Q. Tell us about the StubbyDog Project - how it began, how it has evolved and where you see it going.

 A. I wasn’t around when StubbyDog first began in 2011, but I know it began with many talented and dedicated volunteers. In the summer of 2013, there was a change in leadership and that’s when the current board, including myself, took office. StubbyDog began as a transmedia organization focused on changing public perceptions of pit bulls and dismantling the associated stereotypical thinking by celebrating these dogs as heroes, therapy dogs, athletes, and just your everyday loving family companions. Today, we serve as a resource for advocates working against breed discriminatory policies.  We have a breed discrimination packet that you can download from our website, as well as resources for renters. In addition, we promote spay/neuter and force-free training, as we believe that both of these are key factors in reducing the number of pit bulls we find in shelters across the country. From the beginning, and with the help of our volunteers, we’ve tried to change the conversation from offering defensive explanations (e.g. “blame the deed, not the breed”) to engaging people with lovable characters and letting those stereotypes melt away as a result. We keep the conversation positive and you’ll see that theme throughout all of our posts.


 Q. You grew up in a part of the country where there is a breed ban. Obviously, there is still much work to do to change perceptions and open people's minds. Do you feel that overall things are improving across the country? How and why?

 A. The situation is absolutely improving. We have nearly 20 states that have made it illegal for their cities or towns to pass any breed discriminatory laws. While some of those states may have cities that were either grandfathered in (Florida) or follow home rule jurisdiction (Colorado), these laws are still a huge step forward. The conversation is also changing. More and more people are adopting these dogs and falling in love with them – those people become advocates without even knowing it. While the Michael Vick case was horrific, it did shed light on the resilience of these dogs – several of whom are now therapy dogs. After that case, I think these dogs are more likely to be seen as victims and more people want to help.

 
Q. Who are the people who make up StubbyDog and what are their roles? Are you all volunteers or are some of you paid?

 A. StubbyDog has a 3 member Board (Russ Mead, Laura Allen, and me). We are all volunteers and we have no staff. Each of our Board members is an animal attorney and each has worked against breed discriminatory legislation for many years. More about each of us here.

Q, What are some of the things StubbyDog Project does to promote a positive image of pit bulls and to help get them into and stay in their homes?

A. Our current project is a partnership with Anchorage Animal Care and Control and Alaska Dog Sports where we sponsor a 6 week training class for all adopted pit bulls.  The goal is to build long-lasting bonds between adopters and their dogs to help keep these families together. These well-behaved dogs then speak for themselves and help promote their own positive image in our communities. We hope to be able to partner with other shelters and nonprofits in the future and extend this program to other cities.

 We love to share photos of happy pit bull families on our social media sites, as well as photos of pit bulls really making a difference in their communities: therapy dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs, etc.

We also like to highlight the great works of other animal welfare organizations, and especially help get their adoptable dogs some extra exposure. I think the network of organizations and partners that we’ve created is an integral part of our work and the more we collaborate the more good we can do.

Thank you so much Mitzi, for taking time to tell us about The StubbyDog Project. Not only has this been most interesting and informative but I hope it is only the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship.

I encourage everyone to support The StubbyDog Project in any way you can and to share the organization’s website with everyone you know. There is so much we can all learn and here you will find a wealth of information that is essential to any pit bull parent or anyone who is considering adding one of these wonderful dogs to your family..

 

This past Friday marked the third anniversary of the passing of our beloved Oscar. At the time, my daughter wrote a beautiful tribute for him. Reading it brings back many happy memories which I would like to share today:


"I’m currently sitting at my kitchen table, trying to figure out the words for this post.  A lot has happened in my life over the past few months, but nothing has really prepared me for this.  Over the past year, maybe even longer, my mom, brother, and I have had conversations about this and knew that the time would come, but we didn’t know when it would happen.

Tomorrow night, we are bringing my lovely, amazing dog Oscar to the vet one last time.

We got Oscar back on July 1, 1998.  My dad really did not want us to get a dog, but my brother and I convinced my mom to go to the Humane Society in Newington, CT, just to “look,” but obviously we knew we could convince my mom to take one home.  As we walked up and down the hall, with all the dogs barking at us, there was one dog in particular that seemed to choose us.  I told my mom that he jumped up when he saw me, but when other people approached his kennel, he would just sit there.  While I can’t recall if that actually happened or not, I can tell you that a few hours later, we were in the car, taking Oscar back to our house.

My dad was less than pleased, my grandma said that Oscar had “wolf in him” and was terrified.  Over the next few months, Oscar escaped through a hole in the door and chased down a cyclist, was so strong that he pulled me over and dragged me down the street, and managed to run away numerous times.  But he always came back.  My dad and grandma both quickly changed their minds about Oscar.  Oscar ran away a little less, and mastered some impressive tricks.  He knew how to give his paw (both of them, actually, because clearly he’s ambidextrous), beg on command, speak, roll over, stay, and eat a dog biscuit off of his nose.  We also trained him to be “gentle,” in which he would eat food from your hand gently; to “bring,” which involved licking a yogurt container and bringing it back to the kitchen and dropping it next to the garbage can; and to “sing,” in which he would howl on command.  My uncle began referring to him as the Einstein of dogs and his name stuck with him throughout his life, despite getting sprayed by skunks multiple times and running into a glass door once.

