Official PBH Blog

Our Lucetta... May you be free... R.I.P

2011-10-26T14:05:00.000-04:00

Lucetta ~ October 25, 2011 to October 26, 2011

Our precious Lucetta... Lucetta is derived from the Latin Roman form of Lucia, meaning "Little Light"...

Lucetta was the fifth born from a litter of seven... she was less than half the size of her all her siblings, weighing 5.3 oz... The mother, Dixie was rescued this past Friday to whom was taken to Quail Hollow Animal Hospital right away... we knew she was pregnant... She gave birth, yesterday... Lucetta, was the only one to have complications... she wouldn't latch on to the mother for milk... her mother kept encouraging her to... she kept cleaning her... Dixie's a very good mother... but Lucetta just wouldn't latch on... we kept her close to her mother to keep warm and continued to pray she would latch on... on her own... but she wouldn't... I rushed to the store to get a couple bottles as well as a supplement to bottle feed her... we weren't sure if she was taking the milk... we continuously tried bottle feeding her, kept her warm... and continued to hope she would latch onto the mother... When she was born... she was born outside of the bag... we're unsure if the bag broke during delivery or if it had broke before birth... also, her imbelical cord had broken off too soon leaving a hole vulnerable for infection... she was taken to the Vet to be checked out to see what could be done... After thorough discussion with our Vet... I knew what had to be done... on the way to the Vet, I thought I could handle this decision since she was a little less than one day old... I had no attachment issues... I was wrong... I made the call, and it didn't hit me until on my home... it hit me hard... and as I type this... This decision was no easy task... but I couldn't allow her to continue... she was suffering... She suffers no more... She was born into this world surrounded by people who loved her... She'll never know the evilness that the human race can be... she'll only know love... she's now at peace... she's free... she'll always be our Little Light... She has been laid to rest, humanely... her burial will be at the Dog House... and I'm quite confident her spirit will continue to live on in our Rescue... she'll continue to look over us all... and help us... I would like to take this time now to thank a very special volunteer... to whom so selflessly, rescued Dixie off the streets of Dade City... Without her heroism... only Lord knows, what would have happened to poor Dixie and the puppies... Thank you Brittany Oakes for giving me the opportunity and chance to meet, although cut very short, too short, with our Lucetta... She's now an angel amongst us... Thank you for your love and compassion for not only our dogs and your dogs... but all dogs... regardless of their breed.

May Lucetta, our Little Light, R.I.P... Run Free...

Being a Rescuer... my dogs saved me

2011-09-25T11:42:00.000-04:00

Being a Rescuer... I didn't go looking... I didn't ask to be... at the time, I had no expectations of becoming... I'm a homebody... a loner... quiet... shy... I was simply me...

     My first "Pit Bull" mix... Freedom... did I free her or did she free me? Ten years ago this week... I was living at my parents... I had moved back to Florida from Tennessee in February of 2001... began working immediately when I got back to Florida... fast forward to September... I was out playing basketball with my best friends son (my parent's next door neighbor)... the ball had rolled up the driveway of a known vacant house for at least one or two weeks... had the basketball not rolled up the driveway bouncing off the garage door... we would have never known... Freedom along with a calico kitten were inside the house... no food, no water... frightened, underweight... in turn, one must think... if the events of that day... would I be doing what I'm doing today? I admittedly, was ignorant (and still am to a point... pending on the subject). Knowledge is power... I'm continually learning new things daily... sadly, I do make my share of mistakes... it's part of human nature... I learn from them... My dogs, have taught me not to rationalize over the mistakes, incidences, and the likes... to continue moving forward, day to day... to take whatever everyday life tosses at me... my dogs have saved me...

     Even after being saved by Freedom... my life as I knew it had changed... my new life, began with Freedom and thanks to her... She had played a tremendous part... in forming the man who I've become of today. At this time, ten years ago... I was and still am a loner... homebody... a simple man... I'm an observer... a thinker... My mind does not have an "off button"... the gears are continually moving and shifting... nonstop... I'm a tense individual... my dogs are saving me...

     I ultimately decided to start my own Rescue... Pit Bull Happenings, Inc.   Reason is simple... the Dogs. However, starting the Rescue... I was not thinking nor took into account... I would become a public figure of sorts... a Nonprofit Organization... this has been and continues to be completely new to me... as I'm a very private and independent person... I'm a loner... who's been thrusted into the spotlight... I had no idea... I've never liked being the center of attention... I've never been one of a club scenes or large crowds... I'm the guy who is sitting in the corner... remaining quiet, isolated, observing my surroundings... I seek no glory. I seek no fame. I've done nothing to earn either of the two... the true heroes are... my dogs saved me...

     I have and will continue to make enormous sacrifices for my dogs... I love my dogs... I don't have special training... no certifications, no rewards, no special schooling... I'm a simple man. Just recently, it came to me of the sacrifices that I have made for the dogs... The dogs are my life... When I bought my home a few years ago... the top two reasons, I bought the house I did... in all actuality... was for the dogs... I'm single... The house I bought is a three bedroom house... Why would a single guy need a three bedroom house? I have dogs... I've given them their own Dogs Room... I wanted a house with a large backyard... for me? No... again... I have dogs... I wanted a house that wasn't on a main road... I wanted it to set back some... limited on traffic, preferred minimal.. on a road where speeders are nonexistent... the house is on a road that makes a complete circle... the house is on the turn... hence, any speeders would more than likely run through one of the houses... my dogs safety is always a top priority... that held true on the big decision of becoming a homeowner... Looking back... I'm seeing a consistent system... I'm subconsciencely doing things... and making many sacrifices... all in the name of and for the dogs. This is something that I cannot help... it comes natural... There have been times when I have gone years without cable... money was tight... cable tv is luxury that many take for granted... I'm having the cable turned off again... as it's too distracting... and is taking away from my dogs... I'll go without eating before I allow my dogs to go without... my dogs are my life... my dogs are saving me... from me... from today's society... They are my heroes... They deserve the glories and praises... not I.

    Jumping into the Rescue work... has opened my eyes a lot... with pretty much everything in society... you have your good and you have your bad... Sadly, when I made it official... and Pit Bull Happenings, Inc was born... my persons, who had a minimal haters, enemies, and whatnot... well, unfortunately it had skyrocketed... I've had some pretty malicious accusations tossed at me... there's been a lot of rhetoric said about me and Pit Bull Happenings... from adopting out intact dogs, to being a dog fighter lover/supporter, being pro-breeder, among many other... and the gossip, lies, and hear ce continue to this day... Thanks to my heroes, I took everything with stride... I don't rationalize why stuff happens anymore... my focus is on my dogs... they are my teachers... they are my greatest teachers. Starting PBH, we're starting from the bottom and we are building PBH... we are growing... despite all the hate and evilness... many have placed obstacles in front of me, us, my dogs... many have tried causing us to fail as a Rescue... they failed! We are fast approaching our one year anniversary... we are still here! Reason is simple... my dogs and I don't rationalize... we live life day by day... My dogs and I have a very strong bond... it happens quickly... it happens naturally... it's meant to be... I'm living a dog's life... we are one. I'm only briefly touching on the reality of the hate and evilness within the so-called "Rescue Community"...it's broken... PBH hopes to lead by example... our biggest weapon, has been our silence... and will continue to be our silence... as we aren't here for the humans, we aren't here for the emotions... we are here to do right by our dogs... with all the outragious and malicious accusations against my persons and PBH... we have given no reactions... so, haters take note... you'll continue to receive no reactions from myself or Pit Bull Happenings... There was a major and extremely hurtful accusation (at the beginning of this year) byway of a serious insinuation... that I had killed Bodacious (RIP 12/2010), my American Bulldog... my reaction? None! I took it in stride... and kept my focus on building PBH and doing what I can... for the dogs... my dogs saved me. The hate and evilness is horrible in the Rescue world... it saddens me very much so... it's so bad, that someone had the gall to even go into the Pet Supermarket, New Port Richey location... one of our regularly scheduled monthly event locations. One day, I was talking to the General Manager... just chit chat... well, our conversation back and forth... reminded him... that someone had came into the store one day... and an individual "had nothing nice to say about you or Pit Bull Happenings" I admit, I was very curious who would go into our regular adoption place and talk trash... then I thought of my dogs... and didn't press for more details and told the GM, that I didn't want to know anything more about this disgraceful act (from a so-called animal advocate) as it's irrelevant to me... remember, I have the greatest teachers of all, my dogs... my dogs are saving me...

     In anycase, Pit Bull Happenings is here for the long haul... we aren't here to appease the "Rescue community" we aren't here for our egos, we aren't here for the drama, the hate, the evilness of humans... we don't kiss ass... we don't seek fame and glory... we do what we do for the dogs, and the dogs alone... my dogs are heroes... my savior... my teachers... my life... I've been freed... saved.

     In all honesty, I don't take to compliments very well... I don't know what to say or how to react... I don't know how to handle them... I'm learning... but still have ways to go... I'm a simple man... the true rescuers are my dogs... They have given me purpose... they have given me life... they are teaching me to better socialize... they teach me compassion, love, forgiveness... they are teaching me not to hide my sensitive side... they are teaching me to be truly free... they have converted my being close minded to being open minded... they have taught me to love myself... they are teaching me to lower my levels of independence... to open up my life and to allow others to enter... to allow others to help... I still have ways to go with accepting help... but the dogs are training me... and I'm just as bull headed as they can be... so, it's no easy task... but they are doing it... they are saving me...

     We, as a Rescue... need help... our dogs are helping free our minds and hearts from the sadness and evilness of today's society... they freed me... you can be free from the worries of these hard economic times as well... learn from the dogs! They will free you from all the evilness of humans, if you allow them to... if you give them the chance to. Volunteer for the dogs, regardless of the Rescue or Shelter... get involved... pay close attention to the dogs... they are speaking to us... they are teaching us... they are freeing us... They are very majestic creatures... they are Angels on Earth... Don't dread today's world... my dogs have taught me not to rationalize what is out of our control... they can teach you the same... if you allow them... they saved me... they can save you as well! They are the true rescuers... not I or you... they deserve the credit... they deserve the thanks, they should get the credit... they are the real heroes... the dogs of Rescues and Shelters need you, they want you... don't allow your personal emotions, the many different views, and whatnot to take the focus off of what truly matters... the dogs... No matter the obstacles that are put in your way by other humans... keep the focus on the dogs... be like the dogs... let them teach you... my dogs saved me...

Volunteer today! You shall be freed from the evilness of Today's World. If they can free me... they can free you... my dogs have saved me. They can save you too!

Signed,
Eric Emminger
President of Pit Bull Happenings, Inc.
Eric@PitBullHappenings.com
http://www.pitbullhappenings.com/

Official Gulfport Veterinarian Medical Details & Ongoing ChipIn Blog

2011-07-31T13:02:00.000-04:00

Leading by example and offering the People transparency, openness, and honesty!

Pit Bull Happenings, Inc. ...here for the dogs!

We do NOT have our 501(c)(3) as of yet, we are actively working towards obtaining and are in direct communication with the IRS Agent assigned our case! Click here to view more info regarding our progress!

Click here to view our actual ChipIn Page for this ChipIn!
Click here to view Bodacious' Photo Album on Facebook!

You may also contact Gulfport Veterinarian directly via phone specifying you'd like to use a credit card to pay towards the "Pit Bull Happenings Rescue Account", and they'll be happy to credit our Rescue Account. If you pay by phone and/or mail, I do request you contact us to give us a heads up so that we can ensure we get credited properly! You may also mail them a check (payable to Gulfport Veterinarian) and include a note specifying it's for the "Pit Bull Happenings Rescue Account":

Gulfport Veterinarian, 5621 Gulfport Blvd., Gulfport, Florida 33707

(727) 384-4413

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UPDATE #1 ~ Current outstanding bill owed to Gulfport Veterinarian as of 07/31/2011: For the full disclosure behind our outstanding balance we owe to Gulfport Vet... please click here to view the first blog that begins leading to the reason for this bill... Click here to view the second blog that led to our outstanding balance... Click here to view the third blog that's associated with our current outstanding balance! Finally, click here to view the last blog that was written that is associated with our current outstanding balance owed to date.

*** Click here for the latest bill from Gulfport Veterinarian! ***

I have been doing my best to send Gulfport Vet in between $100 and $200 per month... and to be perfectly honest, I sure can use the help to lower our outstanding balance and to holdfast a good Rescue/Vet Relationship with them... It's tough times, I understand... every little bit helps tremendously!

Thank you for caring and helping us keep our Vet Balances under control as we want to continue offering our PBH Rescue and Resident Dogs top of the line in Medical Care!! Thank you!!

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Official Gulfport Veterinarian Medical details

& ongoing ChipIn Blog

Leading by example and offering the People transparency, openness, and honesty!

Pit Bull Happenings, Inc. ...here for the dogs!

This Blog will be an ongoing ChipIn dedicated to our Rescue Vet, Gulfport Veterinarian! We'll keep this Blog updated with everything related to Gulfport Veterinarian and the care they give all of our PBH Rescue and Resident Dogs!

