like our child to us and we were completely devastated by her loss. Our home was so empty and very lonely without our "baby" around. The day after we lost her I started looking for a pit bull on line and found Lola's cute picture that melted my heart. I contemplated getting a dog so quick after just losing one so I went back and forth with getting in touch with Carolina Care Bullies to meet Lola. A few days later I emailed CCB and they had told me that Lola was scheduled for a potential adoption the following morning. I was so upset because I KNEW she was the pit I wanted to bring into our family. The next day I got an email from Amanda from CCB saying Lola's adoption did not go through and asked if they could bring her to my house. I was ecstatic and immediately said yes. They drove about and hour and a half for us to meet Lola and we fell in love with her as soon as she came through our door. Her personality was exactly what we were looking for....Happy (hence her given name), loving, sweet, playful and most of all loves other dogs/cats and more so, people.

The very night we got Lola she slept with us as if she had done it every night before. She adjusted so well and it was as if she belonged here. This took every doubt about getting a dog so quick out of my mind. She had not only filled a void for us but we wanted to show her off. We enrolled Lola in training and she excelled at it. She loved being around all the other dogs and people to show off her skills. On her walks everyday she has even made such an impression on the kids in the neighborhood that they come over just to play with her. She just loves the attention.

Not to keep bragging on what an exceptional Pit Bull she is but we had even played with getting another dog for her to play with because she loved visiting my friend's dogs. About 4 months ago we took in a Dobermen/lab mix who had been abandoned on the side of the road. She is about the same age as Lola and, of course, Lola has taken to her so much we decided to keep her. So much so, that when Chloe (the new dog) had her spay surgery, Lola laid by her crate for the entire 7 days we had to keep them seperated. They get along great and are sad when the other is away.

Carolina Care Bullies gave me Lola at a time I needed her most and it was almost like she knew what I needed. Lola has truly blessed our lives with happiness and we cannot imagine life without her. If everyone who is afraid or just thinks Pit Bulls are evil dogs would meet Lola they would change their minds and want a Pittie! They are the most loyal, loving, kind hearted and misunderstood breed.

Thank you Carolina Care Bullies, Amanda and Terry for binging Lola into our lives and letting us share how much she means to us. You guys do a GREAT job for this breed and I cannot thank you enough.

Click here to see more Happy Endings!

How Slow Dog Introductions Will Help You Save the Life of a Dog in the New Year

2010-12-30T10:57:00.000-08:00

What a fine New Year's Resolution eh? And how, praytell, can you achieve that? Well, our hope is that you will make just such a resolution for Bella, Honey, or Delilah.

"But I CAN'T" you say. "Bella, Honey, and Delilah - they are all picky with other dogs. Bella doesn't even like cats! I have dogs! I have cats!" You say.

The sad truth is, these dogs will never improve, and will continue to live very under-enriched lives in their temporary places that can't offer help for these dogs become better. Without a leader to guide them, Bella & Delilah may have to continue to live in a home with so many dogs to manage there is no time for training. For Honey, the stress of the kennel will lead to more problem behaviors and frustrations with other dogs.

"Easy peasy" dogs make it into "easy peasy" foster homes, and thereafter, usually pretty quickly into forever homes. But Bella, Honey, and Delilah -- they struggle. Because they were not started off right. Their "first" owners may have kept them outside with little socialization. They may have neglected to teach them manners inside the house because they simply didn't have the time or the patience. Maybe their owners "tried" to train them, but didn't understand how to do it right. They may have yelled at them for displaying aggressive behaviors, did leash corrections, or just tensed up at the sight of another dog walking past -- all things that will FURTHER frustrate a dog and reinforce their behavior. When dogs see their owners aren't in control, they are forced to take the lead, and unfortunately this creates highly undesirable results!

So these 3 girls, Miss Bella, Honey, and Delilah - They ended up as strays, they were left unwanted. "Teach me! Make me better! Make me adoptable! I only want to LOVE you!" Their eyes plead. And still, no one came. CCB wants to change all that for them. Because truth is, these dogs have a lot to offer. They are your TYPICAL pit bull - full of energy, loyalty, unwavering love for humans, and whether we like to acknowledge it or not - a good bit of them are dog selective. Like many terriers, they can have prey drive.

There is good news for you, the potential foster home, and for these dogs in question. A dog that doesn't get along with other dogs doesn't have to continue to be that way. Sure, they may never have best dog buddies, but maybe they can at least learn some manners, be presentable. Wouldn't it be great if they could go to an adoption event without their handler hiding in shame??

They need a leader to teach them. And that is why CCB provides resources. Easy step-by-step guides on how to teach a dog-reactive dog to stop spitting obscenities at other dogs.

Step 1: Keep a Journal

Sometimes in training it's hard to tell if we are making progress. So let's prove that hard work pays off! Write down what happened on Day 1 you started training. How did your foster dog react when presented with another dog? What exercises did you work on? What seemed to work, and what seemed to fail? Did you move too fast? You can organize it however you want, but make sure to take good notes.

Step 2: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Lets face it, it's hard not to rush things. It's natural to want our pets to get along from the start. I mean, who wouldn't want it to be easy? But with pit bulls, lets face it, it can take some work. But remember, it takes longer to undo something done wrong than to do it right the first time! Set your foster dog up for success always!!

Put your foster dog on the NILIF program from the moment they walk in the door. Soon your foster dog understands that "Whew, I don't have to freak out anymore! This human person has got my back! They are taking care of the food, the treats, the potty time - I can just relax and be a dog!"

