Owner Surrender

By Dena Bates, CCB Volunteer & Foster Mom





Our Gang

We currently have four dogs; Tegan, Sleeves and Happy are ours and Lacey is our foster baby. All dogs that needed a place to live, and though not planned, convenient or easy, we opened our home to them and, as you would expect an animal lover to say, they have opened our hearts : )

I recently lost Tegan and Sleeves. They escaped the backyard fence through a small hole they made and were gone. I like to imagine them sneaking under the deck and slowly chipping away at a weak area we couldn’t see, as if my backyard was the State Prison in Shawshank Redemption. Wishful thinking I know. Their escape was my irresponsibility as a pet owner and I felt horrible. When I realized they were gone my life stopped, there was nothing more important to me than finding my dogs and bringing them home. We checked the Animal Shelter twice a day, every day because the dogs we know as just Tegan and Sleeves, you would know as Pit Bulls, which means at our local Animal Shelter they have 72 hours to be claimed or they are euthanized.

Hanging around the Animal Shelter you hear the term “Owner Surrender“ a lot and I thought to myself what does this mean? Are we truly a society without moral responsibility that treats our pets as something disposable? Did these owners just decide they didn’t want their pet any more and couldn’t be bothered with finding them a home? Was contacting rescue groups too much work for them? Have they not heard of the wonderful world of social media, craigslist or even the newspaper? And what possible reason could make someone feel that “Owner Surrender” was the best option? Behavioral Issues, Divorce, Money, Moving, Children, Sickness, Death, Stress, Time, Age, What? I’ve dealt with all of these issues in some form myself and my dogs have dealt with them right along with me like troopers...

Happiness

Happy the Feist came to me after my Grandfather passed away. She disliked my 1 and 5 year old, she disliked my other dog who was an Akita named Jack and at times she didn‘t particularly care for me much either. Every day after work I made time to just sit in the backyard in a chair with Happy on my lap while Jack walked around and Happy growled. For 2 ½ weeks I sat and thought of all the things I needed to do, the laundry, the bills, the cleaning, etc. Every day the old lady next door would come to the fence and tell me in some form that I was crazy. Eventually, with consistent work, they became inseparable. Jack seemed ever mindful of her size when they played together, like the Lion and the Mouse. Recouping from divorce I moved three times with Jack and Happy and I was clear to every potential landlord that we had two dogs, one of which was an Akita (another frowned upon breed). Maybe I ended up looking more than your average bear, but I always found a place for all of us to live.

Tegi Monster

Tegan came to us as a puppy; the last puppy I’d had was Jack  which was 14 years before. I was told “he’s a Pit Bull”, but I only saw a chunky peanut butter baby. Well that baby ate every baseboard in the house while teething, christened every single thread of carpet while potty training, destroyed the furniture with his rough housing and constantly pulled my kids down on their behinds because he was such a nightmare on a leash. It did not take me long to see why this Tasmanian Devil with a sugary sweet exterior needed a home. At that time not only did I have to teach the dog acceptable behavior, I had to teach the kids how to acceptably care for a very bratty puppy, which was a HUGE task in itself. The thrill of having a puppy quickly faded and they were left with hard work and responsibility their Mom refused to let them out of. I had a lot of upset kids for a while but I stood my ground and they learned what a big commitment a puppy can be. Tegan is now our clown, he has the greatest facial expressions and is (mostly) well mannered. He can be hard headed and he doesn’t share his toys, but we know this about him and we work around it.

Princess Sleeves

Sleeves, formerly owned by a tattoo artist (hence the name), came to my door on Christmas Day. Not your ideal time for dog introductions and being in a hurry for festivities she was quickly crated with a blanket over her while we made our holiday rounds. When we returned she had pulled the blanket so tight through every hole all the way around the crate we had to cut the blanket to get her out. Miss Sleeves had horrible separation anxiety. She ate my kitchen walls, the window sill and the door frame and she would scream and cry like a toddler when you left her. Until we could get her fully introduced to Tegan our household was straight up C-H-A-O-S. Tegan wanted absolutely nothing to do with her, he wanted her out of his house. He fussed and he barked non-stop. He was so stressed his lip trembled. It took a lot of time and patience to handle a dog that flat out refused to accept another dog while also dealing with separation anxiety, but we didn’t give up. We never thought that over coming one issue would actually help the other issue, but now Sleeves’ separation anxiety is mostly gone as long as Tegan is with her. When they escaped I feared that because she is so much smaller than him she wouldn’t be able to keep up and he would leave her, but I think her separation anxiety gave her the drive to stay with him while they were missing for 5 days and, though odd to say, I‘m very grateful for it.



