Pit Bulls Defy Stereotypes By Saving Lives (Thank you Action News 5 for a POSITIVE story!)

I dedicate today's blog post to my beloved Pit Bull x, Macy. My precious girl passed away in my arms back in April. When I adopted her, I knew our time would be short; she was in end-stage heart failure.  That did not stop sweet Macy from completely stealing my heart, and the love of all of those around her! I had an incredible year and a half with Macy before her heart gave out. During that time, Macy displayed more than a lifetime's worth of love and affection towards myself and everyone that she met. She was an AMAZING advocate for Pit Bull x's everywhere! I am happy to say that during her short life, Macy changed quite a few people to understand that Pit Bulls are incredible, intelligent, loving dogs. Not only was she a gentle, calm girl, she was also extremely intelligent and earned top honors from every single Obedience class she trained in. I couldn't have been blessed with a more wonderful girl! 

Well done, sweet Macy; you are dearly missed!

This picture was taken on Macy's very first "Gotcha Day" 

(I didn't know her birthday, so I celebrated the day I brought her home...8-28-10.)

It's about time we see a news station run a POSITIVE story on these amazing dogs! Thank you Action News 5! Hopefully we will continue to hear positive stories like the one below, rather than constant negativity and misinformation. My Macy w

as an incredible, gentle advocate for her breed when she alive; Pit Bulls are incredible! Stories like the one below are why it's so important for responsible pet owners to work hard to train/socialize their dogs, and prove the negative stereotypes wrong! Owners please: be a good advocate for your breed(s), so that we continue to see more positive stories like this one below! 

(Click the link below to watch the video/read the article)

Pit Bulls defy stereotypes by saving lives!

Wordless Wednesday: Sleepy Puppies

Hey McDonald's, My Dogs Think Your Insulting Marketing Techniques Are Lousy!

(Click to enlarge.)

(Ranger,Macy, Mykelti)

As a responsible pet owner and a PROUD MOMMA to three dogs, one a beautiful Pit Bull mix, I am NOT "lovin'" McDonald's shady new marketing techniques! All evening I've been left scratching my head and wondering what on earth were these morons thinking?! The ingredients they put in their overly processed foods are dangerous enough, but now they're using shady marketing techniques that insult loving family pets in homes all across the United States. Let's take a stand and NOT support them with our business!


AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED, McDonald's HAS CROSSED THE LINE!


This is the video that has sparked all of the controversy:
This is our outcry and the disapproving response thousands of pet owners have voiced in response to McDonald's heinous advertisement: America's Bark Off To McDonald's http://vimeo.com/36256114 (I had a little trouble with the links; just copy and paste them into your search engine and the entire video should show up!) 


Want to show your support for these amazingly sweet and misunderstood animals? TAKE A STAND! Call them, email them, snail mail them, whatever it takes! Let them know that it is NOT acceptable for them to use our beloved family pets in their negative, hateful advertising schemes in order to make a dirty dollar! I have already emailed them and plan to call them tomorrow as well to complain. (If I receive a response back, I will post for all to read.) I plan to boycott McDonald's until they issue an apology to all of the responsible pet owners and dogs across America. Want to do your part? Join me in taking a stand by contacting them to let them know you disapprove of their recent actions: Lets take a stand for those who do not have a voice!

Want to do even more?


Consider doing your research and seeing if your home might be a good environment for one these amazing furbabies!  If it is, go adopt your new Pit Bull and enroll in a reputable obedience facility near you so that you both get started off on the right paw! If you are unable to adopt for whatever reason, consider volunteering at your local rescue! It's amazing how much these sweet pups can benefit from a friendly volunteer's attention and walks! If you don't have the time to do either, please consider doing your research and donating to a reputable Pit Bull rescue (or other rescue of your choice).


http://www.memphishumane.org (This is where I adopted Macy from. They gave her a good home for over two years until she went to live in her forever home with me! They are one of the ONLY shelters in this area that does not automatically euthanize the Pit Bulls that walk through their doors; instead, they give them a safe place to stay and try to find them a safe forever home. Nobody wanted Macy. She was in heart failure, solid black, and a Pit Bull mix: none of those things were in her control, but all were "strikes" against her chances of finding a home. Macy patiently waited, and waited, and waited for a home. Then one day, while I was visiting to adopted a new friend for Ranger, Macy greeted me with a kiss and "adopted me"! She has been such a blessing in my life ever since that day! She always gives me kisses and snuggles. She is one of my best friends! She is a Pit Bull mix. She has stolen my heart!)


