Pit Sisters

Another great organization I recently came across is Pit Sisters Rescue. It is a non-profit out of Jacksonville, FL dedicated to changing the image and reputation of Pit Bulls. They aim to educate the public about how wonderful these dogs truly are and help them understand that unfortunate and preventable circumstances have led to the bad reputation of these animals.

Tia the Pit Bull

I came across the organization through a local contest where the community can nominate and vote on the amazing accomplishments of businesses, non-profits and so on. I was browsing their website and came across an "avail-a-bull" named Tia! And she is a triPAWd (only has 3 legs)! She's a beautiful dog and I am so glad she found her way into such a great organization.

Of course I voted for Pit Sisters and I plan to support them and their efforts in every possible way I can. Sam is not a pure bred pit, but she certainly has some in her. And she is the most wonderful, brilliant, loving dog ever. I hope organizations like Pit Sisters see mass success in helping people realize that these animals are not the problem. It's the horrible people that take advantage of their intelligence and loyalty, and who do not provide the proper care or training that any dog would need, not just Pit Bulls. In addition to improving their reputation, I look forward to the day when the dog fighting and abuse will end, and those responsible for it, are punished. Kudos and Good Luck Pit Sisters!

Stubby Dog

I wanted to share an amazing website I recently discovered via Sam's twitter account. It is stubbydog.org, and is dedicated to redefining the reputation of the pit bull breed through positive and amazing stories about these incredible dogs and the people who love them. Sam is not a pure-bred pit bull, but the vet says she has some in her. Many mixed breed dogs do. Unfortunately, they are one of the most prevalent breeds in animal shelters across the country. Mostly due to their negative reputations and improper breeding for improper purposes.

Pit bulls are incredibly smart. Multiply their intelligence by how loyal they are and you have a great friend for life. It's not the dog that's bad, it's the ignorant people who make them bad. The irony is, once taught to behave this way, these dogs are so loyal, all they want to do is make their master happy. Imagine how wonderful they are when taught to be well-behaved.

I personally think pits are beautiful dogs. I hope that websites like stubbydog.org and all the other champions for the breed can someday make a positive change in how they are perceived.

Thundershirt

Sam in her Thundershirt.

Summers in Florida mean guaranteed afternoon thunderstorms. I have had Sam since she was a month old. My guess is, at some point while she was a small puppy, she experienced a terrible thunderstorm and has been terrified of them ever since. I am under the assumption she started out as an outside dog so she must have experienced a storm outside. Who knows? But what I do know is that she is TERRIFIED of thunder and fireworks now. We're talking heavy panting and scratching on walls, doors, whatever as if trying to escape the horror. She paces whatever room she is in and essentially goes nuts when its thundering and lightning or the fourth of July.

I have tried everything to help console her and help her understand that she is safe indoors. Nothing has worked. I have resorted to having to put her in her crate and covering it up with a sheet like some kind of caged bird. Although trying to get her into the crate is a challenge. She fights going in as if you are sending her to her death. So much DRAMA.

Not too long ago a friend turned me on to the Thudershirt. I purchased one as a last resort to help this situation. Interestingly enough, I just recently noticed Thundershirt has been running a lot of commercials on television and an article showed up in my local newspaper this morning detailing the product and its benefits.

I can't say that it has completely resolved the issue, but I have noticed that it does calm her a little when these frequent thunderstorms pass through. As long as I am in the room with her and she is wearing her thundershirt, she seems to be okay. If the storm is really bad, I put her in her thundershirt, in her crate. Only time will tell if this was a worthwhile investment. Maybe the more she wears it...the more comfortable and less scared she'll get. I'll make it a point to blog (or dlog) again as there is progress. If you want to learn more about the Thundershirt visit: Thundershirt.com.

PetHub.com

Not too long ago, I was introduced to a company called PetHub. In addition to having a website where you can create a pet profile with all your pet's information, they create unique pet tags that include a QRcode that when scanned links to that information. Should your pet ever get lost, someone with a smartphone can scan your pet's tag for details about them including owner name/contact information and all the basics. But it can also include medical conditions, vet information and more.

I am a techy kind of girl so I made sure to get Sam one. In purple, no doubt! Thought they were so cool, I ordered a few more for relatives pets. They come in different sizes and some great colors and styles.

Check out and sign up at their totally free website PetHub.com. Be sure to get a tag too!


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