Start out with your foster dog crated in a room away from your other pets. Don't stop there. Put a baby gate in the door. This avoids any confrontations either dog is not ready for! (Make sure neither dog is willing/able to scale the baby gate!)

The room you choose should be in eyesight of a high-traffic, or regularly inhabited room, so you can talk to your foster dog and praise either dog when they regard each other calmly. It also gives your foster dog the opportunity to see that your current pets are a valued part of the pack.

If your foster dog is up for it, and you have another person to help, you can start taking walks together, with one person per dog, but kept distance between them at all times to avoid any face-to-face issues. Remember to rotate who walks in front, and to alternate with walking side by side (but making sure at least one person is between the two dogs). MUCH praise for being calm and friendly. Consider attaching a treat pouch to your hips for extra, ultra special breakthroughs between the two dogs that are cause for a food reward. An example of an event that deserves effusive praise? Anytime the dogs looked at each other with low slow tail wags! Be watchful of body language - it speaks volumes.

Step 3: Pet' N Praise at the Gate

Now you may feel your foster dog is ready for the next step - out of the crate, but with the baby gate up. Monitor this VERY carefully, hanging out at the doorway, petting both dogs and offering praise. Ask them for some sits at the doorway, and upon successful completion, praise and reward their behavior. ONLY give treats when both dogs are being good. This is the step we spent the most time on.

Be prepared for some "doggie disagreements" here - this the first time the dogs have possible access to each other, and they may feel a little intimidated. If you see any aggressive displays, verbally reprimanded BOTH dogs, and send to "time-outs" behind closed doors.

When you have reliable, consistent happy tail wags at the gate and no aggressive displays, you can move on. On your walks, you can allow the dogs to move closer, but still avoid any direct contact.

Step 4: Tie Em Down (Not What You Think!)

Now its time for your foster dog to try a tie-down, but enclose her with an x-pen. You can install a tie-down in the same room the foster dog's crate. This is another closely monitored step, as pit bulls are strong, and we don't want them pulling the eye-hook out of the wall or trying to scale the baby gates!And by now you know the drill: praise and treats for good; take a step back for the bad. Continue walks, allow the dogs to move closer, but still avoid that direct contact! If you think your foster dog is ready, a few short butt-sniffing sessions may be tried here. But remember our aim is success, so don't feel pressured for this step yet!

Step 5: X Marks the Spot

Now un-clip that tie-down, and just let your foster dog hang tough inside the x-pen. Take your time with this step since the next step will be having your dogs out together with no barrier! You need a solid foundation before you continue. Keep a very close eye on body language and extinguish any posturing by either dog and praise appropriate behavior. Continue with the walks and allow some more butt-sniffing, but no face-to-face contact yet.

Step 6: Clip, Calm, Correct

Now switch! Clip your foster dog to a tie down, but no x-pen. This is the most difficult step, but you have worked up to it, and learned a lot about body language in the process. Either dog is likely to be overexcited and rude. There may be attempted humping or dominance displays. But remember CALM, distinct, verbal corrections. Have a water spray bottle handy, for any "tiffs" or for utra-stubborn dogs that may have a tendency to tune you out. Walks may have freer contact, maybe some short face-to-face contact. We're almost there!

Step 7: Nice to Meet You!

Time to let two dogs meet! Leash each dog so you have something to grab if needed, but let the leash drag on the ground. Diffuse any uncomfortable or rude behavior with a pat of your leg, a recall (calling a dog to you), or with obedience exercises. Remember the golden rule of pit bull ownership; DON'T TRUST A PIT BULL NOT TO FIGHT. I.E., never leave them unattended. When you can't be present, remember to utilize the crate that your foster dog has learned is their safe, worry-free zone. And it's worry-free for you too!

The time for this entire process varies. It may take a week. It may take 3. Do not focus on the calendar, and instead on what your training journal tells you. Is it time to go to the next step, or does this step still need work? While it can be hard at times to put off integrating your foster dog into your life fully, the success you’ll enjoy from taking is SLOW is undeniable. Doing it this way will allow you to gradually increase the difficulty of the interaction without putting you in a situation you can't handle.

I believe in our foster parents, our supporters, and most of all I believe in the dogs we pick for our rescue. But what kind of rescue would we be if we only chose perfect dogs? Bella, Honey, and Delilah are not perfect, but truly, who of us is? Today, we need YOU to make a resolution to CHANGE THE LIFE OF A DOG THAT NEEDS YOU ... MOST.

Our next installment: The Truth about Cats and Dogs!

Featured Happy Ending

2010-12-05T01:14:00.000-08:00

Lulu

Hello, my name is Lulu and I was born on 11/22/2009. When I was adopted I weighed 6 LBS, I now weigh 55 LBS. When I first got to my new home I was taken outside every couple of hours to potty which was a relief but there were some mishaps, it happens. After some training and time I quickly learned only to go outside. Before every meal I had to learn tricks and within a month I knew had to sit, left and right handshake, lie-down, rollover and speak on command. When the food is placed in front of me I only eat when I hear "OK." Believe me this did not happen overnight, I learned a new trick every week so with a little time and discipline I learned to do all my tricks. I eat very well; along with my regular meals I get special treat such as broccoli, carrots and eggs etc. I get plenty of exercise because I made my Daddy get a bike and he rides while I run about 3 to 5 miles a day. I also made him get a fence for the back yard so I can get some private play time. From the time I came home I was socialized with other dogs and people. I have made many doggy friends and all the kids in the neighborhood love me. So I just wanted to say hello to all my friends and fellow bullies that with some discipline, structure, patience and love life is great.