As the years went on, we stopped having to keep Oscar confined to fenced areas, and we were able to let him off his leash at schools nearby so he could get all of his exercise in.  Other exercise included running through our yard and visiting neighbors when it snowed and we were outside shoveling.  He refused to eat dry dog food and would only eat it if it was mixed with canned food.  He also really enjoyed when we put ice in his water or put a fan right next to him on hot summer days.  But more than anything, he really began to appreciate marshmallows.  We don’t know what it is about them, but he loves them and he has probably had one everyday since we discovered how much he enjoyed them.

A few years ago, we noticed that Oscar began walking with a limp.  As the limp worsened and his back legs began having problems, my mom talked to the vet and tried to figure out what we could do.  Some illnesses were written off and some were believed to be the cause, but we never got any testing done to determine anything for sure, because by this point, Oscar was already getting old and we didn’t want to put him through too much.  So my mom did some physical therapy with him at the vet’s office, which included walking on a water treadmill and doing various exercises to keep his strength up.  My mom also invested in Eddie’s Wheels to help him walk.  His wheels helped him for awhile, but within the past few months, it has been clear that his front legs aren’t as strong as they once were and Oscar is not as happy as he once was.

My mom, brother, and I have discussed over the past few months when the time would come and what we would do.  Would we know it was the right time?  Would Oscar tell us when he was ready?  Would we never have to make that decision and he would do it on his own?  Over the past few weeks, we have known that the time was getting closer and that we would have to make a decision sooner rather than later.  We have honestly done everything we can and have prolonged his life years beyond what would’ve been possible had we not done physical therapy, gotten Eddie’s Wheels, and gone out of our way to make sure our dog was comfortable and happy.

Tomorrow at 7 p.m., we are taking our lovely dog into the vet.  He’s 14 1/2, which means he’s lived a long and happy life. And the most amazing part about it is that despite being completely dependent on us for the past couple of years, despite his inability to walk and run and do all the things that dogs do, up until recently, Oscar seemed happy.  I have always felt that dogs hold all of the qualities that ideally, humans would possess, but their purity and their ability to love and exude happiness exceeds what I believe any human is capable of.

I’m not quite sure how to wrap this up, but I am going to include a collage I made (which unfortunately only has pictures from the past few years).

Oscar, we are so lucky to have chosen you and even luckier that you chose us.  You are honestly the best dog in the entire world.  Thank you for everything you have taught me and all the love you have given me.  I love you so much."

To read the original post and other writings please visit here. I thank my daughter, Gloria for allowing me to share her personal memories about our very special boy.

(Photos courtesy of Sharon Warner)


Have you ever wondered what dogs think about or what your pet would say to you if he or she could talk? Well, I know I have.  And, thanks to a woman named Sharon Warner, who I met through a mutual friend, I now have some insight as to what my dog Mickey is thinking and feeling.

You see, Sharon is a People and Pet Psychic and what she does is absolutely fascinating. When she met Mickey, without knowing anything about him, she immediately began telling me things about him that she could not possibly have otherwise known.

Although Mickey’s “reading” was done live, it is not necessary to be in Sharon’s presence for her to effectively communicate with your pet. She uses the names of the owner(s) and the pet and a picture of the pet as “coordinates” (similar to a radio tuner) to connect with the energy of an animal, either living or deceased. After witnessing Sharon in action, I needed no further convincing that she has a special gift.

 Here is Sharon to tell you more about herself and what she does.

Q. When did you realize you had a gift for communicating with animals and how did you cultivate it?

A. Nine years ago, during a difficult time in my life, I wanted to do something special for myself so I enrolled in an animal communications workshop. I remembered being able to communicate with animals as a young child and the workshop seemed to reawaken my gift. After the workshop I practiced communicating with friends' and neighbors' pets. One of my friends recognized that I have a gift and suggested that I start charging people. That was the beginning of my professional career as an animal communicator.


Q. What are some of the most common reasons that people contact you?

A. Mostly, people want to know if their pets are happy. Some other reasons people contact me is to ask about health issues, a pet transitioning, why their pets display certain behaviors, what would make them happier, and to ask their deceased pets about where they are and how they are doing in Spirit.


Q. Are your clients typically a certain age group or gender?

A.  My typical clients are females from thirty years old to sixty-five years old. There are only a few males who contact me. The males tend to be in their forties or fifties.


Q. What are some of the common things that pets will tell you?

A. Many times they will tell me foods or treats they especially like or would like to try. They might also tell me how they feel physically, if they are in any pain and what makes them feel better. In the case of pets who have been adopted, they may tell me about their previous homes or owners. They may also tell me about how they feel about other pets in the home or about how they feel about changes in their owners' lives. Without exception they love the people that take care of them.