Lacey Belle

And then there’s Lacey. Ahhh, the perfect dog for a family that hikes, bikes, swims and runs. She’s a cardio girl, and if she could do P90X with me I’m pretty sure she would. She’s great with kids, open to dog introductions and so eager to “fit in”. But adjusting your house while a new dog learns their environment is never a picnic. My kids, now older, don’t like the initial inconveniences. Terms like “two week shut down” and “crate and rotate” make them cringe. They know there’s going to be barking, growling, non-stop walks and non-stop supervision. They know that our dogs will probably act out and most of all they know that we will not be sleeping late! But they also know that the short term inconveniences and hard work are worth it now that they can see Lacey interact with our family, see her more comfortable with our dogs and see her smiling face. Knowing that she is enjoying her time with us is like finally being able to exhale a deep sigh of relief that says “she likes us“. My facebook page for our foster dogs states “We open our home to provide love, stability, hope & guidance to dogs until they can find it in a family of their own”, Lacey has made that extremely easy for all of us to do.

I can’t imagine what would lead to “Owner Surrenders”, maybe they feel the Animal Shelter is their only choice. Maybe they are in the dark and don't know there's unlimited resources and information available to help deal with dog behavioral problems and even some financial issues. Maybe they don't think about their dog being put in a small kennel (if there is space), surrounded by scary noises, strangers and other animals. They are confused, stressed and living in fear when they need to be cute, cuddly and well behaved to have even a small shot at adoption. Maybe they never took advantage of one of the many spay and neuter clinics in their community and now have unwanted babies. Maybe no one told them the ASPCA estimates that 6 to 8 million animals come to the Shelter every year and 3 to 4 million are euthanized. Maybe they don’t know that in most places the odds are worse for a Pit Bull who, no matter if he can sing and dance, will not be put with the adoptable dogs.



Sleeves and Mama

I'm not a dog super Mom or even a rock star pet owner, I have four very active kids, I work 40 plus hours a week, my life can be hectic. There have been times when I’ve felt so incredibly guilty for only being able to buy my dogs the cheapest food on the shelf or for not being able to take them on a walk, but they don’t hold that or any of my many other inadequacies against me. All of my dogs with their quirky, and sometimes difficult, personalities could have been “Owner Surrenders”, we could have said this is too hard, they are too much work or I just don’t want to do it any more, but when I look at their funny, furry faces looking up at me I cannot imagine “Owner Surrender” being an option.

Please, make responsible choices not only as a pet owner, but before you even decide to get a pet. If situations arise to where you can no longer keep your pet, do the right thing and find them a good home. For me it's not just "Adopt, Don't Shop", but "Adopt, Don't Drop", from your local Animal Shelter.





　

Featured Adopt-A-Bull: Andy

Featured Adopt-A-Bull: Andy

Andy was an "11th Hour" rescue from Lee County who likely would not have made it another day in the shelter.  Because of his neglect and injuries, he needed immediate medical attention -- which the shelter had absolutely no on-site resources for. 

Amazingly, a sponsor was found.  Not just ANY sponsor ... one that, PRIOR to hearing his prognosis is willing to cover whatever cost it takes to save his life, in addition to any boarding costs incurred beyond his hospital stay, while a foster is found.  The Good Samaritan, quickly gave her payment information to Lake Pine Animal Hospital in Apex where he was treated.Today he is a healthy, bright-eyed boy, hopeful for a loving forever family. Andy is a 3 year old, pit bull/boxer mix.  He is a very friendly, eager to please dog.  Andy seems to enjoy kids, because his tail goes a mile a minute anytime he sees one!  He enjoys playing tug and loves to snuggle up with anyone willing.  He is very food motivated, well behaved on a leash, housetrained, and crate-trained. Andy also gets along well with the other dogs in his foster home. 

