Our next Bully Walk is this Sunday, March 6 at 11am. We are meeting in Jamison Square in the Pearl District near the iron bears. (If you have not been there, there are these crazy iron bears in the park...dont really know why...) Please remember the Bully Walk guidelines:
1. NO retractible leashes
2. ONE dog per person
3. Aggression prone dogs are welcome to attend, but must be marked with a red bandana
4. Always pick up after your dog
5. HAVE FUN! ALL BREEDS WELCOME!
The purpose of the Bully Walk is for socialization of us and our dogs, and to raise awareness that Pit Bulls and all bully breeds (American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bulldogs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, etc.) are good Portland Citizens. We walk to fight stereotypes that are often attached with the breeds, and we want to show that these dogs are good dogs, owned by good people. Lets show Portland our PIT BULL PRIDE!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Renting with a Pit Bull...One BIG Pain!
I am a renter and a pit bull owner. My life is hard. I have recently been looking to move and it is the most frustrating thing I have ever had to do. I am a poor student, but I pay my bills on time, I always get my deposit back, my credit is perfect, but why am I constantly being denied apartments? Because I have a dog with short hair and a box head. I have a cute, silly, house-broken, groomed, pit bull. I have probably called 25 to 30 places recently to ask about their dog policies, and they all say NO PIT BULLS. Why? I asked, they all say, "hey, I personally like the breed, I have no problem with pitties." or "I love them, I own one!" "Its not me personally, its the insurance company we have."
Why the hell dont these pit lovers do something about it? Why would they work for a company that discriminates against their dogs? This completely baffles me. I called the Vue Apartments and the woman on the phone told me that if my dog even remotely resembles a pit bull, they would throw me out. I always keep my cool, say thank you, and move on. I dont want people to think any less of us pittie owners than they already do, but I lost it... "Really?" I replied. "Do you think that I am going to have a fighting ring or puppy mill in the 400 square foot 11th floor studio?" AAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I just want to scream! My dog is a DOG! She is a CGC, I obey all leash laws, I clean up after her, what is the difference between her and a great dane when comparing apartment wear and tear? Nothing.
My friend is also looking to move and she told me that she really wants a pygmy pig. Why? I dont have a clue...So I asked her to call a few places that I called and got rejected. They all said a pygmy pig was ok with a pet deposit. What kind of world is this? Who makes these rules up?
I started doing some research, and I think that these insurance companies have their rules completely backwards. They pay more money each year in claims for break-ins and theft than dog bites. I think not only should they stop breed restrictions, I think that I should get a discount for owning a pittie. People are less likely to break in with large dogs on the premises. The AKC made a formal statement regarding this issue, they say "The American Kennel Club believes that coverage should be determined by the dog’s deeds, rather than its breed. If the dog is a well-behaved member of the household and community, there is no reason to cancel or deny coverage, or mandate a higher insurance policy. In fact, insurance companies should consider a dog an asset- a natural alarm system whose bark may deter intruders and prevent potential theft. " (www.akc.org/news).
When insurance companies ban breeds, they create a much larger problem for the dogs who's owners can no longer keep them. They get dumped on shelters and rescues, they get dumped on the streets, and most of them are put to sleep. I really believe that if we want more pitties out of the shelter, we need to create more available homes for them. Pitties do just fine in apartments if they are exercised. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard "I would love to foster, but my apartment will not let me have a pit bull."
This needs to change. I feel like I am being discriminated on because of my dog. I am forced to settle for crappy apartments in crappy neighborhoods. This is not fair. What can be done?
Why the hell dont these pit lovers do something about it? Why would they work for a company that discriminates against their dogs? This completely baffles me. I called the Vue Apartments and the woman on the phone told me that if my dog even remotely resembles a pit bull, they would throw me out. I always keep my cool, say thank you, and move on. I dont want people to think any less of us pittie owners than they already do, but I lost it... "Really?" I replied. "Do you think that I am going to have a fighting ring or puppy mill in the 400 square foot 11th floor studio?" AAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I just want to scream! My dog is a DOG! She is a CGC, I obey all leash laws, I clean up after her, what is the difference between her and a great dane when comparing apartment wear and tear? Nothing.