Q. I understand you also help humans. Describe some of the various services you offer for both pets and people.

A. Human sessions can be done easily in the same session as the pet session. Popular general topics that clients want to know about are their jobs, changes in their careers, health, romance, finances, and if they will be moving to a new residence.


Q. Is there anything else you would like people to know about you and what you do?

A. Sessions are the best when the client has an open heart and is somewhat prepared. It is very helpful to have questions or issues written down before the session. That way you will not forget to ask about something that is important to you. A list of some suggested questions can be found on my website but any and all questions are welcome.

So, now you know a little bit about what it means to be a psychic and what we can learn from and about our companion pets. If you want to know more and to contact Sharon, please visit: http://www.communicatorforyou.com/

After a session with Sharon I can personally guarantee that you will never look at your pet in the same way again.

Thank you Sharon for visiting loyalpitbulllove.com

All photos (c) adognamedgucci.com

This past Sunday night I attended the Connecticut premiere screening of the documentary “A Dog Named Gucci.” Chris, a rescue friend from New York City, invited me to meet her and her daughter Sofie at Yale University for the film.

Sofie, who has a part in the film, is an amazing young woman who founded NYC Teens for Animals when she was just twelve years old.  Director Gorman Bechard - who moderated the film and the question and answer period that followed - eloquently described Sofie by saying, “If a twelve year old can make a difference, we all can.”

But outside of seeing Chris and Sofie, there was also the film - and from the beginning, everyone was engaged. Unlike the typical movie experience, the audience simply could not look away from this thought-provoking, disturbing, yet equally uplifting film.

“A Dog Named Gucci” opens with a scene that seems unspeakably cruel, yet as we all know is all too common. Gucci was a puppy whose life was nearly taken before it even began, after he was hung from a tree, beaten and set on fire at just ten weeks old.

Horrific?  Yes, but thankfully, that was only the beginning of Gucci’s story. 

Eventually the puppy came into the hands of Doug James, a local college professor. He was not intending on adopting Gucci or any dog for that matter, but with no place else to turn, and no other hopes for survival, James adopted Gucci, who he would later describe as “the perfect dog.”

James and Gucci spent 16 years together, not just as human and companion, but as activists too. Gucci became a local celebrity and the face of animal cruelty in Alabama. When state laws allowed little more than a slap on the wrist for Gucci’s abusers, James devoted the next six years to changing them and with Gucci by his side, succeeded. The “Gucci Bill” made animal cruelty a felony in Alabama for the first time.

The film goes on to look at the laws across the nation and tell the stories of other horribly abused dogs and the people who advocated for them – individuals who predicated changes in the existing laws resulting in stiffer penalties for those convicted of animal cruelty. As the film points out, when Gucci was born, animal cruelty was a felony in twelve states. Today it is a felony in all fifty states thanks to so many people who would not take “no” for an answer.

While portions of the film were heartbreaking and brought the audience to tears, ultimately the message was a positive one. This film could have easily turned into another sad commentary on the human race and the heartlessness, disregard for life and unmitigated abuse that some members of our society inflict on other living beings. 

Instead though it portrays animals who have seen the worst of us, yet give us their best; animals who by all rights should hate yet continue to love, animals who have endured unimaginable abuse yet are able to forgive. It also shows us how many good people there still are and how an individual, a community, a state and a nation can come together and be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

In “A Dog Named Gucci,” Bechard shows us how, with perseverance and determination, ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things. His passion for animals is apparent. There is so much we can learn from animals and so much we can and should do to protect them. “A Dog Named Gucci” inspires all of us to stand up, speak out and do whatever we can to make the world a better place.

“A Dog Named Gucci” is outstanding – a must-see. It is a story about triumph and how we all have the power within ourselves to make a difference. “A Dog Named Gucci” is a film you will not forget and one that just may change your life.

Yesterday was my birthday and while each year is a milestone of sorts, this was a big one. Those who know me know how old I am. For those who do not, let us just say that in dog years I would be considered a senior!

In the days and weeks leading up to my birthday the impending “big one” bothered me. I started to get caught up in the negative; things like getting “old” and not being able to spend the day with the two people who mean everything to me – my children.

At some point though, I had a change of heart and decided to focus more on what I do have.  Now that the day is over, I can honestly say that cliché though it may sound, age really is just a number. We cannot stop the clock but we can try to use our time well and appreciate the gifts each day brings us.

While I am not wealthy, I am truly blessed to have everything I need, some of the things I want and all the things that truly matter. I can honestly say I am happy and that is pretty great!

When you think about it, tomorrow is promised to no one, so it really does not matter what the calendar says. And, while I have no profound advice to give, based on the wisdom I have acquired in my years, I offer the following:

Think positive.

Count your blessings.

Follow your heart.

Find your passion.

Try to do something nice for someone each day.

Travel safely through life and enjoy the journey.

Make every day a milestone. The future begins now……