Featured Happy Ending: Tia

Featured Happy Ending: Tia

Deciding to foster a dog was easy, we had space and the desire to help. We wanted to watch someone open up and find their place, then find their forever home.  I knew it would be hard to let them go, but it would be easier because they wouldn't be our dog.  We learned we were getting Tia and it sounded great, she had an easy sweet disposition.  She was kind and loved everyone, perfect for us with a dog, kids and a cat already.  We needed an easy dog, one that fit....we just didn't realize how well. 

Picking her up at Phydeaux went great, she got right in the car and climbed in the front.  I would later learn, that was her spot and sitting in your lap was ideal to her, but most pitties aren't made for squeezing in between the steering wheel and the door.  She feels special now when she gets in the passenger side, but now prefers the back seat.  She loves to sleep on my daughter's lap as we drive and is a wonderful rider. 

At home she met Bandit, the resident dog at home.  Everyone got along great, he watched her in her crate during her 2 week shut down period and she learned our routine.  She saw the cat, the kids, the lay of the land and was comfortable.  Tia has always been an easy dog, she loves to cuddle and sleep.  Playing isn't her thing, getting belly rubs and giving kisses makes her day.  She is always happy and wagging her tail, if you look her way she wags her tail.  Her ability to give love never ceases to amaze me. 

 

We started getting ready to go to events, like Cat Banjo, Phydeaux and various parades.  At events, she always greeted people with a smile and was happy to be seen.  She was a nervous girl out, but we learned ways to help her cope with new situations.  She had people interested, meet and greets and one trial adoption for less than 24 hours.  They were great people, but she missed us and was afraid of this completely new situation.  It wasn't meant to be, but her being with us was.  We never really set out to keep Tia as part of the family, she just became one. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Diane McCaskill

Volunteer Spotlight: Diane McCaskill

Hi my name is Diane McCaskill. I have a Cocker Spaniel named Bailey. I have never owned a Pit Bull, but have grown to love them while working at Sunny Acres Pet Resort.  It is there that I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda Liston and Terry King. They started boarding some of the dogs with Carolina Care Bullies while they were waiting on foster homes. I spent time with each of the dogs and found that I wanted to be a part of this great organization.  I thought discrimination only ran in the human race until I started working at Sunny Acres. Several people would call and say they needed somewhere to board their pet while on vacation but had been turned away from places because they have a Pit Bull.  I have learned that Pit Bulls are some of the most lovable animals. I have grown attached to all of the dogs that Carolina Care Bullies had stay with us. While I am not in the position to foster right now, I can give love and attention to them at Sunny Acres. I volunteer with Carolina Care Bullies because I believe in their cause. They have outreach programs for the community and educate the community on a breed that is not given a fair chance. I do home visits for Carolina Care Bullies and am pleased that they really take pride in the wellbeing of all the dogs that are in this organization.

Which Wolf Will YOU feed?

A thought occurred to me out of the blue a week or so ago, when I was turning over an oft-said rescue-cliche in my head.

"It should be about the dogs."

Frankly, I have long disagreed with this statement, and didn't even consciously realize it.

But after thinking about all the supportive people I have met over the past few years; all the people who continue to donate toward our foster dogs so we can continue our mission; those who offer their time and gas to transport dogs to their adoptive and foster homes; and those who are simply a soundboard during my hardest days; I have decided that it truly should never be just about the dogs.

As if right on cue with my thoughts, I just finished reading a ground-breaking book, titled Plenty in Life is Free, by world-renowned animal behaviorist Kathy Sdao. This is an incredible piece of literature that challenges the well-intentioned Nothing In Life Is Free philosophy.  Plenty in Life is Free teaches us instead to develop partnerships with our dogs where we are skilled and frequent reinforcers instead of strict leaders that ask dogs to earn every privilege.

Although a riveting book, I never expected it to have anything relevant to the thoughts swirling around in my head about rescue not being just about the dogs.

But on the last page-and-a-half of the book, Kathy Sdao reached right through the pages and she smacked me with her wisdom. She too, once found a similar sentiment of human-loathing humorous: "The more people I meet, the more I like my dog." But like any self-improving person, she adjusted her thinking so she could more successfully reach people, and incidentally, more dogs.