My friend is also looking to move and she told me that she really wants a pygmy pig. Why? I dont have a clue...So I asked her to call a few places that I called and got rejected. They all said a pygmy pig was ok with a pet deposit. What kind of world is this? Who makes these rules up?
I started doing some research, and I think that these insurance companies have their rules completely backwards. They pay more money each year in claims for break-ins and theft than dog bites. I think not only should they stop breed restrictions, I think that I should get a discount for owning a pittie. People are less likely to break in with large dogs on the premises. The AKC made a formal statement regarding this issue, they say "The American Kennel Club believes that coverage should be determined by the dog’s deeds, rather than its breed. If the dog is a well-behaved member of the household and community, there is no reason to cancel or deny coverage, or mandate a higher insurance policy. In fact, insurance companies should consider a dog an asset- a natural alarm system whose bark may deter intruders and prevent potential theft. " (www.akc.org/news).
When insurance companies ban breeds, they create a much larger problem for the dogs who's owners can no longer keep them. They get dumped on shelters and rescues, they get dumped on the streets, and most of them are put to sleep. I really believe that if we want more pitties out of the shelter, we need to create more available homes for them. Pitties do just fine in apartments if they are exercised. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard "I would love to foster, but my apartment will not let me have a pit bull."
This needs to change. I feel like I am being discriminated on because of my dog. I am forced to settle for crappy apartments in crappy neighborhoods. This is not fair. What can be done?
Monday, February 21, 2011
Roxy, A Love Story
I came across a story that touched my heart. The story of Roxy. Roxy is a young sweet pit bull who was owned by a family who bought her to solely make them money. They did not care about her, just what she could do for them. She was there as a puppy machine. They did not care that she was cold, or hungry. They left her outside, chained to their trailer for months. Her chain was so short that she slept in her own filth. She was forced to breed multiple times so they could sell her puppies to other irresponsible owners, so they, in turn, could do the same. 
Roxy had a lot of work to do. Fences for Fido helped raise money to get her spayed so she could not be forced to have any more puppies. She had to be trained. Potty training was easy for Roxy, she embraced it. Living in small area on a short chain, forced to potty where she slept, really helped her learn to be housetrained quickly. Not knowing human love did not stop her from becomming a sweet loving dog. All she ever wanted to do was please her owner, and she is doing a wonderful job pleasing her wonderful foster mom, Michelle. Her favorite trick is "shake" and will do it for anyone with treats. Michelle says that she is a wiggle butt and asks for belly rubs any chance she gets.
Roxy is recovering just like any pit bull pulled from a bad situation, wonderfully! She is now looking for her forever home so she can be another happy pit bull in Portland. She still needs some training, but she is such a resiliant dog, she will be perfect in no time.
If you want to help Roxy complete her Cinderella story, please contact me katieqwilliams@gmail.com. I want to see the happy ending that Roxy deserves.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A Children's Book on PIT BULLS!
Mark your calendars for May 11, 2011! A new children's book will be hitting the shelves called "Saving Audie, A Pit Bull Puppy Gets a Second Chance". This new book written by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent and William Munoz tells the story of Audie, a tiny Pit Bull puppy who was born and raised in
Bad Newz Kennels. Audie's outlook was grim until the raid on the property by authorities. The story tells Audie's story of transport, rehablitation, and finding a new forever home where he lives happily with his new family.
Bad Newz Kennels. Audie's outlook was grim until the raid on the property by authorities. The story tells Audie's story of transport, rehablitation, and finding a new forever home where he lives happily with his new family.