     The "End date" and "Amount needed" in the ChipIn will be adjusted accordingly as time goes on and as we use their services! Please note, since this is an ongoing ChipIn, that the "End date" for the ChipIn is not really an end date as we'll be changing the end date as time goes on! In addition, we'll adjust the "Money needed" accordingly and as needed to reflect the current outstanding balance, if any) We may opt to create a new ChipIn if necessary or accidentally ended, or if it's easier to update the amount owed, etc... Regardless, this Blog will be Updated regularly and kept up to date!!

     We believe in transparency and openness, so any Dogs we take into the Vet whether it's emergency care and/or routine check ups, wellness exams and the likes... we'll keep updating the ChipIn and this Blog. Our Honesty and Integrity are of the utmost importance to us... and it's the least we can do for our most wonderful Friends and Supporters!

     It's very important that we keep a low balance, to better prepare for any and all future medical needs that the PBH Rescue and Resident Dogs may or may not need!!

     We'll post the updates and happenings of this ChipIn just below our ChipIn to better allow everybody to stay in the loop and to act on our openness and tranparency! We would also appreciate it very much if you could share the link to this Blog with your Family and Friends and to help us spread the word on our needing help. As a Nonprofit Organization we are very dependent on the generosity from our Family, Friends, Supporters, and the General Public!

     Thank you in advance for helping give the PBH Rescue and Resident Dogs top of the line care through our Rescue's Vet with Gulfport Veterinarian!! Thank you for caring about the Dogs and showing them Love and Support!!

Note: I recommend everybody to periodically check back as I may or may not have to edit this Blog as well as keeping it updated... adding to it, deleting from it, etc... We won't delete/edit/etc... any of the updates which we are color coding! As we add our color coded updates and they mount up (which is inevitable as a Nonprofit Rescue) we'll copy and paste this letter in between two of the updates so that over time... and the blog grows due to the updates and latest happenings... you won't have to scroll all the way down to get this message and the reason for the creation of this Blog! We are trying to keep things simple, convenient, and user friendly for all of our Friends and Supporters! Thank you!

Respectfully Yours,
Eric Emminger
Founder/President of Pit Bull Happenings, Inc.
Eric@PitBullHappenings.com
www.PitBullHappenings.com

www.Facebook.com/PitBullHappeningsInc

Roadway to obtaining our 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Federal Tax Exemption Status

2011-07-31T10:25:00.000-04:00

On October 15, 2010, We Incorporated as Florida Nonprofit Corporation (Pit Bull Happenings, Inc.) By doing so, we officially became a Florida Nonprofit "Pit Bull" Rescue serving the greater Tampa Bay area as well as working the entire state of Florida on a case by case basis.

Then at the end of January, 2011 we decided to start a ChipIn to raise the "User Fee" required by the IRS to accompany the form 1023 (Request/Application for 501c3 Federal Tax Exemption Status) and to our surprise, within a very short time and a huge thanks to three most generous and wonderful individuals, our ChipIn went 37% above our requested amount of $400 totaling $550!! Please Click here to view the blog with this ChipIn and details!!

Thinking I had more time to work on preparing the application and gathering other documents needed to accompany our application... once the ChipIn went over the requested amount... I then went into high gear to complete our Application and went to the Rescue's Bank to get a Cashiers Check for the "User Fee"

The beginning of February, 2011 I completed all of the paperwork, got the Cashier's Check for $400 and then headed over to the United States Post Office to send off our request/application for the 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Federal Tax Exemption sending it via Priority Mail Certified w/Return Receipt.

Officially mailed on February 8, 2011.

The IRS signed for package on February 11, 2011, confirmed by our Return Receipt/Confirmation! Now the suspense of waiting... and waiting... and still waiting for our next steps in obtaining our Approval "Determination Letter"

Finally, in May of 2011, our Application was assigned to IRS Agent, Yvonne. She mailed me letter as well as contacted me via my cell phone... to explain certain clarifications as well as corrections on my Application. Due to my over thinking self... I did make a couple errors on our Application... one, I needed to terminate our CGC program we were offering if you remember... We were offering our Adoptive Forever Homes a $50 Rebate if their PBH Rescue Dog achieved the CGC within one year of the Adoption Date... I thought it was a good program however, I do understand why we had to terminate that program... as a 501c3 Not-for-Profit Organization, you are only permitted to use donations given for 501c3 purposes, meaning we cannot give any refunds, rebates, etc... all monies donated will be used for 501c3 purposes...

The other couple errors were do to my over thinking in regards to the Political Campains, Politicians, Political candidates, etc... part of the Application. At first, I said basically we wouldn't get involved... then my thinking kicked in and I thought... well, if a Politician supports BSL... I would have to oppose that candidate or politician... well, that was the wrong answer and has since been corrected ;) Going by rules for 501c3, as a Federal Tax Exempt Organization, we are NOT permitted to Support nor Oppose ANY Political Campaign, Political Candidate, Politician by name.., however, we are indeed allowed to support or oppose specific pieces of legislation (ie. Pit Bull Ban, mandatory spay/neuter, dangerous dog, etc...) and then I also neglected to specify the amount of time and money we'll use for this... well, the money was easy... as no rescue money will be used for anything political... as the money all goes to help our Rescue efforts and the PBH Rescue Dogs... now as for the time involved, I put it at less than 5% of our time will be invested as our primary focus will be the dogs, with regards to Education and Rescuing!

I also had to send our "Articles of Amendment" to the state of Florida in which I also paid for the "Certified Copy" all of which I forwarded to the IRS via FAX to the IRS Agent assigned our case. I opted to send it FAX rather than the USPS because Fax'ing allows for the IRS to receive it much quicker. We officially Fax'd it on July 18 of 2011 (I'll have to double check the date later... I'll confirm once I get the Fax confirmation in my hand, but this date is pretty close). Then a week following the Fax, I called our IRS Agent to confirm that she did indeed receive it. So, now if the clarifications, corrections, and our Article of Amendment are error free... our IRS agent will send our complete application in for final Review in which we will then expect them to send us our Approval "Determination Letter" in regards to the 501c3 Not-for-Profit Organization!!

We are extremely happy and are quite confident we'll obtain our Federal Tax Exemption VERY SOON!! (if all goes as planned... we should have our letter in hand within 30 days!!)

So, to everybody who has been so very generous and has helped generously donated to PBH, and IF you haven't already been given a receipt (PayPal donors, hold onto your PayPal email receipts) please email Eric@PitBullHappenings.com for a receipt... as once we get our Approval Letter in hand... ALL Donations the Rescue was given will be allowed for "Tax write-off" purposes effective from the date of our Incorporation with the state of Florida! (October 15, 2010)

This has been a long road to obtaining our Federal Tax Exemption status but we're almost at the end of this road and we could not have made it with all of your friendships and support! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts as it's you, our friends who are guiding PBH as a Rescue! It is you, who are making PBH what we are... We want to be known as the "People's 'Pit Bull' Rescue" Thank you for all your kindness, compassion, and generosity in standing by the PBH Rescue Dogs!

PS - We'll keep this blog Updated and will keep all updates at the top of this blog!!
PS2 - To view all the pictures taken of our progress in obtaining our 501c3 Click here!
Click here to view the past blogs of our journey to the 501c3 Not-for-Profit Status and Click here to view our first blog when we created the "User Fee" Chip In!

Respectfully Yours,

~ Eric Emminger

Founder/President of Pit Bull Happenings, Inc.

Eric@PitBullHappenings.com

http://www.pitbullhappenings.com/

www.Facebook.com/PitBullHappeningsInc

An apology from the PBH Rescue Dogs

2011-07-21T16:35:00.000-04:00

"Sorry that I'm a healthy Adult Dog... sorry I was only put on a short chain to a tree in the middle of the cold winter with no food, no water, and no shelter and left to become horribly emaciated... sorry, my former owners home was foreclosed on... I'm very thankful to the very nice realtor lady to whom discovered me and reached out to rescues to help me. Thank you to the good people of Suncoast Animal League for getting me to the vet and getting my weight back up and giving me a warm place to sleep at night. Sorry, I was chasing the horses of what I thought was my Forever Home... I was only having fun... they only needed to spend time with me to train me not to do that... Thank you to Pit Bull Happenings for giving me a safe and loving home and for feeding me and ensuring my medical needs are taken care of... Sorry nobody wants to help by sponsoring me monthly until Pit Bull Happenings can find me a good Forever Home... sorry nobody wants to be my foster home until my forever home can be found... Sorry for being me." ~ Oliver, PBH Rescue Dog

"Sorry that we came from a Shelter in the Panhandle of Florida... sorry, that we are black and people suffer from the "black dog syndrome"... we didn't ask to be black... Sorry, you're about to miss us grow into healthy, happy adults... sorry that you're going to miss our puppy years... Sorry we only had early stages of demodex mange and not a severe case where we had no hair and extremely bad looking and achy... sorry, we didn't come from a more sad situation that pulls on your heart, having you sponsor us monthly or even donate a little to our Rescue to help care for us... Sorry, you don't want to help by Fostering us until our Forever Home comes... when our Forever Home is found... Sorry, for being me" ~ Meadow & Amaya, PBH Rescue Dogs

"Sorry, I was only found as a stray by a kind lady who took me to the Vet to get me current on my shots and neutered. Sorry, I was heartworm negative... sorry, I didn't come from a gory pasttime... sorry for being a healthy dog and for being about 2 years old... I didn't realize how old two was... sorry for being full of energy, and for being a happy go getter me... Sorry you don't want to help my rescue by sponsoring me monthly... sorry nobody wants to Foster me until my Forever Home comes to get me... sorry for being me" ~ Junky, PBH Rescue Dog

"Sorry my owners abandoned me at their old house... sorry I was living under the house because the landlord kicked me out of the house... sorry I was horribly flea infested... sorry I was only 10 or 15 lbs under weight... I would have been much worst if a kind lady didn't come by to feed me every day for a week and a half... sorry I was filled with worms and parasites... sorry I'm only heartworm positive... and not more unhealthy or sickly... sorry you don't want to sponsor me to help the Rescue who has been so kind to take me in and to get me to the Vet and who feeds me and has given me a nice place to live inside while I get healthier... sorry that my story isn't good enough to help this kind rescue care for me... Sorry for being me" ~ Cheyenne, PBH Rescue Dog

"We're sorry our stories are more of the same... We're sorry Pit Bull Happenings doesn't want to use sympathy to garner support and donations to help care for us while under the Rescue's care... We're sorry we aren't those hugely sickly dogs... sorry we aren't those 'cute little puppies' that everybody wants to help and save... we're sorry for mostly being healthy adults... we only want to find our forever homes... we don't want you to only want us because we come from a horrific past... we've forgotten our past... and are living day by day... we don't dwell on the past.... we don't want your sympathy... we just want you to love us for who we are... We aren't old... really, we aren't... two years old is young and we still have a long life to live... We're sorry our stories aren't 'good enough' to have any sponsors to help out the rescue... Sorry for only being ourselves... Sorry for only being PBH Rescue Dogs" ~ PBH Rescue Dogs

Pit Bull Happenings, Inc. ...here for the dogs!

Disclaimer: This blog was written solely to bring Awareness to the Fact that Healthy Adult dogs are in need of help with funding, care, rescue, etc... To bring awareness too that more often than not... they are over looked in Rescues and Shelters because people are wanting to rescue and help a sickly dog, one that comes with a heart wrenching story and then of course you have the "everybody wants a puppy" mentality or so it seems. In NO WAY, Shape, or Form is this blog intended to be interpreted as wishing ill will upon the sickly dogs or puppies... PBH cares about ALL dogs, of ALL history, of ALL stories (sad or happy)!

Prayers and positive thoughts for Freedom (senior)

2011-07-17T12:01:00.000-04:00

I have opted to seek help in having Freedom's Vet Bill Paid!! Yes, she is my "Personal" Dog, Yes, she is a Rescued Dog! Yes, she plays a vital role in the PBH Rescue! I will be forever grateful for ANY and ALL Help in paying her Vet Bill off... Starting up and continuing to move forward with the Rescue, sadly has put me behind on a few personal bills which I'm working on rectifying... The Rescue's Vet were so kind to treat Freedom under our Rescue Pricing without knowing her story below... They did this even after knowing she was my "Personal" Dog... and for that I'm very thankful, as our Rescue as well as my persons is going through financial hardships... Please consider helping me pay down Freedom's Vet Bill to help me maintain the Rescue Dogs and work on rectifying the financials of the Rescue and my Personal financial obligations. The Rescue has drained me financially... Any questions or whatnot please email me at Eric@PitBullHappenings.com

Freedom was also given supplements which will be in her best interests to stay on for the long term due to her age, etc... The supplements given to her by the Vet are Dasuquin (MSM Large Dog: 84 count) & Welactin (Dog 16 oz) If anybody knows where we can get these for a very affordable price or somebody who knows of supplements that we can get for her as soon as her current supply is used up... Please let me know!! Thank you all for your kindness and generosity and prayers!! Freedom's doing very well and is still as stubborn as ever... Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything!

Update 07/19/2011 1930 hrs: The good news is the tests came back and it appears Freedom does not have Cancer... and what a relief...