On this last page, she shared a Cherokee parable:

"... a young Cherokee man [was] brought before the tribal elders who were concerned about his aggressive tendencies. One of the elders takes the young man aside and tells him that his anger is understandable, since all humans have within them two wolves. One wolf is generous, humble, and open-hearted. The other is aggressive, arrogant, and selfish. The two wolves are in constant battle with one another, since neither is powerful enough to destroy the other. The young man asks, "But which wolf will win?" The elder replies, the one you feed."


Imagine if each of us chose instead to feed the "generous, humble, and open-hearted" wolf? As rescuers, as dog trainers, as animal professionals in any capacity, we are in an ideal position to reach so many people and in turn, improve the lives of their dogs. Which is more productive - to ask our fellow animal welfare soldiers to constantly earn our accolades and respect (as in NILIF); or to develop mutually beneficial relationships in which we strive to improve each other's well-being (as Sdao's PILIF)?

Improving each other's well being in rescue? How empowering, and yet how simple. Applying positive reinforcement techniques - reinforcing "good" behaviors and ignoring the "bad" behaviors - could potentially will allow us to accomplish so much more.

The dogs we share our lives with are not perfect, but then, - a better, more accurate cliche - neither are we. We all learn through the experiences that "work" for us; the "ah ha!" moments; the instants when all of our hard work has finally paid off and we have achieved something wonderful.

Carolina Care Bullies wants to achieve something wonderful, and those that are "skilled and frequent reinforcers" will continue to be our primary and most successful partners in reaching that goal.

Volunteer Spotlight: Megan Davis

Volunteer Spotlight: Megan Davis

I have raised several different wonderful dogs over the course of my 28 yrs, with my family and on my own.  These dogs ranged from Labrador Retriever mixes to golden retriever mixes to a Pomeranian to a cocker spaniel.  However, I always had a soft spot in my heart for these powerful working/family dogs known as Pit Bulls, whom have been so undeservedly misrepresented by so many people.  When I would have the pleasure of encountering a Pit Bull with their responsible family members they would always be so happy to make a new friend and in many instances would try to get in my lap if they could.  Having never had the opportunity to raise a Pit Bull personally, the only opportunity I had prior to my volunteer and fostering experience through CCB, to gain interaction with and credible knowledge of the breed was through personal research and from other responsible pet owners who did have the pleasure of having them in their lives.  I never really knew how to go about finding the best way that I could be productive in my desire to help make a difference.  It was late October 2011 and I was walking through brier creek in Raleigh, NC and CCB happened to be having their final adoption event in that location.  I met Kendall and Chloe, the Kardashian pups, and the wonderful Lt. Dan whom I just fell in love with on the spot.  I also met Amanda and Terry and several other fosters and volunteers that were participating with this event.  I ended up having such a good experience with everyone that I stayed until the event ended and I took a business card home, found the Carolina care bullies Facebook page, and became a fan.  A few weeks later I saw a post stating the immediate need of a crate for a foster dog over the next few days.  I happened to have my crate free during that time, so I contacted CCB and coordinated with current volunteers to get the crate to the person who needed it that same night.  This was my very first experience as an official volunteer with CCB.  Since that night I have had the pleasure of even more opportunities to contribute, participate and learn from others, directly as a foster and indirectly as a volunteer.  I learned how I can be productive and help better the lives of many of the wonderful dogs CCB has had the pleasure of knowing and I have gained the knowledge to educate others about these dogs and how CCB also helps better these dogs’ lives. I have participated in adoption and community education events within my local community and a wonderful community outreach program that CCB conducts each year called Pitt Bulls in the Park.  This event educates and assists as many people as possible that need and want it.  This was one of the most wonderful experiences I have ever been fortunate enough to be a part of.  I have been fortunate enough to have fostered 2 wonderful baby bullies and help them find their families. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate with so many other great people to help make a positive difference in North Carolina for these wonderful furry friends.

Featured Happy Ending: Capo

Featured Happy Ending: Capo

     Capo's life didn't start out so great: He was picked up by animal control with his mom and sister, given the number 550 and was destined for a terrible fate.  In fact his mother & sister met that sad fate.  But something was special about Capo.  He was pulled into the Vet Tech program only to be placed back on the euth list a few days later.  That bought him some vital time.  His picture was posted around the foster networks.  A lovely shelter worker named Jenn was trying her best to get him out of there. That one kind act set everything else in to motion... 