Here are some pictures to see how I have grown

Love Lulu

Volunteer Spotlight

2010-12-05T00:59:00.000-08:00

Jessica Harrell

I never do what is easy or convenient. Better than that, I always follow my heart. My parents called it rebellious, but I just call it passionate. I’m 23 and married my husband 3 years ago, right before he deployed to Afghanistan with the U.S. Army. I adopted my first rescue dog in 2009 when I moved to Fayetteville, NC to set up our first apartment alone. I got a brindle boxer I named Boss because he immediately took over my life in every aspect. He slept in my empty bed with me, made me laugh and kept me safe. I remember picking him up from the transport that brought him to me; he sat on the floor in the back of my car and rested his chin on my shoulder as I drove home. It was instantly love. I remember realizing how sad my world could have been if I had not met Boss, and that I wanted to bring all these amazing, once unwanted dogs to loving families they so deserved. So, I began volunteering with boxer rescues here in North Carolina. It’s a year and a half later and we have acquired our own house, and 2 more dogs of our own. Another boxer, Phoenix, and a pit bull, Ruby who fueled a new passion of this abused and misunderstood breed.

I began volunteering with Carolina Care Bullies this past July and have loved every minute of it. I had the privilege of fostering puppies Lilo, Knox and Gordie, and most recently, Duke. I am now on my 5th foster through them, Charlotte. I have learned to stop assuming “oh, someone else will do something to help that dog” when I see urgent postings. I just don’t think people understand how much they all truly have to offer these dogs. People sometimes make fun of me as a crazy dog lady, but the way I see it, I have a home, and these dogs needed homes! I wish everyone would stop making excuses, because there are always a million reasons not to do something, but saving an innocent dog’s life will outweigh all of those. My friend Kim says I never dip my toe in the pool, and that I just jump right in. I guess that’s true. I genuinely believe you either do, or you don’t. In my “all in” philosophy, I have also recently become the Adoption Coordinator for CCB. I answer questions from potential adopters, draw out adoption contracts, and check references.

I’m slowly but surely finishing up my Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice. Also this summer I began painting. Turns out I’m not half bad! I’ve managed to turn my art into a part time job for myself. I also donated some paintings to CCB fundraisers.

Today I was out in the yard with our latest foster, Charlotte, who shows signs of abuse and fear of humans. I got her to play with me, and then while she stopped to rest, she layed down in the grass, stretched her back legs behind her. As the gentle breeze crossed her soft face, she looked at me and smiled. I realized this is what it’s all for. I thrive off the change being brought into these gentle souls.

Jessica Harrell
Adoption Coordinator - Carolina Care Bullies
Link to Jessica's art page: Squishy Face Art

Know Your Bully

2010-12-05T00:45:00.000-08:00

Include Them and Keep Them Safe During the Holidays!

My dogs love the holidays - they LOVE company, LOVE the food that company "accidentally" drops on the floor, and they LOVE to visit Grandpa. Some of the best Christmas memories are the ones involving our dogs. Let's see... there was the time my husband's former pittie, "Butkus", hiked his leg on the Christmas tree at Grandpa's house as the whole family gasped in horror (quick - somebody wipe off the presents!). Well, we laugh about it now and someone tells that story every year. And let's not forget the time that Butkus leapt into Grandpa's lap with such excited force that Grandpa's recliner tipped over backwards. Yes, they still let us bring all of our dogs (this year, Ollie makes three) to stay at Grandpa's house in Florida for Christmas. After all, they are part of the family and it wouldn't be Christmas without them.

Links:
Safety Tips: http://www.puplife.com/pages/christmas-dog-safety-tips
Safety Tips: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/91392/tips_for_a_dog_safe_christmas.html?cat=74
Include Your Pets: http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_4688433_include-dog-christmas-festivities.html
Travel Tips: http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/4414/top-tips-for-travelling-with-your-dog-this-christmas/
Holiday Clothing: http://www.poochieheaven.com/dog-christmas-clothes.html

It Takes A Village: Charlie's Angels Animal Rescue

2010-11-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

The amount of time, effort , resources, volunteers and organizations required to rescue and adopt out just one animal is quite extraordinary. CAAR (Charlie's Angels Animal Rescue) is just one of the many organizations the CCB works with on a daily basis.

Blog post by Carol Clay – Adopter and now CAAR volunteer/advocate:

About a year ago, I rescued a puppy from a busy road in the Brevard area. That's when I first learned about our county animal shelter and the abandoned and abused animal population here in Transylvania County.

Our shelter is an old, sad building with extremely limited space for all the dogs that wind up there. When a dog is brought to the shelter, there is a 5 day grace period to allow the owner to claim the animal. If the dog is not claimed, and the shelter fills up (which is practically every day), that dog can be euthanized for no other reason than a lack of space. Dogs that have been surrendered by their owners aren't that lucky. They do not get that 5 day grace period and can be put down at any time.

Every single day of the year dogs end up at the Transylvania County Animal Shelter and the scenario is played out again and again. While other counties in our area have recognized the need and created modern new shelters and facilities, our county has been stuck in neutral, despite a plan for a new shelter that was approved and funded.

That's why organizations like Charlie's Angels Animal Rescue are so important. Charlie's Angels is a non-profit organization whose only mission is to rescue dogs and cats from the shelter so the string of senseless deaths is stopped....

...Meet Ace. His 5 day grace period was over and he was on the list to be killed. That was December of 2009. Ace is now a beloved member of our family and every time I look at his sweet face, I think about how close he came to being killed for only one reason - there just wasn't room for him at the shelter. What a tragic waste of a life that would have been. Read Full Text of Carol's Blog Post >

Thanks to the work of CAAR volunteers, Oliver, Sugar Bear, Mitzi, and Happy were pulled from the shelter, transferred to CCB and now have new families of their own. Without CAAR involvement, these great dogs most likely would have been euthanized for no other reason than a lack of space.