However, she did somehow get an ACL tear... which I'm pounding my mind trying to figure it out considering the fact she's not an active dog... she doesn't rough house with any of the dogs and vice versa... they know better... she can be a bitch ;) The Vet, wants to try to avoid surgery due to her age... so, we'll see...

She also has hip dysplasia... and an infection in her vaginal area... She is on Metacam (pain meds), Dasuquin MSM (Supplement), Welactin (Supplement), and Orbax (antibiotics for infection).

Her Vet of course, ordered rest... which fortunately, Freedom has already mastered! The biggest concern and task will be keeping her off of the couch so that she doesn't further damage her ACL tear... I was offered by a very kind and very generous lady a ramp for Freedom which will ensure Freedom doesn't lose the one thing she loves the most... the couch... My mom reports that during the day she does good by laying down on the bed she has on the floor but night time... she does get on the couch, so the couch will be barricaded off for now... Thank you all for keeping the prayers coming!! and let's hope she heals without needing to go through surgery... She'll go back to the Vet in a week and half to see if her infection has cleared up.

Thank you all again for the prayers and positive thoughts... Please, for Freedom, keep them coming and let's hope she heals quickly without the need for undergoing surgery... Let's pray her pain goes away.

Update 07/18/2011 2030 hrs: After my mom brought Freedom to me at work today... I must admit, she seemed to be feeling a little bit better... she seemed more alert and focused and even was moving around slightly better so it seemed... however, she's still in a lot of pain... The vet wanted us to bring her back in the morning at 0700 hrs... so that they can do a few x rays on her leg that's seriously is hurting her... during that process they are going to go ahead and give her sedation because they basically will have to press her legs flat (I'm not sure how to describe it) press down on the legs or similar... which with her leg already hurting her... well, I'm sure we can imagine how painful that will be :( hence the reason for the sedation... She has quite a few growths that have formed as well... most of which are pretty small... the one growth is about the size of a quarter, maybe slightly larger... The vet will test that one for cancer... They are also going to give her a Urinalysis to see if she might have an infection that caused the mucous to drop out...

Since they wanted her back to the Vet at 0700 hrs and I didn't leave out of there until 1820 hrs, I asked if she could stay over night and I'll pick her up at about 1630 hrs since I have to work tomorrow from 0730 to 1530 hrs. She'll be fasting tonight and first thing in the morning they'll get the urine sample... and then they'll perform the other tests and the X-Rays for her leg that's hurting her badly... Sadly, she is in pain right now... she's a trooper and has always been a strong willed dog... I will say I'm very optimistic after seeing her today... I'll know A LOT more tomorrow so please your prayers and thoughts are still needed... I'm still hanging onto hope that this isn't anything serious... Thank you for all the prayers!!

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Update 07/18/2011 0855 hrs: I contacted Quail Hollow Animal Hospital at 0830 hrs and we have scheduled Freedom an appointment for this afternoon at 1630 hrs. I called my mom and she will be bringing Freedom to me at the time I get off of work today and then I'll drive out to our Vet. I'll keep everybody posted on the outcome of this appointment. Please keep her in your prayers and thoughts!! Thank you!!
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Freedom who is in between 13 and 14 years of age needs prayers and positive thoughts... sadly, she is not doing so swell... and we're scheduling her a vet appointment first thing Monday morning... As of right now, her balance and coordination are way off, she's always been a "Couch Potato" and quite lazy, however more recently, her laziness increased dramatically, she is also having troubles getting onto the actual couch and one of her rear legs is definitely bothering her... she also has arthritis pretty bad... which all the rain we've been getting has her really hurting...

I took Freedom to my parents house yesterday so that my mother can keep a closer eye on her until she gets in to see the Vet... as well as planned on taking her over there for a couple of weeks anyhows to give her a vacation of sorts from the Dog House and Rescue activities... Well, yesterday I noticed for the first time, a couple drops of mucous dripped from her rear area which the Vet will have to determine precisely where it came from... and has me really concerned... I also will have her checked for anything cancerous, as she has a few new growths appearing... I'm sadly, thinking of the worst... in hopes to better prepare myself as I know in my heart... there is no cure for old age... I'm hoping for the best and hoping this is nothing too serious... and will do whatever I can to help Freedom as her welfare is paramount... however, if it something serious... and if she is in a lot of pain... I'll have no choice but to make the hard choice that every loving owner dreads to make... but I'll make whatever decision is in Freedom's best interest... how do you prepare for something for this? I honestly, don't think I'm capable of preparing for the worst case scenario... especially for Freedom. Freedom's a very special dog.

Freedom, I first hand rescued from an abandoned house... I remember that day as if it were yesterday... I was in my parent's neighborhood playing some basketball with their next door neighbor, my best friend's teenage son... It was the end of September, 2001. The basketball had rolled up the driveway of the house across the street, bouncing off the garage door in which I immediately heard barking coming from inside the house. I knew the house was vacant and that the people had moved out and that the house sat empty for about week and half... I walked over to the front window and looked inside the empty house... to see this beautiful blondish colored dog looking at me. I checked the window and fortunately, it wasn't locked so I opened the window and reached in to pull the dog from the house, learning that she was a female and very frightened and emaciated dog... she was extremely head shy as everytime I went to gently pet her on the head her, she would close her eyes and drop her head to the ground... to this day she is still a tad bit head shy however not nearly as extreme as when she was first rescued.

After removing her from the house, I heard a meow from within the same the house... and pulled out a tiny calico kitten... now skin and bones... I found it amazing how this female "Pit Bull" literally was choosing to starve to death rather than to do what most humans would have chosen to do if in the same situation this wonderful and most amazing "Pit Bull" was put in...

The name I chose, had come to me quickly and naturally with the facts of my being a huge Patriot who loves his country and has a lot of pride... combined with the horrific tragedy that took place on September 11th a couple weeks earlier... in addition to freeing her from most certain death... her name is Freedom. My sister, then named the calico kitten, Liberty.

I gave her some food as well as some water... poor Freedom was extremely frightened and constantly shaking... emaciated badly... her behavior clearly told me she wasn't only left to die in an empty house... but prior to the abandonment had obviously undergone physical abuse and more than likely emotional and pyschological abuse...

I took her to the Vet to get her checked out and surprisingly was in decent health other than needing to get "fattened" back up and suffering from malnourishment which food would fix quickly... well, shortly later... it turned out she wasn't in good health afterall... I noticed she began seeping some sort of mucous from the vaginal area. I rushed her back to the vet and it was then we learned she had a bad uterus infection and she went into surgery right away... $1000 later, she was back to being healthy... and living a life of the Couch Potato...

Freedom was my very first Rescue and is a true Pit Bull Ambassador... she is very well mannered and loves all people... she is very polite and gentle... has always been just truly amazing. Every new dog brought into the Dog House... Freedom was always there to meet them first with her very calm demeanor and amazing temperament and did every introduction perfect... she plays a very vital role for our Rescue that include proper introductions and socialization... of course, Freedom being the kind of dog she is had to include some of her own rules, in addition to the rules that I had already laid down... and every dog learned quickly to not to invade her personal space especially while she was enjoying her leisure time on the couch... or out back sunbathing... of course, as she continues to age... depending on her days and moods... the other dogs were realizing that some days she would only have a very small personal space on the couch... while other days her space involved the whole couch... I often kidded around with the other dogs apologizing for Freedom... explaining she's getting a bit senile for her old age... All the dogs of past and current of the Dog House have and continue to respect Freedom and understood she was the Queen of the Dog House, is the Queen of the Dog House.

Her rescue story has also been published in "Lost Souls: Inspiring Stories About Pit Bulls" by Kyla Duffy of Happy Tails Books. You can see a preview of the book by clicking the following link... Freedom's story is on page 7 of this pdf preview and the story is titled "Lady Liberty" Click Here to read Freedom's published story and scroll down to page 7..

I have so many wonderful memories of Freedom and everybody she met and got to know, fell in love with her. When she first was Rescued... my own mother, although she felt badly for and was upset at the humans responsible for this... yet, unsure what to think with the simple fact... Freedom is a "Pit Bull" well, it didn't take Freedom long to get my mother to change her thoughts which regrettably the media was mostly responsible for as well as other ignorant people... and Freedom has changed the minds of countless other people who she met over the years in regards to the people sadly falling prey to the "hype", the lies, myths, etc.. that surround these most spectacular "Pit Bulls" and everybody falls in love with her almost immediately... I'm very blessed for having Freedom in my life.

Please keep Freedom in your thoughts and prayers... I'm remaining optimistic and will continue hoping this is only a minor ailment that is easily cured. I'm contacting our Vet first thing Monday morning to get her an appointment scheduled for as soon as possible. Once the Vet sees her, we'll discuss in full detail diagnosis and the all options available for making her better... I'll keep every body posted as I learn the extent of this ailment. Thank you all for praying for Freedom and keeping her in your thoughts.

In prayer and positive thoughts,
Eric Emminger
Founder/President of Pit Bull Happenings, Inc.
Eric@PitBullHappenings.com

Our sweet little Cheyenne...and her story

2011-07-15T22:57:00.000-04:00

Click here to view all of Cheyenne's pictures in her Facebook Album!

Update #3: 09/08/2011 ~ Cheyenne's doing well... we still could use help with paying down her Vet bill... but more importantly now, is we find her a calm, safe Foster Home with no other animals until she finishes heartworm treatment... she'll be going in very very soon for this treatment and we really prefer to find her a Foster Home... please consider helping our sweet little Cheyenne... she's full of life and love...

Update #2: 08/15/2011 ~ Well, I've been feeding Cheyenne, in hopes of having her gain weight to get her to her normal weight when I noticed last week, she was definitely gaining weight... however, she wasn't gaining the weight where she was supposed to be gaining weight... I noticed her stomach had dropped and her teets were firm/perky or whatnot... so, I took her to Quail Hollow Animal Hospital (One of our Rescue's Vet Clinics) to examine her... well, sure enough and confirmed by the X-Rays, she is pregnant...

After discussing our options and keeping in mind the well-being and safety of Cheyenne as paramount... The X-Rays showed three possibly four puppies... all of which are way underdeveloped and would more than likely be stillborns... She is showing real time symptoms of being ready to give birth or go into labor within 24 hours (keep in mind, this is from our Vet visit this past Friday) Friday, we decided to go ahead and schedule the Spay surgery for Monday and allow nature to takes its course over the weekend.

We met with Brenda at about 0700 hours this morning so that she could transport our Cheyenne to the Vet. No birth happened over the weekend... We honestly, and all indicators show that the puppies within Cheyenne are more than likely stillborns... plus Cheyenne has been used in multiple breedings and she's only about 3 years old. She also has a large scar that we are unsure precisely but suspect she had some sort of complication during one of the pregnancies of the past... the other educated guess was that she may have been spayed... however, the scar was a bit large for a spay surgery... and now, it obviously wasn't the spay surgery since she is indeed pregnant...

If you look at the pictures of her when we first rescued her three weeks ago... she really didn't have any signs/symptoms that indicated she was pregnant... but it is what it is and we'll deal with it and are doing what we feel is in Cheyenne's best interest! With us being as young of a Rescue that we are... in all honesty, we are still learning the ways of Rescue work and Cheyenne sure is putting us to the test... as well as, given us a serious issue to contemplate... on when is appropriate to perform a Spay/Abort... we won't discuss that on this update... as this blog is about Cheyenne... but it has definitely given us something to think about... As for Cheyenne, the Spay/Abort is necessary as her life is indeed at high risk for complications... and the X-Rays clearly showed very underdeveloped puppies... We discussed all options available with our Vet and we both agreed this is the right thing to do.

I'll pick Cheyenne up from the Vet later this afternoon... at which time, I will also get an estimate to perform her heartworm treatment and will adjust the Quail Hollow Chip-In accordingly (Once I create it. I'm creating Individual Chip-Ins for both of our Rescue Vets which will be ongoing Chip-Ins for Medical Treatment and will have ALL the pertinent info in blog form for each Vet Clinic!) I'll get the latest Vet Bill uploaded as soon as I get it and will link to it from this update! Please consider donating to help us cover the costs of Cheyenne's spay surgery from today!! Every little bit helps us tremendously!

Thank you in advance for following Cheyenne's story and caring about her well-being!

Update #1: 08/01/11 ~ Cheyenne's doing great! In great spirits, alert, she's a pretty calm dog too... we're still keeping an extra eye around with the boys... she's not interested in playing with them... and I guess I can't really blame her...

She is gaining good weight! So, we're hoping to get her in to be altered in one or two weeks... the sooner the better... so that we can begin the heartworm treatment... which still as of yet, we aren't sure of the precise amount needed... but I do think we got her close... we could really use help for paying for her treatment... The sooner she gets altered, the sooner she gets heartworm treatment, the sooner she'll find her Forever Home... She's really a great temperament dog! Dog friendly, cats unknown at this time... She's a dog and loves people!! Please consider helping Cheyenne! There is no amount too small or large... we are forever grateful for every penny! Thank you!

This is Cheyenne at her first Event with PBH on 7/23/11! PetSupermarket near USF in Tampa. She did excellent! She had a great time! She's ready to get all doctored up so she can find her Forever Home!