This is a great story about a hard subject to talk about with children. Patent does a wonderful job and shows that some dogs really do get a happy ending. It is a story about love, endurance, patience, and forgiveness. I am placing my copy on hold today :)
For more information, visit http://www.savingaudie.com/
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
A Little Sociology
A friend emailed me this video today and I would like to share it with you! What she explains is what the Bully Walks are intended to do. We just want to show Portland that our dogs are our friends. We do not fight them, instead we dote on them, plan events for them, dress them up, buy them things, and most of all, are proud of them. We are proud parents and want to show off our companions for all of Portland to see.
http://jenimc.com/post/3187561841/i-am-not-a-good-public-speaker-and-did-not-write#
http://jenimc.com/post/3187561841/i-am-not-a-good-public-speaker-and-did-not-write#
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A sigh of relief!
Rest easy my fellow Pit Bull lovers...
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/02/08/dallas-mayor-disavows-key-presentation-to-michael-vick/
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/02/08/dallas-mayor-disavows-key-presentation-to-michael-vick/
Monday, February 7, 2011
Dallas
Michael Vick recieved a key to the City of Dallas today. I dont understand how a man on probation, a man who spent time in federal prison gets to recieve something like that. What does this say about America? What does this say about how we value dogs? How we value criminals? Football players? Millionares? Dog fighters?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_Ra0J-V7ZM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_Ra0J-V7ZM
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Dear Polo,
Dear Polo,
I remember the first day I saw you. You were tied in a backyard starved for attention. I came up to you, you jumped in my lap and gave me a kiss. I fell in love with you. I remember coming back to where you lived, just to see you still tied in the yard. I brought you treats and petted you, I stayed with you for as long as I could. I remeber thinking how sweet you were. A month went by, and I continued to come and see you, until I got the news that your owner was going to prison and you were as well. I came in the yard, untied you, and put you in the car. I brought you to my small apartment and gave you treats. I was young and poor and had no idea what I was getting myself into. My family told me to get rid of you, but I couldnt. I took you to the vet and found out you had severe worms, thats why you were so skinny I could see your ribs. I made you better. We became inseperable. We went everywhere together, the beach, the parks, to restaurants, to friends houses. I loved you.
The landlord knocked on my door one day and told me that we had to go. You were not allowed. So we left. I looked for apartments but they kept saying no. NO PIT BULLS. I didnt give up. I finally found a place for us far away, but I didnt care. I refused to give you up. We were so happy, we went through CGC training, we learned to walk politely on the leash, you kept me company when I did my work, you slept by my side every night, you rolled around on my things, you ate my shoes, my bedding, clothes, pillows, trash, and even my fireworks. You would just look at me and smile and I couldnt stay mad. People started to complain about you. They didnt like the way you looked. I started looking for a new place. I had no idea how easy it was to love you, but so hard to keep you by my side. I didnt give up. We moved again. I began to research your breed, and learned where you came from, what you were capeable of, love. I wanted to help. I wanted to help your fellow pit bulls in their fight for equality in this unjust world. I began to work with a local rescue that took in Pits that were being euthanized for being overpopulated, mistreated, and misunderstood. I was shocked to see just how many pits there are being put down everyday, pits just like you, that didnt find a home, like you did.
I decided right then and there, something had to be done. I helped any way that I could to save dogs like you. I learned about the hate, about the stereotypes, the abuse that dogs like you endure everyday. It makes me sad that people cant see what I see. A companion. A friend to keep them company, sleep with them on cold nights, comfort them when they are feeling down, and just make them smile.
Polo, I had to move 3,000 miles away from home, but that couldnt seperate us. I brought you here to Portland. We showed up with a crate and a suitcase. We made it work. On days when I was feeling sad and homesick, you curled up next to me, and gave me comfort. For that, I will always love you. I promise to keep fighting for you. People want to ban you, and dogs like you, but as long as I am breathing, I will not let it happen. I take you around the town to show off how well behaved you are, yet people still change sides of the street. We have a lot of work to do.
As I write this, you are here, curled up by my side, sleeping. I look at you and smile, you are my best friend, the love of my life. You came into my life so quickly, and changed everything. I was a care-free kid, and now Im a woman with a mission. I promise to fight for you. I promise to do everything in my power to make sure that you are safe, and that you stay with me until the day you leave this earth. I love you with all of my heart. Thank you for being a wonderful companion. Thank you for opening my eyes to this evil world. Thank you for giving me purpose.