Charlie's Angels Animal Rescue is dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats who are brought in to the high-kill Transylvania County Animal Shelter. In 2008, 81% of all dogs brought to the shelter were euthanized at the shelter. In that year alone, 432 dogs were killed. In 2009 after CAAR got involved, 82% of the dogs were rescued. So far this year CAAR has rescued 370 dogs - 500 since Sept 2009.

They have also helped with the transport of Tipsy (now Izzy), Buddy, and Pickles. The next pittie from CAAR on the CCB wait list is Betty but she needs a foster (she has been boarding with them for months). If you’re interested in fostering Betty, contact CCB! And they currently have 4 other pitties that need foster and/or rescue too..They are Rocky, Patsy, Shadow, and Peaches.

North Carolina has numerous shelters just like this one – located all over the state in rural areas without resources or public awareness of the problem. Where animals are euthanized every day simply because of space. Charlie’s Angels has proven that community involvement can save an overwhelming majority of these companion animals. Get involved locally and we can decrease the euthanasia rate by leaps and bounds all across the state.

Following is an interview with Evelyn Bridges, of Charlie's Angels Animal Rescue :

Do you have any suggestions for people that want to organize a group like CAAR in their own community? We started off running with little organization due to animals dying daily at our shelter and the urgent need to save them immediately. If possible, more ground work should be laid before starting actual rescue work. But every community is different and they may have the luxury of time that we do not have in Transylvania county.

How did you decide that being a “triage” for other rescues was the answer? Other local rescue groups were focusing on helping with dogs and cats that needed help and adopting them locally. One group works mostly with elderly and special needs animals. No one group was consistently saving the animals from our high kill shelter. Until we made that our primary purpose, their kill rate was over 80%. It is now turned around and less than 20% are killed due to our rescue efforts and that of others who we have asked to help by letting them know about our animals at the shelter.

How does the relationship work with the shelter – do they call you or do the volunteers have to make daily visits. Our relationship with the shelter workers has become a close one throughout the past year. They now provide us with a daily Shelter Update email with list of all strays/owner surrenders. I try to get to the shelter 4 to 5 times a week to assess the animals, talk to the workers, take pictures and let other volunteers know what is there. The shelter workers are much more proactive now and make great efforts to work with us and help save the animals. Just 2 months ago, they started vaccinating the animals. Prior to that, Charlie's Angels paid for the vaccines and paid a retired vet to go to shelter and vaccinate all. They are now open and actively seeking programs to have all spayed/neutered too. That is something we do for all the ones we pull from the shelter.

What was your biggest challenge and/or the one success you can’t forget. Oh, there have been so many...Sweet Hope, older beagle, who was malnourished, infected teeth, and Heartworm positive who was in our system for over 3 months and had extensive dental surgery, treated for heartworm and then spayed. Another beagle, Sally, who had a huge tumor dragging the ground which when she had surgery, was determined to be a hernia and all her intestines were in it. Took weeks and weeks for her to recuperate. Brooke, the German Shepherd, who had been hit by a car and had to have surgery on her leg. Violet, the husky, who had been shot and then caught in barb wired around all 4 legs when running to get away. Shadow, the female pit, who had been bred almost to point of death...They all now have loving homes except for sweet Shadow who is still being boarded at great kennel and waiting for a rescue.

What do you think is important for people to know about your organization, your specific issues and/or the reason CAAR is necessary? Not only do we advocate saving our shelter animals but we are strong advocates of spay/neuter programs. We believe that is the major answer to preventing so many, many homeless, neglected, abused animals. We try to educate the public about the wonderful animals that end up at shelter through no fault of their own and what wonderful pets they make. Until there are no more homeless pets in Transylvania county, CAAR and other rescues will be necessaryl.

Introducing...the RH3

2010-11-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

The NC Director of the HSUS asked CCB to help find placement for the 3 adult pit bulls seized from the Rockingham County cruelty case. These two females and one male were professionally evaluated and passed with flying colors, and are now safe in foster care! Check out the video:

A Note From the President Regarding the Puppy Nursery

2010-11-05T17:30:00.000-07:00

Hello CCB Supporters,

First off, let me thank you all for you supporting our latest endeavors to renovate an outdoor building into a fully-functional puppy nursery. We truly appreciate when so many get behind something we really believe can make a difference for the lives of pit bulls in the state of North Carolina!

It was with deep regret, sadness, and frankly, embarrassment that I have to report that these plans will not be coming to fruition based on the research we did in the preliminary stages of making this venture a reality. Due to legal, long-term, personal, and professional roadblocks (and believe me there were plenty of each), we can not realistically create a puppy nursery on a foster mom's property. Because Terry & I ourselves live on rental property, neither we can put a building on our property for this purpose. The best time at which to begin a project like this would be if CCB should sometime in the future own their own land where we can build a permanent structure that will belong to our organization for many years to come, making the very most of our investments.

Since each of you donated to our cause under the pretense that a puppy nursery would be created, we want to be 100% forthcoming with our latest developments. We would GLADLY issue refunds to any of out donors that would request them.

On the flipside, we have big plans for any remaining donations if you should be so generous to let us use them to continue our great work. CCB's next major purchase will hopefully be a full-size or mini-van for the purpose of our business vehicle. We have put literally tens of thousands thousands of miles on my personal vehicle in the past year and a half, and are in need of more room for transporting, crating, and supplies that my small Dodge Calibur just can not accommodate.