Other fantastic organizations:


Bad Rap


Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue (Memphis Based!)


Villalobos Rescue Center


Petfinder

If you do decide to adopt a new member for your family either through a reputable rescue or responsible breeder (I use and support both, personally), PLEASE enroll them into a reputable obedience class so that you can both start out on the right paw and be a fantastic represenative for your breed! (This is also a great idea even if you have an existing pet; you'd be surprised just how smart dogs are and how capable they are of learning regardless of age/breed!) The American Kennel Club can help you find a great training facility in your area! I would also highly recommend that you work towards becoming a Canine Good Citizen through the American Kennel Club. This test helps to show that your dog is of a sound and safe temperament (It does not matter if you have a pure breed or a mix). Whatever you do, PLEASE BE A RESPONSIBLE OWNER! 


~Socialize your pet, Educate yourself, Be a good advocate for your breed/mix, Train diligently, and most importantly, love your pet and have fun!~

www.akc.org
Canine Good Citizen Information

My sweet girl, takes a stand!

"Hey McDonald's, my name is, Macy. I am a rescued Pit Bull mix. I show nothing but love and affection towards everyone that I meet! I am much safer than your processed foods and your shady marketing techniques!!!" 


~UPDATE~ This is the sorry excuse for an "apology" that McDonald's issued this week in response to their add. It's pre-recorded and couldn't be more insincere! The "appology"

Happy Birthday Mykelti (1) & Ranger (2)!

 I'll preface this post by saying that I probably love my pets more than some people love their own children! 

On Friday January 27th, I celebrated the birthdays of two of my most cherished friends: my beloved Australian Shepherds, Ranger & Mykelti! My dogs are there for me through every single up and down,  and always know how to make me smile no matter what kind of day I'm having. Not only do they unselfishly give me all of their devotion and love, I have also been blessed to use Ranger as a Registered Therapy Dog throughout our community to make others smile as well! (And little Mykelti is in training to become a Registered Therapy Dog soon as well!) As if that wasn't enough; they keep me busy every week and give me something to look forward to with their training (obedience, agility, rally, therapy work). My dogs are my best friends and I absolutely consider them to be like my children. Although I do want children, at this point in my life I just don't know if it will happen... So right now, I'm content instead to spoil my dogs rotten and give them the best life possible, and in return, they are such wonderful blessings in my life! 


On the note of dogs, I have three: Macy, Ranger, and Mykelti. I'm not sure when Macy's birthday is (she is my rescued Pit Bull x) so I celebrate the day I adopted her (August 28, 2010). Ranger and Mykelti are from the same wonderful breeder though, so I do know their birthday! (January 27 2010 and 2011)  They were actually born on the exact same day, one year apart! No, the breeder didn't plan that; it was just a funny coincidence. (Ranger is the oldest by one year, and Mykelti is the youngest.) They are also related: Mykelti's mother is the mom to Ranger's father...almost as confusing as my family!


One of my friends recently told me about a cute pet bakery near me that sells items for animals : Dog cakes, cookies, toys,etc. It sounded too cute to pass up, so I decided to order a birthday cake for Ranger and Mykelti's special day! Now I realize to some, that might classify me as "The Crazy Dog Lady". Since I prefer my dogs to most people however, I seriously couldn't care less! (and if you've read this far, my guess is that you like animals as well!) After all, they aren't just dogs, they are my best buddies! It's not every day two of your best friends share the same birthday, so I thought this merited a paw-sitively fun celebration! 

WARNING: Cuteness Overload Ahead!

Ranger as a tinsy tiny puppy! 

Baby Mykelti on the way home with us from Missouri!

Isn't their cake adorable? Three Dog Bakery is the best! 

(left to right) Mykelti on her 1st birthday and Ranger on his 2nd birthday!

Sweet Mykelti on her first birthday!

Macy celebrated Ranger & Mykelti's birthday with cake and a toy too since I don't know her actual birthday! 

My handsome Ranger on his second birthday!

Mykelti and Ranger with their birthday cake and party hats!