     Enter the next angel in Capo's life, Shana Markwis.  Shana is a foster for Carolina Care Bullies and noticed Capo's photograph the night she had given away her last foster to a forever family.  Out of all the dogs flooding her inbox, something about Capo stuck with her.  In his intake photo he looks sad, scared, filthy.  His notes said "animal aggressive, resource guarder, shy."  Shana, always fighting for the underdog couldn't let this guy die because of a few bad marks.  She emailed the shelter worker that night at 11pm, with just a few hours left until he was supposed to die.  

     The shelter gave him his shots, had him neutered, and on February 21, 2012, Capo was free.  But what kind of freedom would this be?  Capo wasn't the super happy-go-lucky, giddy to be out of jail dog.  No...he was broken.  When Shana went to pick him up, he was stiff, unflinching, nervous.  He couldn't let his guard down.  Shana noticed his bottom canine tooth missing a small hole in his tongue....what kind of life had this poor guy had??  But all that changed very quickly. 

      Once Capo settled in to his new home, he was a completely different dog.  A wagging tail that swings like a baseball bat, a goofy wiggle that you cannot help but laugh at no matter how many times you've seen it, a silly personality full of quirks.  Capo opened up.  He began to really LIVE.  Those notes on him became curious to Shana...he was never aggressive towards her two cats, never became possessive over toys or food.  It's interesting that dogs are labeled without thinking about the REASON for their behavior.  If you were shoved into a prison (filled with scary people, sounds and smells) with your mom & sister, wouldn't it be normal for you to become protective? And couldn't that be read as aggression?  Don't let those labels scare you off....take them into consideration, but a dog is much much more than its shelter notes.

      After a month at Shana's, Capo was really thriving....that's when we came in.  Jillian and I had been talking about adopting a pit bull for a while.  We knew their maligned history and we knew what amazing pets they can be.  So we started looking.  And of course if you're in NC looking to adopt a pit bull, you come across Carolina Care Bullies.  As we started looking over the dogs, we knew the number one thing that was important to us: a cat friendly dog.  Jillian has had her cat, Jennifur, for 10 years and nothing can come between her and that kitty.  When we clicked on Capo's profile the first line read in all caps "SUPER CAT FRIENDLY" and of course that made us read further.  Capo seemed perfect.  We emailed CCB and started a correspondence with Shana.  I cannot give her enough credit.  She is an angel on earth for these dogs.  She answered every question I had with thorough and detailed answers....we felt like we already knew Capo before we had even met him!

      The day we went to pick him up we were a bit nervous.  What if he didn't like us?  What if he cried nonstop?  What if he did go after the cat?  All that was cast away as soon as we met him.  He was so excited to meet us and jumped right in the car.  He never whined, never cried.  He just gave Jillian hell in the back seat because he wanted to smell every inch of the car!  We got him home and immediately went into a 2 Week Shutdown (recommended and explained by Shana of course!).  I cannot begin to explain how grateful we are that we did this.  I now tell EVERY new dog owner I know that it is the best thing they can do for themselves and their dog. 

     We've had Capo for about 2 months now and he's changed our lives so much.  I've become a much more patient person since Capo does not respond to a loud voice in a submissive way...he actually gets more excited! If I yell "No!!" his tail starts wagging & he thinks its play time!!  So we've learned that discipline is a quiet process, not a loud one.  We know every bite mark on his head from whatever bad thing took his tooth out.  We know every spot on his wiggly butt.  We know every bark ("Play with me!", "Who's that!!", "Back off!").  The 2 Week Shutdown was invaluable.  We didn't hear him bark for 2 weeks!  Now he definitely let's us know when he's ready to play!  He loves to fetch with tennis balls & bumpers, and when he's tired, he let's us know by lying down & have some grass as a snack.  He wants so badly to be friends with Jennifur, even though every time he tries to gently sniff her she smacks him in the face.  She runs off and he just watches her go with a look on his face that says "Well maybe tomorrow then..."  I can take every toy & every treat/bowl of food away and he patiently waits for me to give it back.  And if I put his toy up, he simply waits as if to say "OK Daddy, what next?"   