I hope that you can forgive us that sometimes our ambitions can be bigger that reality!! But we still hope to see many great things ahead with the help of your continued support.

Sincerely,

Amanda Liston
President, Carolina Care Bullies

Featured Happy Ending: "Pickles"

2010-11-04T21:13:00.000-07:00

I adopted Pickles shortly after losing my best friend, Cody, to a rattlesnake bite. I was having a really, really hard time dealing with it. My daughter told me that I could not let that stop me from "rescuing" dogs. I don't really consider myself a rescuer because I can only deal with one dog at a time when so many other people can really do a lot of good. But, I can tell you that when I saw Beverly's posting of Pickles, all I could do was giggle. He was so comical and sweet looking. Now that he's in my life, every day there is something for me to laugh about. His first visit to the vet was memorable. Everyone in the vet's office loved him and had to pet him and play with him.

Our first "trick" was to teach him to shake. As soon as he tried to lift his paw, he lost his balance and fell right over on his side. He's got it down pat now, though. Beverly had told me that he had never slept on the bed before but he had slept on the couch. The first week here, I heard a thump in the middle of the night, turned on the light, and - bless his heart - he had fallen off of the bed and was standing there with a confused look on his face. He's got the bed thing down pat now too.

Pickles loves my daughter's dog, Benjammin'. Bennie is 8 years old and about 80 pounds of mutt. If Pickles can't get him to run around and play, he spends the entire day cleaning Bennie's ears for him. Poor Ben! He just rolls his eyes at us and sits there and takes it.

Pickles earned the nickname of Little Mickey because both he and my friend Mickey are short and stocky, have bad eyesight and waddle when they walk. Mickey loves Pickles so much that he

has modified his front and back decks on his house so that Pickles can run through the house, onto the front deck and on to the back deck and we don't have to worry about him getting lose and getting lost.

The vet is doing some research to see if there is anything that can be done to help Pickles' eyesight. He gets around pretty good but his eyesight is bad enough that he occassionly runs into things. I don't know how much more his hard little head can take.

One thing Pickles has plenty of is love, hugs and kisses

-Stephanie

Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Meg

2010-11-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

Miss Megs is nearing 6 months old, and all 10 of her siblings have already been adopted. Meg would be perfect for a home with a male playmate who loves to roughhouse or an active family to take Meg on walks and runs. She has become wonderfully housetrained in foster care and well socialized among many dogs and people at the pet place in which her foster mom works! She is beautiful! Her brindle coat is so unique and you will love her loving nature! Beautiful, smart, funny - all in one little bully body! Hopefully, she will find her forever home soon so they can enjoy her puppy-hood. She is hysterical and more fun to watch than cable TV.

Meg is crate trained, knows "sit" and "come", learning leash walking, gets along with dogs - has never been around cats that I know of - and loves people!!! She is just a cute, sweet little wiggle-butt and she loves to snuggle and kiss but not until after she is done playing!! She will be a wonderful pet for a bully-savvy home or someone with a strong persona as she is pretty hard-headed!! She considers herself quite a Princess.

Nutrition

2010-10-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

The food you choose to feed your pets can have a significant impact on their quality of life. A good diet can take care of skin issues, allergies, increase longevity, strengthen immunity to disease, eliminate digestive disorders, and more. A bad diet causes countless health issues and even premature death.

So how do you select the quality food?

If it comes in a bag at your local grocery store, you probably shouldn't feed it to your pets. For the most part, the only food sold at a grocery store that is fit for your pet's consumption is the food that you eat (fresh meat, veggies, etc).
Read the labels. More information about labeling can be found in some of the links to the right.
Find a local pet food retailer that sells high-quality foods - the reputable ones won't even carry foods that contain harmful ingredients.
Educate yourself and choose wisely. Your pets depend on you.

Nutrition Links

Dog Food Analysis: Find your current food's rating
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/

Get the Facts: What is Really in Pet Food
http://www.bornfreeusa.org/facts.php?more=1&p=359

Foods to Avoid
http://www.everydayhealth.com/pet-health/dangerous-foods-for-your-pet.aspx

How to Read the Labels and Compare
http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=main

Information on Raw Feeding:
http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/fresh-raw-diet/
http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/raw-diet/

Information on Grain-Free Foods
http://www.vetinfo.com/grain-free-dog-food.html

Homemade Cooked Diets
http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/cooked-diet/

Featured Happy Ending: Romeo

2010-10-04T23:10:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Romeo, and I've been asked to tell you about how I came to find my forever home. I'll start where my rescue group, CCB, comes into the picture because that's the where the love begins. Amanda Boykin, a caring member of the group that rescued me, saw me running free with some children in Rocky Mount, NC but before I knew it I was taken by animal control to the Edgecomb Co. shelter. Amanda had a feeling that I could be a keeper for someone so she got the okay from Amanda L. to spring me just as my time was up. I was ever so grateful to get out of there. 72 hours never seemed so long! Next I went to her house and was greeted by her two kids, husband, and other dogs that look a lot like me! It was so nice to be petted, hugged, and well-fed for a change. I am an affectionate fella and I also have a unique heart shape on my forhead. Based upon those facts, I was named "Romeo." My life was starting to change for the better. I stayed with Amanda B. for a week or two until I went to live with my foster mom, Tracey Chipps.