Click here to view the Vet Bill: 07/15/11

On July 14th of 2011, we received an email from a concerned lady, Nikki, about a "Pit Bull". Apparently, her former owners had moved out. We're uncertain of the "how come"... whether they were evicted, or had to move due to a loss of a job, or whatever other reason... They abandoned this little, sweet "Pit Bull" now known as our Cheyenne. The landlord had workers at the house, I presume were getting it ready to rent out... he kicked Cheyenne out of the house.

Fortunately, Cheyenne stayed by the house not venturing out so it seems... maybe hoping her owners were coming back... Things could have been very bad had she decided to be curious and go exploring, as the road is a pretty busy road.

The day we were contacted, I was unable to get down to Mac Dill Drive in Tampa due to my having to be at work that afternoon. So, after some quick thinking, I contacted a good friend. Cathy, the founder of Pibbles to the Rescue to see if there was a way she could get down there to evaluate her... At that time, I wasn't concerned whether or not this abandoned "Pit Bull" was Dog Aggression or Dog Selective... I wanted to make sure she wasn't human aggression... I won't fail a dog on temperament if they happen to not like another dog... I think it's unfair, after all they are indeed animals. Turns out she is very people friendly... of course, she was/is a bit shy of new people which is perfectly understandable as she was abandoned, left to fend for herself... lucky her, a very kind lady learned of Cheyenne and she stopped by daily to check on this sweet little girl as well as bought her a bag of food and ensured she was eating and drinking some... it's unclear right now... how long Cheyenne was alone for... living underneath this old rickety house.

Well, after Cathy checked on Cheyenne's well-being and gave her a quick assessment, she was quick to notice poor little Cheyenne was flea-infested... I contacted this kind lady, Nikki, to see how she wants us to proceed. I explained to her my biggest concern is she may be heartworm positive and how the Rescue isn't doing so great financially but if we work together we can ensure sweet Cheyenne will live a long happy life...

It's now the next day, Friday July 15th. I secured all the dogs of the Dog House and drove down to Tampa to where Cheyenne was making a pit stop at our Vet, Quail Hollow Animal Hospital, in Wesley Chapel to pick up a Cap Star to help with the fleas... and then picked up a package of hotdogs not sure if I'll be able to persuade Cheyenne that I'm a good guy... here to help... to trust me...

I was unable to find Cheyenne when I first arrived... for about 15 minutes or so... then as I'm standing by the truck, I seen this dog jump up on the porch... by her looks, I think she was a bit startled at first and didn't realize I was there...

I broke off a couple pieces of the hotdog I bought for her and tossed them up on the front porch to allow her to get a taste of what I had... I then walked slowly and calmly over to the porch and sat down... hot dogs in hand as well as a leash and collar. I set the leash and collar down on the floor of the porch so that I could break off some more hot dog for poor little Cheyenne. I tossed them about one, maybe two feet away from me... to lure her closer to me... I then broke off another piece and held it in my hand and Cheyenne, slowly yet cautiously moved towards my hand and gently took the hot dog. After a few more pieces of hotdog... I was able to get the collar around her neck and hooked the leash to it... gently patting her on the head saying how she is a good girl. It took only about 10 minutes to get the collar and leash on this sweet girl. I then took another piece of hot dog and put the cap star in it to kill the fleas.

As usual, I'm pushing time... something that I think I'm unfortunately notorious for... I had hoped to get her to Quail Hollow Animal Hospital before they closed at 6. I got Cheyenne loaded into the Bronco (She didn't have a name at this time... she was named Cheyenne on our way home as we were about 5 minutes from the Dog House) and headed back up to Wesley Chapel to the Rescue's Vet. We arrived at 5:35PM... twenty five minutes before closing.

While at the Animal Hospital, Cheyenne weighed in at 42 lbs. We had a fecal done which with her being infested with fleas expected to de-worm her... got her current on all her vaccinations, rabies shot, bordetella and heartworm tested... sadly, her test came back positive for heartworms. We are estimating her age to be around 2 1/2 maybe 3 years. Regrettably, she was also used for breeding multiple times... The Vet and I have agreed that we'll get her spayed before we treat her for heartworms... She'll get spayed after her immune system is back up and parasite free... We got a prescription of heartgard which she'll start next Friday, to allow some time after the flea meds and de-wormer wear off some... we also got a prescription of Doxycycline which is the beginning of treating for the heartworms. The Vet also decided to go ahead and give her another dose of the cap star... as the fleas were no joke... it was horrible...

Other than being used as a breeding machine, then being abandoned and left to fend for herself... being flea infested, hook and tape worms, and heartworm positive... Cheyenne is in very good spirit. Very alert, friendly, calm, and warms up quickly!! Cheyenne is doing well!

As soon as we got back to the Dog House, she got to immediately meet Freeway, one of the resident dogs... We did a quick intro which she did very well and then of course, I hollered at Freeway to back off since I was heading straight to the bathtub to give Cheyenne a warm bath to rid her of the dying fleas thanks to Cap Star. Ended up giving her a double bath... the dirt and fleas were rolling off of her... bathed her with soothing Aloe Vera and Oatmeal Shampoo... and she's now laying down calmly on the one end of the couch while Freedom, my senior is laying on the other end...

Click here to go to the rest of her pictures... her album is on Facebook!

Special Thanks to Nikki the kind lady who learned of our Cheyenne needing help, needing a Rescue... feeding, watering, and checking on her daily and getting permission from the landlord to remove the dog from the property.

Special Thanks to the entire Staff at Quail Hollow Animal Hospital!! Again, going above and beyond... true love and care for our Cheyenne!! We can't thank you enough! We're truly blessed to have such an awesome Vet and Staff that truly cares about the dogs and rescues!

Cheyenne will be ready to find her Forever Home after she is spayed and after her heartworm treatment!!

Special thanks to Cathy of Pibbles to the Rescue for taking time to help us, help Cheyenne!! Great Rescues working together... the way it should be. I'm honored to call you a Friend!

We'll keep Cheyenne's story updated and will keep all the updates on top of this blog so please keep checking back to see how Cheyenne progresses!

Also, if you're on Facebook please "like" Quail Hollow Animal Hospital and Pibbles to the Rescue and if you haven't already done so, be sure to "like" our Facebook Page, Pit Bull Happenings, Inc.

Signed,
x Eric Emminger
Founder/President
Pit Bull Happenings, Inc.
Eric@PitBullHappenings.com

We do NOT have our 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Status, as of yet!

Our Application is Pending IRS Approval!

The Story of Oliver and how he came to find the Dog House!

2011-04-13T10:15:00.000-04:00

A realtor happened to go check on a house that was being foreclosed on at the beginning of December, 2010. The people had already moved out of the house. While inspecting the property, the realtor discovered they had left behind a very young dog, on a short chain... no food, no shelter, no water... he was badly emaciated and left to endure the cold winter nights for Lord knows how long...

The realtor took this boy into the Vet to be looked over and checked out... he was estimated to be in between 9 and 12 months old. This very kind lady then got him into a temporary foster home while she reached out to Rescues including us, Pit Bull Happenings, Inc. While at the temporary foster home, he gained about half the weight he had lost. The realtor lady emailed us December 21, 2010 pleading for help and sadly at that time we were at our limit and unable to bring him into our Rescue. Thankfully the Angels at the Suncoast Animal League (SAL) stepped up and brought him into their Rescue.

They named this poor soul, Oliver. They made sure he was fully vetted, had him tested for heartworms which he was negative for, got him current on his vaccinations including rabies and after he got back to his normal weight they had him neutered.

The following pictures were taken while he was under the direct care of the great people of the Suncoast Animal League:

Oliver was ready for Adoption!! He's Dog Friendly, loves people, and loves to cuddle and play!! SAL found him a Foster to Adopt home on a few acres of land. However, he became intrigued with the horses they had and wanted to chase them. His new owners weren't sure how to correct this behavior nor did they have the time to train him to leave the horses alone and fearful he would get hurt decided it was best for his safety to return him to SAL.

SAL then reached out to us to see if we could help them by taking Oliver into our Rescue and fortunately, we were working a couple adoption applications and adopted out our PBH Rescue Dog Faye to a wonderful family, freeing up a spot for Oliver to come into our Rescue.

We were very happy to work with and help SAL. They are currently doing great things with a lot of different dogs needing medical treatment so they reached out to PBH to see if we could help. It's great to be able to help other Rescues and work together. The more we (Rescues) work together, the more dogs we may save... We have also added SAL to our webpage "Friends of PBH" as we are seeking out Friends within the Rescue Community!! Please be sure to check the Suncoast Animal League on Facebook!! SAL, like PBH ...here for the dogs! Actually, SAL helps all animals both domesticated and wild! True Angels! True Dedication! True Love for Animals!

Today, Oliver is now officially a PBH Rescue Dog and will be available for adoption on April 25, 2011. We have a mandatory minimum two week hold period for ALL New Intakes. This two week period affords us the opportunity to get to know the individual dog better, learn his behaviors, temperament, his limits, needs, etc... The individual dog will then have the time to tell us if he/she needs an extension on the hold period but as for Oliver, we are quite confident he's ready now but we are still going to wait the two week hold period out to get to know him better hence allowing us to better match him with a Foster or Forever Home!!

Pit Bull Happenings, Inc. ...here for the Dogs!

When Rescuing "Pit Bulls" ...

2011-02-09T21:33:00.000-05:00

I'm going to touch on two parts in this blog, The first is whether or not somebody or a Rescue group should rescue a "Pit Bull" and then the second part will be about the "Bait Dog".

I hear, unfortunately, too many times about Rescues and Individuals who have chosen to rescue a particular dog that just happens to be a "Pit Bull" who obviously don't know about "Pit Bulls", don't know the history, don't understand them, and so forth... As a Rescuer and Rescue group that I am, I recommend everybody to research the breed/type of dog they are thinking about adopting... When dealing with "Pit Bulls", the fact is "Pit Bulls" are NOT for everybody. They should NOT be rescued by just anybody either... By rescuing, logically thinking, you should understand exactly what you are rescuing.

Too many times do I hear from somebody or even another rescue group saying that had to take the very dog that they rescued (a "Pit Bull") and have him/her euthanized because it attacked another dog and/or cat in their household... then they go on to say "what if it was my kid". Well first, Dog/Small Animal Aggression in NOWAY should be confused with Human Aggression (I don't know how many times I say this... I'm speaking the TRUTH... geez...) Are the cats being euthanized for attacking other cats? Don't cats fight all the time? How about the Deer? Do they fight each other? or the birds? or practically any ANIMAL?? We need to remember we are speaking about ANIMALS... We must NOT forget that dogs and yes even "Pit Bulls" are Animals First. My point is regardless of it being a "Pit Bull" or not... I simply do NOT support putting a dog down because it got into a fight with another dog or small animal... you are simply putting them down due to Your Failure and not properly and responsibly containing and protecting your animals and other people's animals.

I then hear after the "Pit Bull" attacks there other dog, that they then blame the alleged "abuser" or lack of socializing, training, etc... Regardless of all that, one needs to realize that we have several different levels of Dog Aggression (which is the Complete Opposite of Human Aggression...) and Dog Aggression is NOT only limited to "Pit Bulls" either, however with the American Pit Bull Terrier's history as it is and which should be Known by ALL who Own and RESCUE these type of dogs... the APBT is more prone to having Dog Aggression, it's in their genetic make up which again, should be known by ALL who own and Rescue them. Just because they may be dog friendly the one day, doesn't mean they may be dog friendly the next day. If you do not know the history of the APBT, for the love of the APBT... don't own them, don't rescue them... If you don't understand about Dog Aggression and Animals being Animals in general, then for the love of the APBT, don't own or Rescue them... We, in the Pit Bull Community, are having a hard enough time dealing with the media, the lawmakers, and the general public and we really shouldn't be dealing with Rescues trying to save a "Pit Bull" only to put the dog down for showing Dog Aggression... It's something I can't comprehend and I don't and won't support........

Now about the "Bait Dog"... I'm going to keep this short and may go back to this subject in the future... All to often, I hear Rescue's claiming that a dog they rescued was used as a "Bait Dog" without ANY evidence of that being the case... I know I personally feel its' being over played and is being used to garner sympathy, and whatnot... and since I mentioned "sympathy" I'll go ahead and say that I really don't think the "Pit Bulls" want any sympathy at all... they aren't "Pit"iful creatures, so to speak.

The "Bait Dog", I strongly believe was created by the Humane Society of the United States. Before they told the world about "Bait Dogs" .......... I'm going to stop right here about the bait dog for now... I started feeling that it would have increased the length of my writing tonight tremendously and I don't have time but I'll definitely give the "Bait Dog" subject a blog of its own when I have more time to think it out thoroughly... So, all I'm asking is don't use the "Bait Dog" to gain sympathy or donations... it's wrong.

Just because a dog has scars or got into a dog fight with another dog, doesn't make it a "Bait Dog" if it did well most of us would have "Bait Dogs" in our possession... Dogs fight period and they dangwell don't have to be trained to fight, that's just ludicrous. Please remember dogs are animals so don't expect them to act differently than all the other animals in this world.