3 candles: two candles for Ranger's 2nd birthday and one for Myketli's 1st birthday!

Their cake was peanut butter flavored (with the consistency of a  bran muffin) and doggy-safe; it looks better than some of the birthday cake I've had in the past to be honest lol!

My cute little party animals: Ranger, Macy, and Mykelti!

Mykelti and Ranger waiting patiently to have some cake!

 AKC Brake's Femme Fatale and CGC, RTD AKC Brake's Lone Ranger

Macy LOVED the cake!

Mykelti got the peanut butter icing stuck to her tongue lol

Let them eat cake!

My three loves

I think he approved of the cake! (He lasted about an hour before he took off his hat; I lasted about 10 more minutes before I vacuumed the crumbs they left behind like an OCD mad woman lol!) 

They each got one toy! 

~Thanks for viewing~

Macy takes a bite out of breed stereotypes!

(Not sure why the person who designed this put a Weimaraner on the card instead of a Pit, but it's cute nonetheless!)

This morning I woke up early and decided to take Macy to the park for a nice walk before the rain sets in today. Since I have three dogs, I like to divide my free time up when I have the chance so that I can take each dog out individually to the park or to run errands with me for some one on one time and training. This morning was Macy's turn! While Macy and I were walking, a passing woman paused and made the comment "Oh my God that dog looks so ferocious!" (Mind you that Macy was walking in perfect Heel position at my side, had relaxed body language, a happy tail and a "smile" on her face.) The woman simply deemed Macy as "ferocious" because Macy is a large, black, Pit Bull mix. OH Breed Stereotypes...how accustom I have become to thee! 


I wanted to use the opportunity to change the lady's mind about her uncalled for stereotyping.  As an owner/handler, it is my responsibility to be a good advocate for the breed(s) I own and care for. If you are reading my blog post and you're a dog owner as well, I hope you will use this lesson as an opportunity to become the best advocate for the animal you own, regardless of their breed. My hope is to make a positive impact on my community and to educate people on the responsibilities that go along with being a good pet owner as well as member of the public (you'd be surprised how many ADULTS do not know how to approach a dog properly and safely). Having owned, rescued, and fostered numerous breeds over the years, I am a firm believer that EVERY dog has the potential to be a great dog! One of the biggest determining factors of a dogs behavior is responsible pet ownership and training. 


Since the lady had taken the time to pause and make a comment (vs running far away from my dog), her reaction and body language told me that she might be receptive to what I had to say, so I took the opportunity to talk to her. I proceeded to tell her about how Pit Bulls and mixes can be wonderful dogs, just like any other breed. I told her how Macy had passed numerous training classes and even earned the highest points in the last Advanced Obedience class she was in. I let her know how Macy has two other "siblings" at home that Macy helps me work with (One is a registered therapy dog and the other is in training to become one). I went on to tell her how Macy greets everyone she meets with a happy tail and a kiss (which the lady could clearly see was the case). When the lady asked me how Macy had come to live with me, I told her about Macy's adoption story. (Macy spent over 2.5 yrs living at the Humane Society before I adopted her. Nobody wanted a Pit mix, and nobody wanted a dog that was in heart failure.). The lady then asked if she could pet Macy, to which I replied by putting Macy in a sit stay and then showing the lady the proper way to pet a dog (yes, there is a proper way!). Macy happily greeted the lady with kisses and a very happy tail which put a smile on the once fearful woman's face. The lady then thanked Macy and I for taking the time to talk with her today and to change her mind about Pit Bulls (and mixes). Macy is a happy, well-adjusted, socialized, and properly trained dog; today we were able to use that to our advantage in a positive light!


Once again, my Macy girl has taken yet another bite out of outlandish breed stereotypes and converted another person to see the true beauty that can lie in every breed! Way to go, Macy!  

(Macy is on the right; ferocious? I think not!)

Christmas Favorites

(Macy & Ranger Wish Everyone a Merry Christmas!)

Here are a few of my favorites to get you all into the Christmas mood:

Favorite Christmas Song: Beautiful Star of Bethleham - listen to the words...soo beautiful! :)

New favorite link of the day, coutsey of my friend. It's HILAROUS: If Mary and Joseph Had Facebook 



Christmas Pictures (tree and other) to come! :)

Tis The Season!

Tis the Season for Cheesy Santa Pictures!!!