When I went to live with my foster mom it was discovered that I had heartworms and a urinary tract infection. She was so patient with me while I was sick. I had to be on low activity for what seemed like forever! I tried not to have accidents in my crate or on the bathroom floor while I was getting better but I just couldn't hold it sometimes. Foster mom Tracey never got mad at me at all, although I must have disappointed her. I love her so much for that. At foster mom's house, there were two other pit bulls like me but they couldn't hear anything. Boy, they were

pretty! I was not the man of the house though, there was a little Mexican guy (aka Chihuahua)that lived there too. While I was on "lock-down" for my heartworms, foster mom gave me things that I had never seen before to chew on. I didn't know what to do with some of the toys but I learned quickly what to do with the rawhides and knuckle bones! Those things made my tartared teeth just like new again. I would have stayed there forever if I could have but it was not meant to be. I was soon to meet my forever mom.

My forever mom was grieving over her best friend, Copper, who was also a pit bull. He had died a couple of months before due to Lymphoma. She missed him very much and when she was ready, she decided she wanted to adopt another pittie, because hey, we are just that awesome! Michelle, my forever mom-to-be, decided that she would choose CCB to adopt through because she knew that the bullies there were all fostered so she would be able to adopt one whose disposition was known. First she visited an event at Cat Banjo in Raleigh to check out the organization and meet some of us. She spoke with my rescuer, Amanda B., and liked her immediately. She met Buckley Von Piggles, Bronx, Lilo, and me among many others. Within a few days she contacted Amanda B. and gave her the qualifications for her new friend: Must be dog friendly, cat friendly, and house trained. Amanda gave her three choices and I won the golden ticket! My new mom decided to let me continue to convalesce with my foster mom and as soon as my heartworm treatment was over, I was taken to meet her. Leaving my foster mom was hard. She cried and hugged me and kissed the heart on my head over and over. She told me what was about to happen and instructed me to be on my best behavior and to mind my manners. My foster mom and Amanda B. met in Zebulon, NC so I could ride with Amanda to meet my new mom. We met my new mom in Wilson on Sunday August 8, 2010. I'll always remember that day because that is when I went to my forever home!

On my way to my new house with my new mom, I took a nap and was on my best behavior. When we arrived, Mom gave me a tour of the house. where I met my feline brother, Junior, whom I just love to chase. He's not into that so much as I have been smacked a few times when I've done that. I met the bird too. His name is Buckwheat and he sure is loud! Next I went outside to see my new backyard where I met my new partner-in-crime, Scooter. He is a Puggle with an underbite. Nowhere near as handsome as I am, but he's cool to have as a brother. We play and play and play. I love to roll him and he doesn't seem to mind but mom does. She thinks we play too rough sometimes. All in all, I am a happy boy! I love my new family so much! Mom buys me toys, rawhides, and femur bones. I also have the choice of sleeping on my very own bed, or on her bed. I have decided that I am a snuggler! It has been a great two months. If there is a downside to my new living situation, I'd have to say that its being in the crate. I really hate the crate..... I don't care for baths either but mom kisses me more when I smell good. Well, I think I have adjusted well to my new mom and new home. I'm happy to be here and am so glad to be with those who love me and treat me well. I'm thankful for Carolina Care Bullies who got me off the street and helped me get healthy again. If it weren't for all the nice things they did for me, I probably would not have survived being on my own, the shelter, or my heartworms. Thank you for introducing me to my new mom also.

Love,

Romeo Avery

Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Sawyer "The Wonderdog"

2010-10-04T22:56:00.000-07:00

Sawyer the Wonder Dog has come a long way from neglected beginnings. The day CCB met Sawyer, we did not even know if he would be a candidate for adoption. He lived his first few years as the dog of a local drug-dealer, meant to protect the home from unwelcome intruders. Sawyer was intact, did not receive regular meals or any type of vet care. He was not adequately socialized, living in a dark, dank property in the worst part of town.

In a few short weeks, Sawyer has gone from the distrustful and shy dog we met that day, to social, outgoing, and content. Sawyer does not need much to entertain him - he knows nothing of toys or bones, and would rather curl up on the floor beside you, or watch your daily activities with the famous 'bully smile' on his face.

Sawyer responds well to very soft, minor verbal corrections, but to be honest, he really does not do much to warrant discipline! Sawyer is never found to be in the trash, with objects he shouldn't, or even pestering his small Chihuahua house mates. He does EXTREMELY well with small dogs, even unfamiliar ones. He walks right past a growling, barking, or nipping terrier without much interest or regard. With proper slow intros to female dogs his size, he would likely do just as well. Unfortunately the cranky dogs in his temporary foster home have prevented us from gaining much information on his social skills with other pit bulls!

House trained, crate trained, and an understanding of basic commands are just a few more or Sawyer's fabulous credentials. Although he would not oppose lots of daily activity and exercise, he is not likely to require it. Sawyer is calm and mild-mannered.
Sawyer is an inspiration to all of us and is one of the few rescue dogs where we truly know what he had to overcome to continue to be a loving, forgiving, and well-adjusted example of the breed we love so much.

To meet Sawyer, is to change any negative misconceptions you may have of the breed, and surely will warm your heart. Our ideal home for Sawyer would be one that pursues bully breed ambassadorship, such as Canine Good Citizen certification and therapy work. Sawyer has a story to tell to all of those who will listen.

Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Delilah

2010-10-04T22:47:00.000-07:00

You can see everything you need to know about Delilah right in her smile; she ♥ s unconditionally - now she just needs someone to show her that same ♥ !! Delilah has had a lot of bad luck with potential homes, despite her popularity among CCB volunteers & supporters! She is a young, intelligent pittie mix that knows all her basic commands, plus will impress you with some extras, like shake & roll over! Delilah loves to play with dogs, so she would prefer an opposite sex playmate in her new home that doesn’t mind her activity level. She is also pretty non-chalant around cats from what we have seen!! We love her motivation for all things food, which will carry her far with a forever home that is willing to train her! Delilah also loves chewing on bones, tennis balls, & tug toys. She doesn't mind sharing her toys with adults but for some reason she is more stingy around kids, so we ask she be placed with adults or older-children families. She is wonderfully crate-trained, housetrained, & uses the bathroom quickly outside during her potty breaks. All this, and she's cute as a button too!

Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Aurora

2010-09-04T13:05:00.001-07:00

Aurora is the mother of the "Disney Litter". Ten, yes, TEN of her puppies have been adopted and now only Aurora and Meg (the last remaining puppy) remain to find a family that exist only in pit bull dreams, with a warm pillow of their own . . .

Aurora takes "The Nanny Dog" nickname for the breed very seriously with her wonderfully loving, motherly, and nurturing personality...

She adores children of all ages, big and small. Her most adorable personality trait is gently pawing or nudging you with her nose when she needs some extra lovin'. She plays well with other dogs and cats but would rather spend her time snuggling with her people. She has a low to moderate energy level and doesn't mind going on a walk once in a while or playing a bit as long as she is spending time with you. The basic commands are coming to her with ease and she would make an excellent family pet.

Read and see more about me on Facebook and Petfinder.

Featured Happy Ending: Oliver

2010-09-04T13:04:00.003-07:00

“I don’t know why we don’t just keep that dog” was an off-hand comment I made to my wife the day I met Oliver (“Ollie”) that started the ball rolling towards his adoption. You’d think a man as old as me would learn to keep his mouth shut but, nope, I can’t do it. It’s like a compulsion put into men by God so their wives can adopt homeless pit bulls. At 0430 every morning my ears are completely cleaned by the tongue of one of the most energetic beings I have ever met. And until I get up he will constantly ask, “Is it time to go for a walk yet?” and “What time are we going to start playing catch?” If I’d only kept my mouth shut. I’m sure every husband out there has asked themselves that question a thousand times. By 0445, I’ll have my shoes on and Ollie, Pete (Ollie’s older brother and his favorite dog in the whole wide world), and I will load up into my old Dodge and head to the woods for a morning walk (aka rabbit chasing, mud puddle slurping, game of king of the mountain, morning constitution, etc) followed by a relaxing game of catch (usually about 50 wind sprints after his favorite toy -- a slobbery, mud-covered tennis ball).

Ollie was found wandering the streets of a trailer park in western NC, apparently abandoned by a family that had recently moved. He was placed in a kill shelter, was pulled by a local rescue organization and the nearly month-long ordeal ended when he was taken in by Carolina Care Bullies. He became a foster in our home in March and before summer had arrived Ollie became a permanent fixture in our home. Over the last few months Ollie has learned many important things: it’s best to pee outside; cat-chasing is for sissies; Pete, his older brother, will protect him from all harm and is a wise dog to emulate; Cessie his little sister (Pomeranian) will bite the snot out your lip if you aggravate her long enough; and Moma is the best reason in the world to get out of bed in the morning.

Ollie is a constant source of entertainment and love all rolled up into a 45 lb body. Everyone who meets Ollie always ask the same question, “What kind of dog is that?” It’s a tiresome question, so now I just answer, “He’s an Ollie - a rare breed from western NC known for their loving nature, tennis ball obsessions, and inability to control their licker”.

I have a weak spot for the discarded ones like Ollie because they have the same dreams as an old Soldier like myself … Home. Welcome Home, son.
-Ollie’s Pa

Words from the VP

2010-09-04T13:04:00.001-07:00

Wow! Our first year as a rescue has been awesome - Amanda and I never expected it to grow this fast. We’ve come along way in our first year! We remember the early days, such as last years Pride Fest, when had to split the cost of a booth because we didn’t have enough money for a spot.

Facebook has given us so many great fans and supporters; we have friends - literally all over the world - that always encourage us. There are stressful times too; like when we work so hard to save dogs, but we don’t have room for the ones some feel we should save. Our true friends know how much we love the breed; we would save every adoptable pit bull if we could.
It’s so amazing seeing dogs in their new home, ones like Rhett that were on the ‘hit list’, that now get to go on boat rides with his new family. Amanda and I get really emotional when we see all the success stories in our rescue. Our fosters have made us successful; if it wasn’t for them we could have never saved so many. We have a top notch Board that helps keep things running smoothly. Then there’s my sweet Amanda who works tirelessly in all her free time making our rescue better - none of this would have been possible without her vision.
As we start our second year the dream continues to grow. We hope someday to buy some land and build a shelter so we can help more pit bulls, and it’s my dream to have a sanctuary for the less adoptable, so we can give them the happy life they deserve.
We want to thank everyone that made our dream come true and can’t wait to see what next year holds. Maybe someday it will take a stadium to hold all our adopters and fosters for the annual Bully Bash! Thanks everyone for changing the world for pit bulls.