As my final words, I'm going to repeat myself as I want this to be written in stone... Do NOT own nor Rescue a "Pit Bull" if you don't Understand them, if you don't know their history, etc... You aren't doing them ANY favor by doing so and Don't put a "Pit Bull" down because YOU Failed to protect your other dogs as well as the "Pit Bull" you rescued....

The Story of our Little, Sweet Willow

2011-02-02T21:18:00.000-05:00

The Story of our Little, Sweet Willow

Willow with a litter of puppies, only days old were dumped at Polk County Animal Services, as if she and the pups were yesterdays trash... Willow is such a sweet and loving girl... we can't comprehend why she would just be dumped but we're speaking about humans here... so who knows...

Well, then the good people of S.A.F.E. Society of Florida happened to run across Willow and her pup's path... they knew if they didn't act fast, that Willow and her pups didn't have much time so they so graciously pulled Willow and her entire litter from the Polk County Animal Services... essentially saving her and the pup's lives.

The S.A.F.E. Society of Florida then brought Willow and her puppies back to their facility and gave them all, much needed TLC. Once the puppies were old enough to get adopted out, the puppies went out the door extremely fast to their new Forever Homes, since "everybody wants a cute puppy...", leaving poor Willow still in need of her Forever Home.

With SAFE being an All-Breed Rescue, people typically don't go their looking for a "Pit Bull" so pretty girl Willow kept getting looked over, by people looking for other type of dogs and puppies...

Brianna who is a friend of SAFE's founder Tara and just happens to be a part of Pit Bull Happenings, Inc.'s Staff, persuaded Eric, the Founder of Pit Bull Happenings, to have Willow transferred from the All Breed Rescue to his "Pit Bull" specific Rescue.

Between Tara, Brianna, and Eric it was decided that it would probably be in Willow's best interest to go to a "Pit Bull" Rescue which ensured she would get the exposure she so much deserved and was thought she might find her a Loving Forever Home quicker in a "Pit Bull" Rescue...

Mid-October, Willow became an Official PBH Rescue Dog under the Pit Bull Happenings, Inc. Rescue. Eric wouldn't post her pictures or anything, at first, due to her not being spayed at the time plus he had just officially became a Florida Nonprofit Corporation (on October 15, 2010) and then launching the Nonprofit Rescue has been overwhelming and very costly work keeping him broke. He has been struggling with finding Rescue Friendly Vets too...

After some convincing, Eric finally gave in and posted Willow's pictures on the website as well as the social network site, Facebook.

Then within a few short weeks, Eric got an email... It included the Adoption Application specifically asking for Willow!! Eric was ecstatic that he forwarded the email to the other PBH Staff, wasting no time, so that they could immediately work as a Team to verify the application for the truth and accuracies, they then contacted the potential Adopter who lives in Tampa, (Eric and Willow were in Port Richey, Pasco County) and coincidentally, Eric was heading to Tampa to set up the PBH Gazebo and whatnot at the Mid-Florida American Pit Bull Terrier Assoc. Monthly Fun Show... So, Eric arranged for the Meet and Greet to happen there. And what an amazing Meet and Greet it was. A most amazing and respectable family.

Following the Fun Show, Belinda, the Volunteer Coordinator did the Home Inspection which was awesome... Eric rushed and got Willow spayed because he's pretty strict about not adopting out unaltered dogs... and Everything about this Adoption Process could not have been going any better... it just all seemed to be so Perfect!!

Eric approved Willow's Adoption and Willow is now living the life she so much deserves... a life of love, family, and happiness... Willow has Officially Found her Forever Home on January 22, 2011!! ...and it couldn't have been a more perfect match!!

UPDATE: 501(c)(3) "User Fee" Goal REACHED!! Success!!

2011-02-01T19:07:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: 501(c)(3) "User Fee" Goal REACHED!! Success!!

We have reached the Goal wayyyyyyyy Earlier than we anticipated!!

We are extremely excited that now we just have a little bit more of the paperwork to gather and prepare and then we're mailing our Application with a $400 check to the IRS so that we may become an Official 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Organization!! We are hoping to finish the Application this weekend and have it in the mail by this coming Monday!!

(I'm not able to close this ChipIn due to the Fact... I LOVE SEEING IT!!)

We had three very generous donors for this worthy cause... Donors of $50, $100, and $400... I think we're still in Shock & Awe from this... In the Rescue world, we come into close contact and the realizations of how much animal abuse is really out there... in the current hard economic times, we see so many people keeping their wallets closed... when we think there's no hope for humankind... and then we have generous souls, who so selflessly look beyond themselves and look towards doing something good, something that will be beneficial... not to a human, but to a dog...

I know, I may live in what I call the Dog House... the lone human living amongst a house full of dogs... helping the dogs out the best I can... I always knew, there are plenty of Good People out there, who care, love, are compassionate and passionate both... Sadly, it's the evil and more vocal (louder) people getting the attention... Rescuing these dogs, whether donations come pouring in or not... and no matter how much Red I'm in... the benefits far outweigh the negatives!

However, once I get the letter from the IRS saying that we've been approved... It will open up so many doors for us... I have found out... Doing Good and only being a Florida Nonprofit Corporation is not good enough... it just seems people want to see the 501(c)(3) certificate... as if that makes one legitimate... two organizations come to mind who are not legit...(HSUS and PETA)... Anyways, this will end very soon!! After I receive the approval letter... I'll have to find a Volunteer who knows how to write for Federal Grants ;)

We'll also be able to pull from our local and surround counties Animal Services!! I just wouldn't feel right to pull from a shelter under another Rescue's 501(c)(3) which is why I started the Application in January. October 15th of last year I became an Official Florida Nonprofit Corporation! So, we're moving up and all the happenings now... seems to have jumped into high gear... but it's all worth it!!

I'm still (I know it doesn't seem like it, but really....) at a loss for words. I do not know how to thank these very special individuals for what they did... This is all quite amazing! Before getting into Rescue... I used to be homebody... go to work, go home, go to bed and then do it all over again. This Rescue has been extremely good for me... The dogs have all been great... of course we have our up and down days... The people I have met, for the most part, have been tremendous. I've made some Great Friends!! I hope to have all the Supporters remain with us for a long journey ahead of us. I hope you stay with us as we grow... as you help us to grow!!

I may have Founded Pit Bull Happenings, Inc. but it's YOU who are going to make PBH what it is and to where we go!! We cannot Thank you enough!! You better believe we'll be posting the Letter as soon as we have it in our Possession!! ;)

Thank you all for the great support... I've been humbled...

Note: I tried to write this blog in 3rd party style... I did a couple sections but I was unable to... This Update came from the heart and it didn't feel right in the third party style...

Help us collect the fee to send with our 501(c)3 Application!!

2011-01-27T21:55:00.000-05:00

501(c)3 Not-for-Profit Status

$400 Fee Required w/Application

We are proud to announce that we are almost complete on filling out our 501(c)3 Application that will grant us the Federal Not-for-Profit Status!!

We are extremely excited about this as once we get accepted, we'll then be allowed to work and partner with the Local Animal Services and save "Pit Bulls" on Death Row!! We not only will be able to do more with Rescuing the dogs in need, we'll be able to offer our generous donors a tax-deductible write off on their taxes, we'll be able to apply and get approved for Federal and State grants!! Once we get the 501(c)3 certificate we'll be able to do soooo much more and the best part is, it's ALL for the DOGS!!!!!

We really could use your help as I've said in the past, launching a Rescue is hard work and very time consuming and very stressful at points... We are still working on paying down our Vet Bill we have acquired plus the continued general welfare and care of our current PBH Rescue Dogs... well, it's rather expensive and we can definitely use your help!! From the beginning, we've said it's going to take the Community coming together all for the common cause... The Dogs!!

Any and ALL donations and of any size, no matter how small or large... ALL Donations will be greatly appreciated and we'll be forever grateful!! We sincerely hope you'll consider donating a little to help us raise the IRS's required $400 fee that we have to send in with our completed 501(c)3 Application!

We are extremely happy about this and can't wait to get our Not-for-Profit status... it opens up so many doors for us and more importantly enables us to help the dogs sitting on Death Row!

We do understand the hard economic times that we all are feeling. If you are unable to donate, please feel free to help promote this Blog and ChipIn and to to help spread the word! We are so close now and need your help! The DOGS Need Your Help!!

Thank you in Advance! ...and here's to the Dogs!!

R.I.P. Bodacious July 24, 2007 to December 15, 2010

2010-12-15T16:37:00.000-05:00

For those who didn't know Bodacious personally, he had two different sides... The ones who were lucky enough to meet him, only knew of his one side... the quiet, calm, relaxed, and shy Bodacious who didn't have a mean bone in his body. He would always remain by my side, no matter what. The other side not too many people got to see including the people in my family. This other side was very energized, full of life and energy. He loved playing and wrestling with the other dogs in the house and yard. One time, one of the fosters were running full speed in the back yard and Bodacious started running towards him and once they were running side by side Bodacious took his behind and gave a quick swift bump to the one foster who then went rolling... Bodacious and his sister Dixie would always use their size to their advantage when playing with the other dogs, it was quite humorous to watch the two using their bodies.

Bodacious was born on July 24, 2007. My oldest brother has Bodacious' mother and another one of his brothers. I picked Bodacious out because I wanted a male dog... I wanted a male with blue eyes but that didn't happen so I ended up taking his sister too who has one pretty baby blue eye and then the other eye turned like a hazel/grayish color. I've had both Bodacious and his sister Dixie since they were 7 1/2 weeks old. From since they were little puppies, they would always be together and even slept on top of each other. Up until Bodacious got too big, Dixie stopped allowing him to lay on her but she continued laying on him. Bodacious and Dixie had a superb bond with each other... more so Bodacious towards his sister than his sister towards him... they had very different personalities. Dixie is more of a social butterfly while her brother preferred to keep to himself with the exception of his sister and myself.

Bodacious was definitely a one man owner... His comfort zone was the best with small children, then women, and men were the last on his list of favorite people... A three year old boy loose leashed walk him where a strange man would have had difficulties. Earlier in the summer time, I was getting him used to my parents swimming pool and had Gabriel there too... I kept Bodacious on the leash and called for him to jump in... he stepped a couple feet back and then he started to jump in with his back legs straight back and front legs straight out and had this huge smile on his face and ended up doing a belly flop in the pool. I really wished I had a picture of that... Bodacious was my boy...

I used to bring him with me out to all sorts of events and for two different reasons... one reason was to help him overcome his shyness and the other other reason was for Education purposes... I typically attend "Pit Bull" events whether it was for Rescues or the Mid-Florida APBT Association Fun Shows or other similar events... So, many people would walk up to Bodacious and I and they would say "Wow, what a big 'pit bull' you have!" I would then look around, then look at Bodacious and back to the people and say "'Pit Bull'? Where? He's not a 'pit bull', he's an American Bulldog" He educated countless of people on the difference of a 'Pit Bull' and an American Bulldog. He was a great teacher and had an awesome temperament and relaxed demeanor to him.

I love all of my dogs unconditionally and would do practically anything to ensure their safety. I was and am my dogs Protector. Some have said I show favoritism... but when it comes down to it... if anybody messed with any of my dogs, regardless which dog it was... I would be there for them and do whatever necessary to protect him. My dogs are my life. All of my dogs. My dogs are all well behaved and mannered dogs. Bodacious was a true Ambassador for the American Bulldog breed. He was an amazing dog, all who met him fell in love him. He was intelligent, strong, and handsome. He didn't live up to his name, but he did live up to being a true Ambassador... Thinking back, I only have good memories of Bodacious... I can't think of a single bad memory of him, not one with the exception of him becoming sick. I won't be getting into his sickness in this writing as I want him remembered for his good times. I will say this though, whether true or not, I believe he stayed strong through his sickness because he wanted to come home. He has always been a homebody. This was his favorite place in the world. He also had an exceptionally strong bond with both myself and his sister, Dixie. I'm convinced he passed on his terms. I woke up at 3 something this morning and went to go check Bodacious who was lying on the couch underneath a blanket with his sister beside him.

Bodacious is Home!! now and forever.... May he run free at Rainbow Bridge!! No more pain, no more suffering, no more sadness... he's fully recovered now.... May God watch over my boy until we reunite...

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I would like to thank everybody for there support through this very trying times. I greatly appreciate all the prayers, help, and donations. I cannot express my thankfulness enough. I never lost my hope for Bodacious' Recovery and was very confident we were going to make it through this... He passed one day and a couple of hours after he was discharged which tells me he lost his Will to continue fighting... he made it home and I believe that's what he wanted and might have also played in a roll for him ending his fight as his home was his comfort zone. So, maybe once he made it home he decided it was time... I don't know... in anycase, I cannot thank everybody enough for the support, prayers, and donations given.

As for me, will I be okay? The answer is yes. I have eight dogs at my house who are very dependent on me. They are my responsibility. This is very hard for me as Bodacious and I had a very special and strong bond... ultimately, this will only make me a stronger and more compassionate individual. Thanks again for all the prayers and support! I just wanted to share everybody some of the many good times Bodacious had. God Bless...

