This is an interesting you tube video on why dogs attack.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0qp6o4pPGA
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
It's Time to Act
I am sick and tired of waiting. The time to speak up is now. The reputation of Pit Bulls is destroyed and I am sick of it. I am sick and tired of explaining that my dog is friendly, when it is clear to others that she is. I am sick and tired of being denied housing because of my Pit Bull. I am sick and tired of picking up the newspaper and seeing PIT BULL MAIMS CHILD. I am sick and tired of the constant struggle I face with discrimination. I am sick and tired of seeing Pit Bulls abused, and their abusers walking free. The time to act is now.
I recently read an article that I would like to share, in hopes to inspire you to stand up and act. A father in California woke up in the middle of the night to his Pit Bull barking frantically, like she has never done. To his horror, his home was on fire. He was able to drop his enfant daughter out of the second story window to safety, but he and his oldest daughter could not escape. They covered themselves under a mattress to await rescue. They both suffered smoke inhalation, and the father was treated for third degree burns. Diamond was injured as well, suffering third degree burns, and also has permanent nerve damage to her leg. She was badly injured in the fire, because she layed on top of the mattress to protect her family. For Diamond's courage and loyalty, she was a finalist in the HSUS Dogs of Valour Awards. Now Diamond is homeless. Her family lost everything in the fire, and is looking for a home to rent. He has been rejected by over 20 landlords because of Diamond, a recognized hero. Diamond is currently staying with his sister until she can be reunited with her family that she so bravely protected. The family will not give up looking for a home for all of them. If you know a way to help this family, please click on the link below, and contact them.
This is outrageous. The time to stand up and act is now. To all you Pittie lovers, what have you done today to save your breed?
http://www.care2.com/causes/animal-welfare/blog/hero-dog-now-homeless/
I recently read an article that I would like to share, in hopes to inspire you to stand up and act. A father in California woke up in the middle of the night to his Pit Bull barking frantically, like she has never done. To his horror, his home was on fire. He was able to drop his enfant daughter out of the second story window to safety, but he and his oldest daughter could not escape. They covered themselves under a mattress to await rescue. They both suffered smoke inhalation, and the father was treated for third degree burns. Diamond was injured as well, suffering third degree burns, and also has permanent nerve damage to her leg. She was badly injured in the fire, because she layed on top of the mattress to protect her family. For Diamond's courage and loyalty, she was a finalist in the HSUS Dogs of Valour Awards. Now Diamond is homeless. Her family lost everything in the fire, and is looking for a home to rent. He has been rejected by over 20 landlords because of Diamond, a recognized hero. Diamond is currently staying with his sister until she can be reunited with her family that she so bravely protected. The family will not give up looking for a home for all of them. If you know a way to help this family, please click on the link below, and contact them.
This is outrageous. The time to stand up and act is now. To all you Pittie lovers, what have you done today to save your breed?
http://www.care2.com/causes/animal-welfare/blog/hero-dog-now-homeless/
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Muzzle your Pittie, not your Crocodile.
So, I had a long week. For those of you who don't know me, I am a lazy SOB. Yesterday I laid on my couch watching reruns of Fatal Attractions on Animal Planet, all day. I mean ALL DAY. If you have not seen the show, its quite interesting, its about people with strange obsessions with owning deadly animals such as cobras, lions, and tigers. This got me thinking, after one episode in which a woman in New Jersey had 17 Bengal Tigers living in a delapidated "sanctuary". The authorities found out after one had escaped and was running around the city. The police came to her house, checked the premises, and let her keep all of the tigers! (they were later taken after a year and a half, only because she kept breeding them, and did not improve their living conditions). A similar story appeared on the next episode with a man who kept a 600 pound tiger in his garage and let it roam around the neighborhood! The neighbors tried to pass a law, but he repealed it and won.
Correct me here if I am wrong, but I believe that Canada and some parts of NJ have passed, or are trying to pass Breed Specific Legislation. If you are not familiar with BSL (breed specific legislation) it is, "a law or ordinance passed by a legislative body pertaining to a specific breed or breeds of domesticated animals. In practice, it generally refers to laws or ordinances pertaining to a specific dog breed or breeds." There are many countries, states, and counties here in the US that have passed BSL against Pit Bulls. To break this down, these counties have banned people from owning pitties, therefore, taken family pets and euthanized them at the tax payers expense, in order to have a "safer" enviornment. Does this work? NO. Is it expensive? YES. 
Now I am guessing that these people who fight and spend thousands of taxpayer dollars on the removal of people's family pets are idiots. Why are they wasting their time removing dogs, when it is still perfectly legal for a woman to own 17 tigers, or a man to let his tiger roam free in the burbs? A woman in Australia owns 3 crocodiles and brings them in her car to run errands with her son, yet Pit Bulls have to be muzzled in public? Give me a break people! Lets get our priorities straight! If Pitties are such a problem why am I not on this show? Sheesh!
Correct me here if I am wrong, but I believe that Canada and some parts of NJ have passed, or are trying to pass Breed Specific Legislation. If you are not familiar with BSL (breed specific legislation) it is, "a law or ordinance passed by a legislative body pertaining to a specific breed or breeds of domesticated animals. In practice, it generally refers to laws or ordinances pertaining to a specific dog breed or breeds." There are many countries, states, and counties here in the US that have passed BSL against Pit Bulls. To break this down, these counties have banned people from owning pitties, therefore, taken family pets and euthanized them at the tax payers expense, in order to have a "safer" enviornment. Does this work? NO. Is it expensive? YES. 
Now I am guessing that these people who fight and spend thousands of taxpayer dollars on the removal of people's family pets are idiots. Why are they wasting their time removing dogs, when it is still perfectly legal for a woman to own 17 tigers, or a man to let his tiger roam free in the burbs? A woman in Australia owns 3 crocodiles and brings them in her car to run errands with her son, yet Pit Bulls have to be muzzled in public? Give me a break people! Lets get our priorities straight! If Pitties are such a problem why am I not on this show? Sheesh!Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Bully Walk Pictures!
Thank you so much for all who attended the walk this Sunday! We had a great turnout and a lot of fun! Here are some pictures from the walk, there are more, (thanks to Mary Ellen) if you would like any pictures, please email me! katieqwilliams@gmail.com.
"The Group"
Me and Cheryl, my partner in crime.
a little meet and greet
Those are some crazy looking Pit Bulls :)
Love the shirt!
Walkin'
What a cutie!
Waiting at the cross walk. Such good behavior!
Awesome sweater!
Walkin'
Through the park we go!
Waiting politely for the crosswalk!
Marv!
Sayin Haay!
Does this look like a killer to you?
So serious!
OH MY GOD! The mini poodle survived! Its a miracle! All those vicious Pit Bulls walking side by side! ENJOY!
"The Group"
Me and Cheryl, my partner in crime.
a little meet and greet
Those are some crazy looking Pit Bulls :)
Love the shirt!
Walkin'
What a cutie!
Waiting at the cross walk. Such good behavior!
Awesome sweater!
Walkin'
Through the park we go!
Waiting politely for the crosswalk!
Marv!
Sayin Haay!
Does this look like a killer to you?
So serious!
OH MY GOD! The mini poodle survived! Its a miracle! All those vicious Pit Bulls walking side by side! Monday, February 28, 2011
Bully Walk THIS SUNDAY!
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!
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!
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.
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