Featured Adopt-a-Bull: Lacey

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

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

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

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





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

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!

"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!

"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

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

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!