Bodacious is Home! Still have a long Road to Full Recovery!

2010-12-13T21:34:00.000-05:00

R.I.P

Bodacious

July 24, 2007 - December 15, 2010

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We do NOT yet have our 501(c)3 not-for-profit certificate.
We are actively working towards getting it.
We are a Florida nonprofit corporation.

If you prefer, you may donate directly to the Vet that is caring for Bodacious.
Be sure to mention it's for Pit Bull Happenings' Bodacious:

Gulfport Veterinarian

5621 Gulfport Blvd.

Gulfport, FL 33707

(727) 384-4413

You may mail them a check payable to Gulfport Veterinarian or call them with a credit/debit card.

Thank you in advance for your support and help through this very trying time!

Another donation option is to make a check/money order payable to
Pit Bull Happenings, Inc. and mail to:

Pit Bull Happenings, Inc.

P.O. Box 882

Port Richey, FL 34673

Please note, we do NOT yet have our 501(c)3 not-for-profit certificate. We are actively working towards getting it. We are a Florida nonprofit corporation.

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Bodacious is finally home...... I have to say it's been hell... however, we are on the road to a Full Recovery....

He still looks like hell and badly emaciated. He did gain 3 lbs since being brought into the Gulfport Veterinary. Yes, not much but it's an improvement... With as bad shape as Bodacious is in, we have to be very strict and to not over do it by giving him too much food at one time. So, as of now, he'll only be getting 1/4 can (13 oz can) twice a day for the first week or week and a half. Then, I'll be taking him back to have his staples removed which actually takes a little extra time considering he hasn't been getting the normal protein the avg dog gets or whatnot and the immune system has been temporarily affected by all of this too so he isn't healing like a normal dog would... it's taking his body a little extra time to heal. In any case, I'll be taking him back to the Vet in about one and half to maybe two weeks to have his staples removed and then of course the Vet will check him out and I'm sure we'll increase his feedings some. The food they have him on now is Hills Prescription Diet i/d Canine Gastrointestinal Health which is a wet dog food. They were only going to give me one case (12 cans per case) but I reminded the Vet of the distance I am so she let me have a second case... well tacked it onto the Bill...

They also gave me quite a bit of medicine for him as well... They gave me special dog vitamins which I'll give him once per day. Then I have Antispaz which he'll get twice per day, Flagyl (Metronidazole) 250 mg which he'll get twice per day and they also gave me some Kaolin Pectin which I'll give him 6 cc's twice a day which will help help harden or whatever his stool. The other medication will help his stomach. They also sent me with a box of Fortiflora Canine Supplement which I need to apply one packet to food twice daily.

The Vet Bill was surprisingly lower than I had expected with him staying at the Vet for as long as he was... it's still high but the important part is.... Bodacious is Home!!

The Total Vet Bill has come to $2,226.61

We are still accepting donations which you may pay either directly the Vet... or you may mail PBH a check/money order, or you may go through the ChipIn which uses PayPal. No donation is too small or too large. We are in desperate need to get this Vet Bill lowered which ultimately will form a great working relationship with the Vet and the PBH Rescue. So, if you can find it in your hearts to continue to help whether it's donating, or helping to spread the word for the need for help, we'll appreciate any and all help that we can get. Also, continued prayers are still needed to help ensure Bodacious doesn't have any complications while he's recovering... he's still is thirty pounds underweight and we still have a ways to go before he's back 100%

So, please if it's only one dollar or one hundred dollars all donations will be very much appreciated!!

I would also like to thank the ones who have already donated to help Bodacious, thank you all very much for such an awesome deed!! Thank you all who have supported Pit Bull Happenngs and Bodacious and to those who have prayed. We cannot thank you enough for all the good you have shown us and we Thank you for your continued Support!!

Bodacious' Recovery - Still Need Help and Prayers!

2010-12-03T19:47:00.000-05:00

We do NOT yet have our 501(c)3 not-for-profit certificate.
We are actively working towards getting it.
We are a Florida nonprofit corporation.

If you prefer, you may donate directly to the Vet that is caring for Bodacious.
Be sure to mention it's for Pit Bull Happenings' Bodacious:

Gulfport Veterinarian

5621 Gulfport Blvd.

Gulfport, FL 33707

(727) 384-4413

You may mail them a check payable to Gulfport Veterinarian or call them with a credit/debit card.

Thank you in advance for your support and help through this very trying time!

Another donation option is to make a check/money order payable to
Pit Bull Happenings, Inc. and mail to:

Pit Bull Happenings, Inc.

P.O. Box 882

Port Richey, FL 34673

Please note, we do NOT yet have our 501(c)3 not-for-profit certificate. We are actively working towards getting it. We are a Florida nonprofit corporation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE as of 12/10/2010 @ 1207 hrs:

They are NOT ready to Discharge Bodacious and as of now do not know when they will :( I really miss him but I knew this was going to be a long road to recovery. He's in excellent hands and is being cared for exceptionally and I can't thank the entire staff at Gulfport Veterinarian. They said he vomited a few times yesterday and also had diarrhea. :( So, they'll continue to care for and monitor him and take it on a day to day basis until the Vet recommends it's okay to Discharge him. I'm not going to push for his Discharge as his health is Priority! They also mentioned they are feeding him a little bit every couple of hours and he is eating.

Please continue to pray for Bodacious and his recovery!! He's been at this Vet's office now for more than a week, and as much as I hate to ask... I must swallow my Pride and Independence, all for the benefit of Bodacious. I do not have a Bill total as of yet and won't get one until the Discharge. As soon as I know the total, I'll update the ChipIn accordingly. Donations are still very important!!

Please be sure to share this latest update with Everybody, so that we don't miss anybody who's been following these updates and Bodacious' progress.

To all those who have already donated, I cannot Thank you all enough. To those who have been praying, I cannot Thank you all enough. To those who have been sharing and spreading the word about Bodacious, I cannot Thank you enough. To those who have shown support, I cannot Thank you enough. You all have been exceptionally kind and generous and I wish you nothing less than the Absolute Best and May God Bless You ALL. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to those who don't celebrate Christmas!! You're Amazing and I'm humbled and Blessed to know you!! Thank you!!

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Update as of 12/7/2010 1830 hrs:

I drove down to the Vet in Gulfport to visit with Bodacious right after I got off work. I only visited for a short time, since they were slammed packed busy and visitation was outside and it was chilly. Bodacious is still making improvements even though he's still badly emaciated. They did inform me he ate his first full meal today!! I did inquire about the Bill, I've yet to see.... and they said they don't have it ready which I replied, "Take your time, I'm in no hurry for it" Lol... Bodacious has now been at the current Vet Clinic for one week. Right now, they aren't sure but leaning towards discharging him late this week, more than likely Friday. However, I won't be pushing for his Discharge as his health is of the utmost importance and is Priority. I miss him tremendously but I'm putting my emotions aside to ensure he is cared for appropriately!! I'm sure I'll get the Bill total when they discharge him and will update the ChipIn with the amount. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. Thank you to ALL the donors with your most generous donations!! Donations are still very important, every dollar helps and there's no such thing as a "too small donation" I cannot thank you all enough for the most wonderful support! You all are Awesome!!

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Update 12/6/10 at 1100 hrs est: I just spoke with the Vet's office for the second time today. First time was at 0800 hrs when they opened the doors. At that time I was told Bodacious is doing "pretty good" and that he was currently being walked. Then they instructed me to call back later in the morning which would give the Vet time to re-examine him and check him out. I called them back of course, and was told that overall he's doing good and is a very sweet dog! I was also told that he has vomited and had diarrhea throughout the weekend so they aren't ready to discharge him yet and probably won't until late in the week. Which I'm fine with since it's a lot let stressful where he's at than at my house since I have a house full of dogs. He needs the peace and quiet as well as the gentle care being given by the vet. They told me they are hand feeding him special prescription wet food and that he's currently had his second meal already. They are keeping him on the antibiotics and the IV with nutrients to help in his recovery.

It's going to be a long road to full recovery but we'll make it and WE couldn't have made it this far without ALL of your help, thoughts, prayers, and EVERYTHING else you have all done. We are Forever indebted to you all and we are very excited to have experienced first hand what is purely a Miracle!! We don't know how to thank you all for your Support and the help that has been given. We have not only been blessed by God for the Miracle in Bodacious, but we have also been very blessed with a most amazing Support globally! and we don't know how we can ever repay everybody for everything that has happened over the last several days. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and hope you all have the most wonderful day and great upcoming Christmas!! Tis the season for miracles!!

We have not been given a final bill total at this time and probably won't get it until he's officially been discharged but at this point I don't care about the money, I'm just extremely glad that Bodacious is still with us today!! However, we are keeping the ChipIn going and still accepting donations to help with the Vet costs. Thank you all so very much!!

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Great News but we still have a long road ahead... we have a lot of hope now...

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Bodacious has made it through the exploratory surgery! There is NO cancer... it turned out to what appears to be one of those tug toy cotton ropes with the knots in it. It was located inside his stomach and extended down through his mid to latter part of the small intestines. It caused his intestines to twist-up and perforate throughout the majority of his small intestines. The Vet said he has never seen something like this happen before and also is convinced it's a true miracle he is alive. They had to remove about 70% of the small intestines due to the perforation and then re-connected the small intestines. The Vet did mention, that as he was stitching Bodacious back up, he began slipping away... I'm not sure what they did but he came back.

They did allow me to see him and Bodacious was awake and alert of his surroundings and was a lot chipper than he has been the past few days. We still have a long road to recovery with him. He's staying overnight at the vet again tonight and probably tomorrow night as the most critical time is the 4 hours (from 4pm to 8pm) Since his small intestines started breaking apart, it caused all the feces and garbage and whatnot to go throughout his body causing a pretty bad infection. At this time that's the Vet's primary concern. Bodacious is on antibiotics IV with nutrients. Someone from the Vet's office is supposed to call us before 8pm to let us know how Bodacious is doing since the first 4 hours following the surgery is the most critical. The Vet says it's a miracle that Bodacious was even alive to see him from the first place.

This proves to me just how powerful prayers can be and I cannot begin to express my thanks to everybody. I do strongly believe God was a major player with Bodacious! Thank you all for your support, prayers, donations, advice, and everything else. I have been a wreck the past two weeks that words cannot even begin to describe... We aren't finished yet but I can definitely breathe again... I'm still a total mess but I'll be fine....

We aren't sure how losing 70% of his intestines will affect him if at all... they also said he'll more than likely be a little skinnier than his normal which was 90lbs. He may need to have supplements with his food as well as they told me the small intestines creates some sort nutrients ( I can't recall precisely now so if you know what I'm talking about feel free to add to this) that it won't be able to create now so the supplements may be needed to compensate for the lack there of. Again, we still have a long road to recovery and the next 24-48 hours will be the most critical.

We still need help with donations to help us pay his growing vet bill. So any donations, in any amount would be greatly appreciated! I believe it's safe to say that we are over the top of the hill and that Bodacious has proven to be a fighter and an exceptionally strong willed dog! Please continue the prayers that he doesn't have any more complications and has a speedy recovery.

I cannot begin to say how amazing everybody has been... seeing everybody come together for the same cause and hopes has been exceptional. I only wish there was a way I could thank you all. The Support is Awesome!!

As for the rope... I'm trying to think of where the hell he got it from because I'm pretty anal about that stuff... I never leave them with any toys whatsoever, nor leave them with bones or anything when left alone... *** dogs.... So, please take a lesson from this and stay extra vigilant with toys, bones, and your dogs... they are sneaky bastards and if they know they aren't allowed to do something you can probably count on them doing it the second you turn your back...

Again, thank you for all the support and please continue praying for Bodacious as he's not completely out of the woods yet... Please, if you are able to donate (of any amount, little or large) to help cover his vet costs we'll be forever indebted to you but most importantly continue the prayers because I'm a firm believer that's the reason Bodacious is still with us today. Thank you again for all you have done to help Bodacious. Also, please share this with everybody you know as I know there's a lot of sharing that happened the past couple of days and a whole lot of people from around the world are anxious for this update. Thank you!

Bodacious will be just fine, Thanks to all of you!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

To all those who prefer to attack my Integrity in time of need....

2010-12-01T20:05:00.000-05:00

Update in red 12/2/2010 at 0914 hrs.: I need to apologize for this post as it was written while I was and still am in a vulnerable and emotional state... I am lucky to have gotten 6 hours of sleep of the past 48 hrs and haven't eaten in this same 48 hour time frame. So, I'm not in the right state of mind to have written this latest blog. To my supporters and everybody helping Bodacious by praying, offering help by way of advice, sharing his blog/story and the ChipIn, and of course the donors... I apologize! My focus and full attention remains on Bodacious. He's my number priority 1 at this moment. I cannot thank everybody enough who has given us their support through this most trying times. Thank you and again, I apologize for the latest blog! I need to do better to not let my emotions take over!

Unfortunately, I feel I must address some issues that I'm hearing about... To those who question my integrity and my person...

I first want to say IF you have any issues (which I find quite horrible how certain nameless individuals and think its a *** Shame...) with me, Eric Emminger. Then have the nerve to address it directly to me and NOT to third parties.