Sincerely,
Terry,
VP of Carolina Care Bullies

Exercise.Exercise.Exercise

2010-09-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

From pbrc.net

A healthy pit bull needs exercise! How much exercise each individual dog needs depends on his/her personality, metabolism, and fitness level. Some pit bulls seem to retain almost puppy-like energy even well into adult years, while others can be mellow ‘couch potato’ types. In general, these smart, athletic dogs enjoy a challenge both mentally and physically. Without the proper amount of exercise, dogs may engage in other, sometimes inappropriate or destructive, behaviors out of boredom or frustration. Exercise should include physical and mental stimulation. A tired dog makes for a happy, well behaved dog and a happy owner. A daily 20-minute walk may not tire out your dog. Unstructured off leash time in the yard may also not be effective in meeting your dog’s mental and physical stimulation needs.As a general rule, each dog should get a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Here are some ways that many of our PBRC volunteers exercise their dogs. Many of these options can also incorporate obedience training into the exercise program, giving your dog the best of both worlds.
• Recall practice up and down a flight of stairs http://www.pbrc.net/poppysplace/Activities/RecallGame.html
• Biking with your dog with a safe bike attachment such as the K9 Cruiser
• Jogging with your dog
• Teaching your dog to run or jog on a treadmill. This can be a lifesaver in the winter months!
• Treadmill video (carpet mill): http://www.colbypitbull.com/treadmillside2.asfTreadmill
• Treadmill Training: http://www.squidoo.com/dogtreadmill
• Playing fetch in a fenced area
• A flirt pole or The Chase It Dog Toy. This toy is an ideal toy to incorporate training and self-control while your dog has fun. Requiring a sit or down before allowing play, is just one way to add training to fun time.
• Push-ups for dogs: Have your dog sit, then down, then sit, and then down… you get the point!
• Tug of War. There is some controversy over this game. However, we believe that most dogs enjoy playing tug and it can be played safely and correctly, given some ground rules. Add obedience work into this fun game, so that your dog learns to say, “please” with his behavior to earn what he wants. You can incorporate cues such as ‘sit,’ ‘down,’ ‘wait,’ ‘take it,’ and ‘drop’ into the game.
• Provide mental stimulation for your dog with interactive, ‘stuffable’ food toys such as Kongs. These toys are durable and a wonderful way to make crate time enjoyable. Remember that in a multi-dog household, Kongs and other chew items or food toys can be viewed as high value. You may need to separate your dogs when they have such treats to avoid conflict.
• Is your dog a retriever? Playing fetch or Frisbee is a great exercise activity!
If your dog doesn't know how to retrieve, now's a good time to teach it!
• Long walks or if you are a jogger, take the dog running with you!
• Consider purchasing a K-9 cruiser and taking your dog bicycling you!
Mental exercise can also tire a dog out while giving him/her something to do, a chance to learn, and also have positive interactions with the owner. Consider doing short training sessions with your dog(s). Practice some obedience or teach a new trick or task. Remember that dogs learn best if the sessions are short (5-10 minutes) and upbeat

More exercise articles and resource links:
3 Quick Tips to Keep Your Pit Bull Out of Trouble and Healthy Too By Jason Mann
http://ezinearticles.com/?3-Quick-Tips-to-Keep-Your-Pit-Bull-Out-of-Trouble-and-Healthy-Too&id=80398

Activities For You and Your Pit Bull
http://www.pitbulllovers.com/sports-for-your-american-pit-bull-terrier.html

Cool Activity links:Dock Dog competions! http://www.dockdogs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=45&Itemid=364

FlyBall video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X64NC0oQdPI&feature=related

Pit Bulls and Agility: http://www.pitbulllovers.com/training-articles/pit-bull-activities-agility.html

Please Help us raise money to get these babies healthy

2010-04-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

Aiden, Adopt-A-Bull

2010-04-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

My name is Aiden, and my foster mom tells me I have these yucky worms in my heart. I am not sure what it means, but sometimes when she pets me she seems sad and tells me that she worries about me. She said I am going to a place where they will make the worms go away next week, and that I have to be a good boy and very brave, because it might hurt. I don't know why she worries so much, I am strong and I have seen a lot in my short life. I really like it at my foster home, and my foster brother is awesome! I love to run and play with him, and I will really miss being able to hang out with him. My foster mommy tells me that after the people make the worms go away, that I won't be able to go run or play outside anymore, and that I will have to sleep all the time. But I hate sleeping, there is so much to do!

I am learning all sorts of new things, like how to go potty outside, but I have to mark my territory, so this is hard for me! I know how to sit and lay down, and my foster mommy tries to get me to go in this big dark cage a lot, but it reminds me of the shelter, so I don't really like going inside. I am very quiet and go to sleep right away once I am inside though, especially if my foster mommy puts a blanket over the cage.

I am a smart boy, and I would really like to find my forever home! Can you help me?

Dog Park...it's a no no!

2010-04-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy off-leash dog parks, you don't want to hear this. But I am going to tell you anyway. If you choose to become the owner of a Pit Bull, your dog park days are almost surely over, at least when the dog is somewhere over 8 months old. Accidental dogfights in off-leash parks are common, but when a Pit Bull is involved, they are headlines. Following Pit Bull Golden Rule #1 "NEVER trust your pit bull not to fight", you can see why off-leash parks are a very bad idea for our breed. As a Pit Bull owner, you have certain responsibilities. Your responsibility to your dog (to keep him/her out of trouble), your responsibility to other dog owners (to keep their dogs safe from your dog), and your responsibility to your breed (to keep your dog OUT of negative headlines). Even pit bulls that have never exhibited dog aggression may fight back if approached by the wrong dog in an aggressive manner. I will repeat this for you. As the owner of a pit bull, any fight will always be your fault, no matter who started it...
Written By: Amanda Liston, President of CCB

Where are some fun places you take your pittie to socialize and play?

Hello Blog World!

2010-04-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Carolina Care Bullies Blog! We will be posting about our rescue, pit bulls, inspiration, events, and everything else in between. Add us to your favorites and follow us as we continue our wonderful yet crazy journey to save pit bulls from euthanasia, educate the community, and care for this amazing breed that deserves our support!!