Your best friend,
Katie
I remember the first day I saw you. You were tied in a backyard starved for attention. I came up to you, you jumped in my lap and gave me a kiss. I fell in love with you. I remember coming back to where you lived, just to see you still tied in the yard. I brought you treats and petted you, I stayed with you for as long as I could. I remeber thinking how sweet you were. A month went by, and I continued to come and see you, until I got the news that your owner was going to prison and you were as well. I came in the yard, untied you, and put you in the car. I brought you to my small apartment and gave you treats. I was young and poor and had no idea what I was getting myself into. My family told me to get rid of you, but I couldnt. I took you to the vet and found out you had severe worms, thats why you were so skinny I could see your ribs. I made you better. We became inseperable. We went everywhere together, the beach, the parks, to restaurants, to friends houses. I loved you.
The landlord knocked on my door one day and told me that we had to go. You were not allowed. So we left. I looked for apartments but they kept saying no. NO PIT BULLS. I didnt give up. I finally found a place for us far away, but I didnt care. I refused to give you up. We were so happy, we went through CGC training, we learned to walk politely on the leash, you kept me company when I did my work, you slept by my side every night, you rolled around on my things, you ate my shoes, my bedding, clothes, pillows, trash, and even my fireworks. You would just look at me and smile and I couldnt stay mad. People started to complain about you. They didnt like the way you looked. I started looking for a new place. I had no idea how easy it was to love you, but so hard to keep you by my side. I didnt give up. We moved again. I began to research your breed, and learned where you came from, what you were capeable of, love. I wanted to help. I wanted to help your fellow pit bulls in their fight for equality in this unjust world. I began to work with a local rescue that took in Pits that were being euthanized for being overpopulated, mistreated, and misunderstood. I was shocked to see just how many pits there are being put down everyday, pits just like you, that didnt find a home, like you did.
I decided right then and there, something had to be done. I helped any way that I could to save dogs like you. I learned about the hate, about the stereotypes, the abuse that dogs like you endure everyday. It makes me sad that people cant see what I see. A companion. A friend to keep them company, sleep with them on cold nights, comfort them when they are feeling down, and just make them smile.
Polo, I had to move 3,000 miles away from home, but that couldnt seperate us. I brought you here to Portland. We showed up with a crate and a suitcase. We made it work. On days when I was feeling sad and homesick, you curled up next to me, and gave me comfort. For that, I will always love you. I promise to keep fighting for you. People want to ban you, and dogs like you, but as long as I am breathing, I will not let it happen. I take you around the town to show off how well behaved you are, yet people still change sides of the street. We have a lot of work to do.
As I write this, you are here, curled up by my side, sleeping. I look at you and smile, you are my best friend, the love of my life. You came into my life so quickly, and changed everything. I was a care-free kid, and now Im a woman with a mission. I promise to fight for you. I promise to do everything in my power to make sure that you are safe, and that you stay with me until the day you leave this earth. I love you with all of my heart. Thank you for being a wonderful companion. Thank you for opening my eyes to this evil world. Thank you for giving me purpose.
Your best friend,
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Something cool happening in P-Town
I met a wonderful woman named Rebecca Wolfe at the Bully Walk who is a freelance artist here in P-Town. She has started an art project on kickstarter.com to raise funds for shelter pits. Rebecca is raising money to paint portraits of local shelter dogs (mainly Pit Bulls) and wants to sell them to raise money for the shelters that do so much for these homeless dogs. Shelters are always in need of money and supplies, so every bit counts!
I think that this is a great idea and I know that if everyone chipped in, it could really make a difference. Check out her site on kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1621849365/the-painted-pitbull-project-portrait-of-a-good-dog
Her pictures are really great! So I posted them for you to see :)
I think that this is a great idea and I know that if everyone chipped in, it could really make a difference. Check out her site on kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1621849365/the-painted-pitbull-project-portrait-of-a-good-dog
Her pictures are really great! So I posted them for you to see :)
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