To those who question my integrity and claiming I "have too many dogs" I say BULL!! I have taken out of my own pocket well into the thousands of dollars to help dogs that I do NOT OWN... which in essence takes away from my own dogs, my own wants and needs. I lived without cable TV for almost three straight years because I felt that I could give more to my dogs and the other dogs under my care... I have no regrets of making that sacrifice... that's only one sacrifice of MANY that I have made to better allow me the opportunity to help dogs in need. Not only am I helping dogs in need, I'm helping people in anyway I possibly can. Does this make me a bad guy? If you haven't realized, I'm not the only person going through economic tough times... Take note, I'm carrying my mortgage myself... I'm the lone income in my house... I have pondered getting a roommate which in reality would lift a tremendous financial weight off my shoulders however I have elected not to DUE TO THE FACT I CARE ABOUT MY DOGS THAT MUCH... I won't let just anybody move in... it's going to have to be a special individual as protecting my dogs is my number one priority, period. So until that person shows up, there will be NO Roommate.

To question my honesty is also a big insult... I'll be more than happy to provide the vet bill from the first couple of visits. I'll be more than happy to provide the blood work and other test results as well as the most recent estimate for the "exploratory surgery" and I'll be more than happy to supply everybody with the costs after the vet for tomorrow who will be performing the surgery... and whatever else to help save Bodacious.

Before I go on... this is NOT about me... This is about BODACIOUS! and his life...

Also, as some have stated on my defense (which I again, think is a SHAME that this has to be written and the levels whoever the attackers are will stoop too... pathetic...) as some have stated in my defense I have NEVER asked for anything...other than people's support, volunteers, and foster homes... which I thought was reasonable considering as a nonprofit Rescue depends on all sorts of walks of life to help in the cause... I shouldn't be dealing with this right now... my insides are already torn apart... what a shame... Bodacious began going to the Vet two weeks ago... I paid the vet $700 already, the first vet... I attempted to get him better by myself and it wasn't until last night I seeked the help of others who I am forever indebted to to the ones who have donated to help BODACIOUS... NOT ME... and am Forever grateful to the ones who have prayed for BODACIOUS and Shared the Info about BODACIOUS...

IF anybody has questions about me, my motives, my integrity, my honesty, my ANYTHING bring it to me.... Don't go behind my back raising hell about me...Again, I think these acts (who I don't know who they are, nor do I care just felt the need to bring things in the open) are Despicable. Like I've already stated... I have invested well into the thousands of dollars to help dogs in need, I have opened up my home and my dogs home to dogs in need... and I need help one time and you think I'm a criminal? or a guy who owns too many dogs? or whatnot.... I'm still in disbelief about what I'm hearing.... this is absurd, IMO...

Please, don't take your "Eric issues" to others... bring them to me, it's the right thing to do...

My final thoughts on this matter is you ought to be ashamed of yourselves... If you don't want to help out by helping BODACIOUS then by all means DON'T... but don't go behind my back with negative gossip... pathetic...

To all those who have shown me true support and true compassion, I cannot thank you enough!! I am ecstatic about all the support and the coming together that you have all shown today!! and words cannot express my gratuity enough!! God bless you all and Please keep praying for Bodacious... He needs the prayers for his upcoming surgery!!

Bodacious needs help...

2010-11-30T12:03:00.000-05:00

These pictures were taken today, to better show the seriousness and critical state...

The following picture was taken 09/01/10

I thought I would Share an Album of Bodacious and the Good Memories!! I hope you enjoy the photos: Bodacious' Album - Click Here!

Update 12/2/2010 @ 1515 hrs:

Sadly, I do not have good news for this update... First, I know I've said this many of times, but you don't have any ideas how much I appreciate all of the love, hope, prayers, and support that has been given to Bodacious and myself. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support.

The vet is having more tests done and even re-doing the blood work test that was done by the first vet. He is trying to get us concrete facts before critical decisions be made. (Angel please correct me if I make any errors in writing this update as my mind is all screwed up at the moment)

The Vet has discovered a couple large masses on Bodacious' stomach. More tests are being conducted and we'll know more facts in the morning. The Vet is beginning to think Bodacious has lymthoma cancer. If this becomes concrete info... he could go through 6 months of chemo but his survival chances are still a very minimum... if this becomes concrete info... I'll have to make the decision that every loving owner dreads and to be quite honest about there's no way to prepare to do so... however, I will do what is in the best interests for my Bodacious... We desperately need prayers to continue on. This is all in God's hands now... so, please pray...

I can't begin to describe the feelings I'm feeling at this moment. However, for respect to the Supporters of Bodacious and to everybody who has helped, shared, prayed, donated, and everything else, you all should be uptodate on the situation. It's the least I can do. Please keep praying...

Cancer had never entered my mind as a possible culprit... so I'm sure you can imagine how I feel when it came to light. I can't write any more... I'll post a new update tomorrow morning and I pray to God it's good news... Thank you all for caring for Bodacious

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Update 12/2/10 0933 hrs:

I drove Bodacious about an hour south of where we live, to a most amazing and very dear and true friend of mine. She transported him to the vet he is currently at since I had to get back to New Port Richey for work. This vet, I have heard does phenomenal work and truly cares. As of now, I think the game plan is they'll more than likely give him an IV for obvious reasons. They will review all the medical records from the previous vet clinics and will review all the test results, etc... and will observe him throughout the day today and then I'll expect they'll perform the exploratory surgery come tomorrow. If anything changes in the game plan, I'll be sure to keep everybody posted!!

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Everybody has been fantastic beyond what words can describe. I cannot begin to thank you all for showing Bodacious and myself the support that has been so graciously given to us. We thank you for sharing his story, we thank you for showing us compassion, we thank you for the donations we have received, and we thank you for the prayers that have been said for him around the globe. We are extremely grateful to all and for everything you have all done to help get Bodacious better.

I can't tell you how much of a toll this has been for me... not sleeping, not eating, not knowing what is wrong with Bodacious after multiple vet visits, I have been drained financially and emotionally and again I cannot thank you all enough! You all are amazing and awesome people!!

Please continue praying and sharing Bodacious' blog!! I haven't been given a final bill yet but I'll be sure to post as soon as I know. Thank you!

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UPDATE: Bodacious is currently back at my parents house... This new vet reviewed all the test results and has confirmed surprisingly that all of his organs are in good shape. I feel like I'm running out of options, so we have decided to go with the "explatory surgery" which will tell us definitively whether or not he does indeed have a blockage causing this whether it's a foreign object or being caused by (I suck at these medical terms) something intestines causing the blockage. This vet gave me an estimate of $1011 and wanting 75% down tomorrow before the surgery... That was the bad news... NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS!!!! One of my dear friends and rescue contacts has come through with another option... we have located a Rescue Friendly Vet that has set Bodacious up with an appointment for tomorrow morning where they will observe him throughout the day and review all the paperwork/documents/test results I have from the previous vet and then Friday will perform the "exploratory surgery" for what we feel confident will be less than the 1000 plus dollars this estimate calls for. However, we don't have the exact price and will surely know sometime tomorrow what this is going to cost. I will let everybody know ASAP as soon as I know and will keep everybody uptodate!! Please keep sending Bodacious prayers!! All vets involved know in the past he has eaten a sock before which is why I'm leaning towards a blockage...

I would like to Thank EVERYBODY that has donated to help Bodacious!! Words cannot express the gratitude I'm feeling towards you all for your graciousness... I do not know how to thank you all enough!! I would also like to Thank Everybody who has been Praying for Bodacious (and hopefully myself too) and would like to thank everybody who is helping to spread the word and sharing this info with others! I cannot thank you all enough. You have all given me hope back for humanity.

I have never imagined myself calling out for help due to my strong pride and independence. I have dedicated my life, my house, my finances, and more to helping dogs in need, particularly the American Pit Bull Terriers and "Pit Bull" type dogs and will continue to do so until the day I die! This is truly amazing to see people coming together for a common cause and truly helping and caring about a dog in need. Bodacious is a quiet, shy dog. He's an aweome dog! At his full 90 lbs, I have had a three year old boy loose leash walk him all by himself. He is the most gentle and calm dog and everybody who has met him has fallen in love with him. I just wanted to tell you a little bit about Bodacious and the type of great dog he truly is. Again, I cannot thank everybody enough for all the help that has been given to Bodacious from the donations to cover the vet bills, to the prayers, to the sharing, to people coming together.... sorry, I have to stop before I get to emotional here and I can see I'm already getting "wordy" with my writing as I've been accused of doing many a times.

Thank you all for all your support and caring!

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OLD UPDATE:
I have contacted a new highly experienced/knowledgeable and highly recommended vet... She is currently reviewing the bloodwork results as well as the other tests and x-rays from the former vet. I dropped Bodacious off at my parent's house since I had to get to work by 9am. I'm waiting to hear back from the Vet and will keep everybody updated on Bodacious' situation. Please keep the prayers coming in and it would be greatly appreciated to continue sharing this blog with all you know. Thank you all so very much for your support and prayers! I'll keep you updated as I learn new information.
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Bodacious is almost three and a half years old. He's an American Bulldog. You should also know that he is owned by Eric Emminger and is not a Rescue dog however, the PBH Rescue is being fully funded by Eric, himself and his dogs (all five of them) have made tremendous sacrifices for the Rescue efforts as well as the PBH Foster Dogs so, Eric has decided to treat his own dogs as PBH dogs. (three of his five are actual Rescue dogs anyhow).

Bodacious needs help... He's not eating... Eric has already given the vet $700 to help Bodacious and the end result is no answers or solutions... Eric can't keep handing his vet blank checks and hope the vet eventually finds what is wrong with Bodacious. He's in the process of finding a new vet so if anybody has a highly recommended Vet please let Eric know ASAP. Time is of the essence... Eric's drained, he's not sure what to do about Bodacious, you would have thought after paying $700 to the vet he would have some sort of answers, well he didn't get any answers... The blood work came back surprisingly good. The electrolytes and something else on the test came back a little low but that wasn't surprising considering the fact Bodacious isn't eating. His pancreas was also tested and came back good. Liver's good... We don't know if he has an obstruction or not but he did have four x-rays done... three on the first day at the vet and then another one the following day.

Bodacious is not the type of dog to go without eating, not even one day. He likes his food too much. We are expecting a fairly high vet bill once Eric finds a new vet. Bodacious needs help. Eric, despite his pride and independence, has elected to create a ChipIn fund to help Bodacious as we know he'll be getting an extreme high vet bill to get Bodacious better. Bodacious' normal weight is 90 lbs. He's currently down to about 60 lbs. He's thirty pounds under his normal weight which is why time is of the utmost importance.

Please, will you help Bodacious? Every little bit will help!! Please help us, help Bodacious!!

Any questions, suggestions, recommendations, ideas, and whatnot please do not hesitate to email Eric at pitbullhappenings@gmail.com We have to find out what is wrong with Bodacious!! Any recommendations for reasonably priced vets that are Good Vets?? Let us know ASAP!! Thanks in Advance for your support. If donating isn't an option, we'll be more than happy to accept many prayers for our Bodacious.

Clarification for my views as a Constitutionalist and tethering/views, as well as a Reminder about internet communications

2010-11-03T11:13:00.000-04:00

I just a had a decent conversation with an individual in regards to how certain posts of mine are being taken... so, this is my clarification.

First, I have said many times in the past that tethering/chaining is not for my dogs. However, recently my one dog, Freeway, has learned he has the ability to get over my 6' Privacy Fence with little effort on his part... I noticed he wasn't in the yard immediately. He was still on my property of course as when I built the Fence I put it on the inside of the easement. the 5 ft wide easement is fully on my property as confirmed by the survey. I discovered a rather large turtle in the easement that day that no longer had any life to it compliments of Freeway. Freeway now gets on the chain to ensure he stays safe as his safety is Priority. Also, let it be known Freeway is trained well and knows the rules and boundaries I set forth. Do I like the fact that I now have to tether him if I'm not immediately outside with him? Of course not. However, I am using whatever tools I may to properly contain him.

Once dogs learn they can do something (even if they know they aren't supposed to) you should expect them to continue to do so or attempt to do so. No, Freeway is not kept on a chain 24/7. My dogs are house dogs. Although, Freeway definitely prefers to be outside over inside especially now since we're getting into the cooler months compared to my Freedom who is 99% couch potato. Freeway is happier to be outside and he has proven that to me already. The point is, not all dogs are suitable to be inside the house on the couch.

I think some of my views is being taken out of context as well. When stating positions, views, opinions, or whatever else online, you only see text, words... the internet does not show emotions, or tones, or expressions, etc... So, when I disagree with somebody, I think certain people are taking it as "Eric's Absolute Way and Eric is Right and we are wrong" and that's absolutely not true and I apologize to the ones that I may have offended. That was not my intentions. My sole intentions were to oppose any legislation that will take tools for containment away from the Responsible Dog Owner. I also gave people the opportunity to post scientific facts, studies that prove that tethering is inhumane... and the only comments I received from the PBH Facebook page was strictly emotions... no proof, just opinions which by the way, we are all entitled to.