     Sometimes he likes to jump up on the recliner with me or on the couch with Jillian and just nap with us.  Other times he likes to climb all over us and lick our ears clean.  At night he likes to lick my feet until I can't stop laughing.  We call that a "pit bull pedicure."  He'll happily lie down with a rawhide or romp around outside and roll in the grass.  He's a fantastic pet with all the energy, quirks, kisses, stubbornness and affection one could expect from ANY dog.  But he's OUR dog.  And we are so lucky to have him.  

     Honestly, when we first adopted Capo, I would look at him & think "That's our PIT BULL".  Now I just think "That's our BIG GOOFY DOG".  I don't even see the breed anymore.  With Capo being as shy as he is, I'm continually amazed by the amount of patience & restraint he shows in stressful situations.  And thanks to the 2 Week Shutdown, he always looks to US before reacting himself.  We are continually learning his motivation & fears.  And he is continually teaching us how to be better people.  

      So thank you Carolina Care Bullies, thank you Shana, thank you Jenn and thank you Capo for enriching our lives in ways we never expected.

The Pit Bull Rescue Explosion In North Carolina:

Where Does CCB Fit in?

Let me preface by saying I’m not a blogger. But it’s becoming clear to me that technology is pushing me in this direction. As the leader of a 3 year old non-profit pit bull rescue organization, I suddenly have some street cred …. And people want to hear what I have to say. Go figure. Mostly I just try to stay behind the scenes and avoid the spotlight. Which of course, is one part humble and two parts “drive the haters mad”. But I am who I am and have always been honest to that front, that I’m not perfect; I’m not a superhero; I’m a regular person who wants a regular life and regular friends … but instead decided to dedicate my life back to the dogs that changed my life. It was my dream, and in my journey I found someone that shared that dream – Terry King. Carolina Care Bullies started with two dreamers who had been repressed for too long. People that told us that this was not something we could handle or do. To just quit while we were ahead. Let the experts do what they do best.

Terry helping courtesy listing dog "Blue"
get exposure at a Fugees Rescue
Adoption Event.

I wanted to know… what made them experts? What made them better than what I could offer?
I truly wondered, b/c my local organizations surely were embarrassed of the pit bull-type dogs that came in to their program. If they didn’t mis-label them first, a pit bull was lucky to make it into rescue at all. Where was all this progressive information that had been brought to the public eye after the Michael Vick Case? Why weren’t the practices of groups like Best Friends Animal Society or Bad Rap being implemented in how to treat rescued pit bulls, especially from cruelty situations?

 After working with the one pit bull rescue group that seemed quite reputable, we were still wanting to do much more. The problem is the adoption events were few and far between, and I really had to push to get them scheduled. I brought my own dogs in need of homes as courtesy dogs, and advertising materials not just for my foster dog, but theirs belonging to that rescue, so we could help everyone. Most of the time I felt that I was in the way. It saddened me especially knowing how long their dogs had been in foster care. I probably would have continued to volunteer and improve some of their best practices, had a pit bull named Spiderman not fell into my lap one day.

On June 18, 2009, an adolescent pit bull was surrendered to Hillsborough Veterinary Hospital by his family. Spiderman had been chained when his family was not at home. He was well-known at Orange County Animal Services for the many times he broke free and was picked up by Animal Control. On this particular sunny June afternoon, as Spiderman’s family drove away from collecting their dog from the shelter, he jumped out of the open truck window, and suffered a broken leg. Because of his family’s financial situation they had the option to surrender the dog to another party that could care for him — or have him euthanized.

"Spiderman" with Terry, Summer 2009

I was a veterinary technician at another local vet hospital, and was contacted because I was already known for my advocacy for pit bulls. With my partner Terry King’s blessing, Spiderman began the next step in his journey. Through small grants, and public support through social networking, we were able to completely fund Spiderman’s needed surgery. Soon friends and colleagues began to ask, “What is the name of your rescue?” An unshakeable idea was planted.

In August 2009, Carolina Care Bullies was established. Under CCB’s name, the two of us took in our first foster dog, “Tipsy” a black and white pit bull from a shelter in Brevard.