(Humane Society Christmas Fundraiser 2010)

On Sunday, Jack and I took my dogs Ranger and Macy to our local Humane Society for their annual Christmas picture fundraiser. It was too fun and we got got some great pictures! Judging on the huge turnout, I hope that they were able to raise a good bit of money for the animals in their care at the shelter. Both of my dogs were very cooperative thankfully. Macy was a little nervous initially because she thought I was "returning her"; I adopted her from the Humane Society at the end of August (she lived there for over two years before I adopted her). So bless her heart, she was a little nervous when we walked into the rescue and then some weirdo in a red suite picked her up!! All of the staff there was thrilled to see how good Macy looked and how happy she was with her new "brother", Ranger. Ranger was happy to see everyone and seemed to actually enjoy wearing the antlers they let us borrow! I also loved that the staff had a special room set up for each family's photo shoot so that the dogs wouldn't be distracted by other animals walking around during the pictures!

This one is my favorite picture of Ranger and Macy with Santa!

Santa's helpers would like lots of toys and treats for Christmas ;)

My sweet pups posing with Santa!

"Rudolph" Ranger got a little distracted haha

The antlers on Ranger remind me of the dog in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" hehe

Macy's santa hat was just a tad to big for her! (This picture turned out a little dark)

Macy "showing off" her pedicure; I spent all night grooming and bathing them the evening before their pictures since I totally forgot to make an appointment with the groomer!

Macy wasn't thrilled about meeting Santa hahaha

All three of them forgot to look at the camera

The staff asked Jack and I if we wanted in the pictures too! Of course we want cheesy pictures haha!

Lets Play: Guess The Breed!

At the end of August, I adopted a sweet little black dog that I wound up naming "Macy" as a companion for Ranger and I. She fit the bill for everything I was looking for: gentle, sweet, easy to handle, even-tempered, great with Ranger, good with other animals (cats and dogs included), good with kids (we were actually able to "kid test" her the day I adopted her since a little girl was having her birthday party there at the Humane Society), and the list goes on and on...

When I adopted Macy, I knew that she had some major health issues going on with her heart thanks to the consultation with the humane society staff & vets. I immediately had a soft spot for her because I have some heart issues too! When I took Macy to my vet, he said that he had only seen one other dog make it past the first week of life with all of those heart issues; the other dog was a 16 yr old Poodle! So, even though some vets have put her life expectancy around 1-2 more years, you just never know! Hopefully, she will turn out to be like that 16 yr old Poodle and have a long, happy life. Macy is around 4 years old now and is now on daily meds, has gained a healthy amount of weight since being adopted, and is excelling in training!

One of the big questions surrounding Macy when I first adopted her was, "what is she"? Every friend and family member seemed to have a guess as to what she was mixed with: Lab, Chow Chow, Doberman, Border Collie, Rottie, Pit/American Staffordshire Terrier....the lists went on and on! I decided to have Macy tested with the Wisdom Panel Insights Dog DNA test. My reasons for having Macy tested were:

1. I wanted to have a better idea of what breeds she may be mixed with so that the vets and I can specifically taylor a medical treatment plan that will best suite her needs from a breed perspective (different breeds/mixes do better with different treatment options).

2. I wanted to know what breeds Macy was mixed with out of sheer curiosity! Now when people ask me "what kind of dog is that?", I can give them an answer!

3. I wanted to know what she was mixed with so that I could custom taylor my training techniques with her as well. Both of my dogs are in training and it  is much easier to train a dog when you know their genetic background/breed and how you need to work with that animal. Different breeds respond differently to training techniques. For instance, you typically wouldn't train a Chihuahua the same way you would train a German Shepherd. One is a companion, the other a herding dog; different dogs benefit from different techinques!

Well ladies and gentlemen, I finally have a conclusive answer thanks to the Wisdom Panel Insights test! The results are as follows:

Macy is: American Staffordshire Terrier (slang term for that would be "Pit Bull"), Rottweiler, and Chow Chow!

Some people might think those combinations must make her some sort of "Cujo", but that couldn't be further from the truth!  Macy is a gentle as they come and I would trust that dog with my life. In my experience, it's not the breed so much that necessarily determines if you have a "good dog", it's the owners and the environment. I use positive reinforcement training with both of my dogs and both of them are lovely! :)