I'm sure I don't need to remind the people within the "Pit Bull" Community that to own a "Pit Bull" you really need to have thick skin too. I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets criticized, the looks of insanity and the likes in regards to "my type of dogs". We as a community are being villianized by the media, general public who buys into the media hype and lies, our lawmakers and are being compared to criminals and wanting our "type of dogs" for status purposes which is furthest from the truth. Also, within the "Pit Bull" Community, there are a lot of strong opinions and I am no exception, I have my strong views and opinions and I'll continue to have them and stand by them. Keep in mind, I have my rights to my opinions and expressions as do you, as do we all.

I'm asking you to please, don't take my opinions as "Eric's Absolute Way". As you have your rights to your opinions including your strong opinions, so do I. I'm a Constitutionalist so a lot my views are based on the Individual Rights, Property Rights, and State Rights. Again, I will not support ANY legislation whatsoever that impedes on the Responsible Individuals and Responsible Property Rights of others. Just because somebody doesn't like something doesn't make it inhumane or wrong. I don't understand why we continually pass laws that cater to the criminal elements and to the irresponsible individuals... What has happened to accountability, what has happened to being responsible for your own actions? I'm for Responsibility and Accountability and always will be. Do you truly believe by outlawing tethering/chaining of dogs will miraculously put an end to irresponsibility and inhumanity? We need to focus on educating and promoting being a responsible dog owner.

The American Pit Bull Terriers are the most spectacular canine of them all, in my own opinion. These dogs do amazing things almost daily. If there's a challenge in front of them, most will overcome that challenge and not only will they overcome that challenge, they'll overcome that challenge exceptionally. It's a great part of what they are and what we love about them. As a responsible owner of the APBT, we MUST protect them and ensure that their well being is taken care of, provide the medical care needs, and to ensure they are properly contained. We should have a list of tools at our disposal to properly and responsibly secure and contain our dogs to keep them safe. APBTs as well as other dog breeds are known for going under, over, and even through fences whether it's a Privacy Fence or Chainlink or Concrete wall. Where there's a will there's a way and the APBT is all Will, all heart, all determination, and so forth. They excel at overcoming challenges set before before them. APBTs have been known to eat through walls inside homes to get to the other side, they have been known to eat through crates and kennels, these dogs are the houdini's of the canine world.

Our laws should target the Irresponsible Dog Owners, not take useful tools away from the Responsible Dog Owners.

I, personally, am being criticized for crating my dogs while I'm at work... It would be nice if I didn't have to work a full time job to pay my mortgage and bills so because I work a full time job, should I own any dogs at all? It would be great if I could leave all the dogs home alone together, unsupervised while I'm at work but that's not living in reality. Yes, five of the dogs are crated when I'm away from my house and that's for their own safety. None of the dogs have access to each other while I'm away from home. Where some of the dogs may be crated and the others are left in their own room in the house... They get a lot more play time, training, attention, than shelter dogs who are lucky to get a couple of hours each week. Also, my dogs are healthy, more mature dogs awaiting their Forever homes while the shelter dogs are awaiting euthanazia. We don't live in a perfect world where everything is hunky dory... I have been blessed with damned good dogs that are all well taken care of and who are all well protected.

Everybody who comes to my house is quite amazed at how well mannered and well behaved my dogs are. People are astounded how I can have nine dogs in my house and have complete control over each and every one of them... how all the dogs get along.... I had a party for Labor Day Weekend which was also a birthday party for myself. There were numerous people there some of which aren't too fond of dogs... they also were amazed at my dogs behaviors and how well mannered they were and could also tell how well taken care of they are. So, I apparently am doing something right. Am I perfect? Absolutely not. Could I have improvements made? Absolutely. Could I use help? Absolutely. Like my saying on the website is "bringing communities together" and I damnwell mean it. We need to set aside our differences and pull ourselves together. We need to stop getting offended by either misunderstanding or misinterpreting what is written in the world wide web and start acting and standing by our dogs. We need to stop placing judgements on others and do right by our dogs.

Please, if anybody has an issue or concern or question or anything at all, please come to me (Eric Emminger). Talk to me, don't be afraid and please don't assume. There is way too much miscommunication, misunderstandings, and misinterpretations occurring online. So, please talk to me. If somethings broken, I can't fix it if I don't know it's broken. My email is pitbullhappenings@gmail.com Please talk to me if you have any issues whatsoever. I'm a very civilized individual. For the love of the American Pit Bull Terriers and "Pit Bull" type dogs we must find a way to come together and to set our differences aside.

Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope this has helped to better understand where I stand at and to better clarify past writings/posts/etc.

I hope you all have a great day! Thanks again!

Why the need to go out and vote?

2010-10-27T16:01:00.000-04:00

Other than it being your right as a United States Citizen and it being your Constititutional Right...

Three words: Breed Specific Legislation

As a free society our voting records really suck... In 2008, the voter turn out was 56.8%. In 2006, the voter turn out was 37.1%. Since 1960, the highest voter turn out was the same year at 63.1%. The lowest voter turn out in the same time span was a tie... 1998 and 1986 both had turnouts of 36.4%. National Voter Turn out from 1960 to 2008

Now since we have the numbers out... Do you know who the vast majority of the voters are? It's a combination of diehard party line voters (both Republicans and Democrats) plus as a bonus it's the Humane Society of the United States, PETA, and other diehard Animal Rights groups... They're getting out and voting and you better believe they are pushing their members and supporters to vote as well. These are, in short, the groups and individuals who are electing our lawmakers... who are electing our lawmakers and then presenting the very lawmakers they put in office with bills in hopes they become law... it's no wonder our society so seemingly is screwed up...

The above paragraph is quite frightening if you think about it... both the HSUS and PETA are strong Animal Rights groups that have a strong presence in Washington, D.C. and abroad... they are political lobbyists pushing their agendas to end all pet ownership and to liberate every living animal from man's use whether it be for food, clothes, accessories, entertainment of any sorts... They seek to liberate every living animal, period.

The "Pit Bull" Community definitely could be just as strong, if not stronger than both of those organizations if only we could set aside our strong opinions and views... if only we would stay on top of the politicians (of every level of government) and year round (not just when BSL is knocking on the door). I don't think we realize how large of community we really have.

We should be doing more in our local communities as well. Not just attending events and educating the general public, but also by going to our Animal Committee meetings in our towns and counties. We need to participate, we need to go out and VOTE. We need to write letters and phone calls... we need to educate the lawmakers and not only do it when BSL or other laws are being introduced. We need to get ahead of the game and act preemptively if we stand a chance. Right now, using Florida as an example, a politician had introduced a bill earlier in the year and it wasn't his first attempt to repeal Florida State Law that prohibits any local municipality or county or local government from enacting BSL, it was his third year consecutively and you better believe it won't be his last either. He's a prime example of Why we need to get out and vote. He's a prime reason why we need to act preemptively and educate those in office. He's why we need to stay on top of our politicians at every level of government. We can't keep depending on our luck.

Remember though, if you do so choose to write your lawmakers on every level of government, do it in a civilized manner, use proper grammar and spelling. Educate them in a professional manner. We won't be able to educate everybody but if done properly we can educate quite a few of them. Keep writing and sending them literature and scientific evidence. If not, well the likes of the hard left and hard right as well as those at the HSUS and PETA will ultimately decide who our lawmakers should be and what laws they prefer us to have.

...and for the love of the great American Pit Bull Terriers and the "Pit Bull" type dogs, we need to pull ourselves together, get off our high horses, and stand united. Uniting together acting as one will be the only way we'll stand a chance to win the war that has been declared on us. Uniting will be the only way we'll be able to save the dogs we claim to love. Set down the personal differences and do right by the APBTs.

November 2nd is right around the corner, research your politicians and VOTE!! Be the voice for "Pit Bulls" they are depending on us!

Be sure to join our Forum http://www.pitbullhappenings.com/

Pit Bull Happenings First Blog!

2010-10-26T09:03:00.000-04:00

Well, I've been procrastanating long enough... I really need to start putting my writing skills to better use, so here is my first Blog...

Pit Bull Happenings, Inc. was created with a few primary goals in mind. We are hoping to bring communities and people together all for a common cause. There is way too much infighting going on and people hating on others, simply due to the difference of opinions/views. Until we can get past these wedge issues, the threat of losing our rights of owning our dogs of choice will continue to be at risk. Not only will our rights be at risk... the dogs we claim to love will continue to be at risk. We must set down our "personal" differences and stand up and defend our dogs. The "Pit Bull" Community could be such a powerful force, one to be reckoned with IF we came together and unified all in the name of the great American Pit Bull Terriers. War has been declared on us and we're losing the war due to human arrogance. It seems as if a lot of the people claiming to be here for the dogs... are really here for theirselves, to get their name out there... To me, that's bad form and will not save our dogs from today's society. I know a lot of people ask themselves, "Who is Pit Bull Happenings?" Let's keep it that way... Answer is simple, really... Pit Bull Happenings is just that "Pit Bull Happenings" for the dogs, period. I'll talk more about the "Pit Bull" Community in a later blog. Pit Bull Happenings is about bringing communities together!

Another one of the goals is to save one "Pit Bull" at a time. This can actually be broken down into a few sub-sections. Not only will we be rescuing "Pit Bull" type dogs and adopting them out as Ambassadors, we're going to save them by educating the uneducated... There are too many people out there that, unfortunately, pretend to know about the American Pit Bull Terriers and then you have those who have the amazing DNA vision by calling "Pit Bull" type dogs the American Pit Bull Terriers... A lot of Rescue groups are calling their rescued dogs from shelters the American Pit Bull Terrier and to them I ask, "Are you sure?" and if so, "How?" It's a rather simple question really... How? How can you claim to have an American Pit Bull Terrier in your rescue when you pulled the dog from the shelter with "No known history"? When Rescues call their shelter pulled dogs the American Pit Bull Terrier it further confuses the general public on the real American Pit Bull Terriers and as far as I'm concerned, is adding futher damage to the APBT by way of continued confusion. Then you have other Rescue groups that call a clearly "Pit Bull" type dog some other breed like a Boxer, for example. Which, in my opinion, is cowardice and outright wrong. How can you rescue "Pit Bulls" and be a coward? Why lie? More confusion added... thanks. More about my feelings about various Rescue groups in a later blog. Pit Bull Happenings is saving one "Pit Bull" at a time through Education, Advocacy, and Awareness.

The original intent of Pit Bull Happenings when first created had only one goal and that goal was to battle the media's over hyped and over-reported negative "Pit Bull" newsstories with positive news, educational, awareness, advocacy, and the likes. We are finding the buried news that is seldomly reported to the forefront. We could use your help too. So, to anybody that's interested in helping us find the good "Pit Bull" news please help by posting in our "Pit Bull News" Forum.

As a friendly reminder, Pit Bull Happenings cannot accomplish our goals we set out for without your help. We are in need of Volunteers, Foster Homes, Supporters, Donors, and so forth. There is always something to do and we all have something to bring to the table. The main objective as of now is our focus on fundraising. We are very reluctant on growing a Foster Home Network until we have built up our Medical ER Fund. Where we may be helping the healthy dogs, sickness and accidents do occur and we want to be prepared. So, please help us spread the word and there are never enough people who can get involved. If interested in becoming a Volunteer and/or a Foster Home for Pit Bull Happenings, Inc. Please email: eric@pitbullhappenings.com We are accepting donations both monetary and materialistic... Here's are "Wishlist" Another quick note about Volunteering... you don't have to be in the Tampa Bay area to volunteer with Pit Bull Happenings. The internet enables us to help out from afar. Are you too busy to help but have a few dollars to spare, by all means PayPal us: pitbullhappenings@gmail.com As a nonprofit organization, monetary donations is vital. We will not survive without them. Caring for dogs can be very costly and right now and every penny received will go to the dogs.

In closing, we think officially kicking off Pit Bull Happenings, Inc. as a nonprofit corporation this month, Pit Bull Awareness, where it was pure coincidence is an amazing sign of things to come. Please get involved whether with Pit Bull Happenings, another Rescue or Shelter, just get involved. Do what you do not for yourself but for the dogs. They are depending on us to do right by them. Also, election day is coming up so please research the candidates and VOTE!! For a free nation, it's pretty sad how low of a voter turn out we have, it's no wonder why BSL is spreading like wildfire... it's no wonder the future of the American Pit Bull Terrier as well as "Pit Bull" type dogs is at risk... we're allowing the political advocates and lobbyists like PETA, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and other Animal Rights groups decide who our lawmakers are and pushing laws that cater to their views. So, please get out and VOTE!! Not only should you vote but you should get more involved by writing your local, state, and federal lawmakers. You should go to the meetings. Go to your Animal Committees... Get involved!! November 2nd is one week away and too many people aren't getting out the vote...

I hope everybody is having a great month of Pit Bull Awareness and doing there part to save the dogs we love. Please become a member of our Forums if you haven't already done so to express your feelings, to share your knowledge and experiences and to make friends. "Pit Bull" Owners, Breeders, Rescuers, Enthusiasts let's UNITE and make our voice that much stronger!

http://www.pitbullhappenings.com/