Today, CCB is 501(c)3 non-profit organization made up of between 25 – 30 foster homes. CCB’s foster families span the entire state of North Carolina, predominantly in the Charlotte, Triad, and Triangle areas.

CCB continues to rescue dogs in need of hope, focusing on pit bulls that sit on death row in North Carolina’s shelters. To date, Carolina Care Bullies has placed over 200 pit bulls into permanent, responsible homes

Every step of the way has been difficult these past three years, and I have suffered a lot of personal pain within the rescue. It is not easy pouring your entire heart and soul out to a fellow colleague, only to find this person later becomes someone you cannot trust and uses your private moments and weaknesses to hurt you. It’s a hard business to secure trust in. You must always protect your emotions and feelings often from the very people you are working alongside.


Often when trust is broken and goals are no longer universal, we have a divide between rescuers. Rescuers will branch off to their own pursuits with ideas that do not match the direction of Carolina Care Bullies. From these branches, we have seen Two Loons Dog Rescue; Southern Belle Pit Bull Rescue; and Merit Pit Bull Foundation. The heads of these organizations have adopted CCB alumni and served as prominent members of the CCB Team at one time. Disagreements were had, and CCB was forced to restructure. Still other NC PBRs exist that had little to do with CCB's beginnings, like the American Pit Bull Foundation, and the Positive Pit Bull. To the North Carolina pit bull advocate, your head must be spinning!

CCB Vollies Chris  Pierce and Melissa Valentine puppysit
while her owners get needed supplies and services from the other
booths at Pit Bulls in the Park 2012

In establishing ourselves as a unique entity, we have really tapped into our strengths. For instance, we do try to treat each other as a family unit to those that put in their volunteer time with us. We are a personable group who accepts each other as individuals – much the same way we hope people see the dogs in our adoption program. We all have something to offer despite our flaws and we accept that we are all just a little bit quirky. Discrimination is at the root of the issue when educating the public about pit bull breeds, and so we try to keep an open mind about each other. 

The second thing we must recognize is that CCB is the first pit bull rescue in the state to boast of a highly successful, multiple foster home program. Within a year’s time, we had grown from one foster dog in Terry and I’s living room, to 15-20 dogs in other approved foster homes. Now the number bounces between 25 and 30. Our adoption rates really do stun the competition when we prove that we adopt anywhere from 5-10 pit bulls a month. (To compare, check out Villalobos adoption rates).

Lastly, the volunteers we have today have class. They are professional, they are respectful, they get things done, and ignore setbacks and negativity that may be brought on by the presence of other rescues. To that we say –bring it. There are so many pit bulls in need in North Carolina, and we cannot stand alone and save them all from euthanasia without more people standing up to get involved. They may have different approaches about how to reach their goal, but we are all in it to make the world a better place for pit bulls.

CCB Vollies Valerie Fernandez of Pits and Posh, and Adopter
Sarah Mathews. Valerie is a former member of the CCB Board
of Directors, and now uses her creative talents to benefit 3
local pit bull rescues including Carolina Care Bullies.

One thing you will hear every CCB volunteer say is “We are so proud to be part of this team.” And that is something that I have felt from the beginning, when I first saw Spidey sprint across our backyard with his leg still encased in the contraption he wore to make him whole again. Thanks to generous people working together, his old life was over and he couldn’t wait for the new one to begin. It is that spirit that reminds me why we must keep going even when faced with animosity and hostility. Every experience is a lesson and a pathway to something better.

Amanda and "Spiderman", April 2012

CCB will continue to grow and be here each year to show honesty, class, and most of all a PASSION to help the dogs that at one time, hardly anyone was working to save here in North Carolina. Carolina Care Bullies is proud to be a pioneer of a growing movement to change the image of pit bull-type dogs here in NC! We thank you for being a part of this amazing time in pit bull advocacy.

~Amanda Liston, CCB President

Pit Bulls in the Park 2012

Pit Bulls in the Park 2012

Many people in society, including some of my family members, would not have stepped foot into an event that contained the word pit bull. Let alone an event that invited people to bring their pit bulls to join in the festivities. Those that discriminate against the breed would imagine vicious dogs on chains and dog fights breaking out everywhere they looked.

I, on the other hand, was excited for this event. I could not wait to see all of the pit bulls that would be brought to the event and I could not wait to help their owners get what they needed for them.

We had people show up starting at 10:45 and most were there until the lightning storm hit and we ran out of the supplies we brought to distribute. We were  able to microchip over 100 dogs and we gave out just as many, if not more, free vaccinations. There were spay/neuter vouchers and tips on training. We had a U-HAUL full of food that was empty by the end of the event. We were also able to give new collars, leashes, and harnesses to those that needed them, as well as many other various dog supplies.

While all of the volunteers were helping out at their various stations we also got to “ooh and ahh” at all of the beautiful dogs that showed up to join us at the event; there were all shapes, colors, sizes, and breeds!

One of the most amazing and fulfilling moments of this event came near the end. A man walked up to the event with a red female that was attached to a chain, he had no collar or leash for her. At this point we had no more collars or leashes. All of the volunteers scrambled around to find a spare leash and collar to donate to this man for his pretty girl, if he would take it. One volunteer had the spare leash and in the end another bought one of the collars we sell at our events to give to her. We approached the owner and he was very willing to take her off her chain and accept the collar and leash. Even if you were just observing this moment from afar it was still amazing and heartwarming to watch, just writing about it brings tears to my eyes.

We all strive at CCB to save pit bulls and educate people on how amazing this breed is. At this event we were able to help as many as 200 dogs get some of the supplies and necessities they needed. If we made just one dog’s life better that day, it was worth it. I love volunteering for Carolina Care Bullies, I love what we stand for and I love the good effect we had on the community that day at Pit Bulls in the Park. I can’t wait for next year so that we can help even more dogs than we did this year. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Melissa Valentine-Walls

Volunteer Spotlight: Melissa Valentine-Walls

Hi!  My name is Melissa Valentine-Walls. I currently live with 3 dogs, two pit bulls, Xena and Spike, and a shih-tzu, Angel, We also have a cat, Kitty, and two rabbits, Isabella Bun and Briar Bun, and several hermit crabs.


My love for animals started when I was just a little girl. My mother was a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator and we always had some sort of baby animals in the house. She raised squirrels, rabbits, and even a raccoon that we named Baby. He was my best buddy for the time that we kept him until he was ready to be released into the wild. 

Briar

As I grew up, we always had dogs and cats around the house.  When I moved out and started my own family , it seemed only natural to get my own pets. So came our first pit bull, Spike. My daughter was only two years old when we went to get him. He was a tiny puppy and she named him Spike because at the time, Rugrats was her favorite show and the dog  on it was named Spike. We placed him in a laundry basket with a towel and drove him home to love forever.

Isabella

Kitty

Our second pit, Princess was given to us by a lady who wanted to get her away from her husband who abused her. She knew that she would not be safe in her home and wanted her to have a better life. We took her in and shortly after, she was diagnosed with cancer. We did not have her very long, but she got to know love and that not all humans are not bad in her time with us.

Angel

 After we lost her, we knew that we had to save another and give them a safe home too.  So we searched Petfinder until we came across a beautiful girl named Xena at Cumberland County Animal Control. The morning that I called about her she was due to be euthanized. I begged them to please hold her until I could get there and I hopped in the car to make the 2 hour trip to Fayetteville.  We ended up having to make the trip twice because they would not release her on the first trip because she had to be spayed and we had to pay for that first and then come back the next day to pick her up after her surgery. 

Xena

 It was the best decision that we ever made. Xena is a wonderful dog and we love her more than we can even say.  After that, I learned of Carolina Care Bullies and that they were in need of volunteers. I answered an email about transporting a dog named Hooch to an event in my area. I filled out a volunteer form and soon became the courtesy lister for them. I answered emails about dogs that were stays or owner surrenders and listed them on our site to help them find new forever homes. 

Spike

 I am now the Volunteer Coordinator and love every minute of the time that I spend helping CCB and the wonderfully deserving dogs that we save and place. It has given me a purpose in life that I did not have before. A feeling that I am doing something good in this world of not so good and helping those that cannot help themselves. I totally recommend volunteering to anyone that is considering doing something good for others. It is definitely life changing in a great way!!!!!