Today we are very excited to share an article written exclusively for us by Penny Martin of Furever Friend. 

Penny has owned pets her entire life and has used the benefits of her vast experience to help other pet owners, both personally and through her site.

We hope you will enjoy the article and will also check out her site for lots of other helpful tips.

Thank you Penny for choosing our site as a platform to share your knowledge with others.

How a First-Time Dog Owner Can Prepare to Bring Home a Pit Bull

If you are a first-time pet owner preparing to adopt a pit bull, it’s important to be well educated about how to offer your new canine companion the best possible care. Even if you have spent a lot of time working or playing with dogs in the past, owning your own pup involves added responsibilities and considerations. And you should be aware, too, of the unique needs and characteristics of this often misunderstood dog. Here are some steps to take to prepare you to welcome your new pit bull pal into your home.

Spend some time learning about pit bulls and pit bull types.

Did you know there’s not only one kind of pit bull? In fact, “pit bull” is not, in itself, a breed, but rather a general term for four different breeds that are often lumped together under the name. These breeds are the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bully – and all four of these breeds have different characteristics, including size, temperament, and appearance.

Decide which type is right for you.

Pit bulls in general are athletic, strong, and energetic, which is why they were used as fighting dogs and for bull baiting in the past – part of the reason for their negative reputation, unfortunately. But they are also loyal and affectionate. If you have a smaller home, you should opt for a smaller pit bull type, such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Bully. However, both these breeds are still highly energetic and need a lot of exercise as well as regular human interaction. If you’re looking for an athletic working dog, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a good choice. Whichever type of pit bull you choose, be prepared to spend time on their care and training; these are not dogs that can just be left to amuse themselves.

Prepare your home for your new pet.

You should have an area of your home indoors specifically set aside for your dog, especially when they first arrive, so they can settle in more easily. Once they are used to their new space they can get comfortable roaming, but it’s preferable to let them adjust to a single room initially. Dog-proof the room and the entire house so your new pet won’t have access to toxic plants or foods, chew on wires, or be able to damage household items. Also prepare an outdoor area for them where they can run and play easily and burn off some of that famous pit bull energy. Your outdoor area should be safely fenced so your dog can’t escape or wander onto others’ property.

Purchase pet supplies.

Make a shopping list of everything you will need to care for and entertain your pit bull. This includes food and feeding dishes, a bed or crate, a collar and leash, dog toys, and grooming supplies. Also make sure your dog is licensed and that you have an ID tag with your contact information securely attached to their collar.

Be prepared to clean up after your pit bull.

No matter how careful you are and how well-groomed your pet, the reality is there will be messes – indoor and out. You will need to clean up after your dog regularly when they’ve done their business outdoors so your lawn doesn’t become stinky and unhygienic. Also be prepared to deal with the occasional mess indoors, especially if you bring home a puppy who is not house trained yet. Stock up on odor neutralizers and safe cleaning supplies. If your pup ends up soiling furniture, look for the best upholstery cleaning service near me, and compare rates, customer reviews, and deals being offered by local companies. Avoid those with an all-in-one cleaning approach; companies that depend solely on a steam cleaner don’t have the tools or expertise needed to ensure your furniture is truly sanitized.

Owning a pit bull may not be for everyone, but pit bull owners who are willing to put in the time to care for these intelligent and athletic dogs will be rewarded with their lifelong devotion and affection. Loyal Pit Bull Love can provide you with further information as well as useful resources on caring for pit bulls.
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Image via Pixabay

Today we are delighted to once again welcome guest blogger Nick Burton of ourbestdoggo.com. Nick and his wife Mary developed this site to help other dog lovers in all aspects of dog ownership. He has written the following article exclusively for our site so please enjoy it and please check out Nick and Mary's site as well. We thank you Nick for this wonderful article 

Photo by Unsplash

How To Start a Business When You’re Welcoming a New Pet to the Family
 
Are you thinking about adopting a pet in the midst of starting a home-based business? While you certainly have your work cut out for you, both decisions can help lead to a happy and fulfilling life. The key is to make sure you dedicate sufficient time to your pet, your business venture, and your personal life. Loyal Pit Bull Love offers the following tips to help you balance your time properly between business, pleasure, and raising a pet.
 
Set Your Business up the Right Way
 
The first thing you should do when starting a home-based business is research the different business structures available. The four main business structures are corporations, limited liability companies (also known as LLCs), sole proprietorships and partnerships. You’ll find that most home-based businesses are set up as either sole proprietorships or LLCs.
 
If you’re looking for a business structure that’s flexible, easy to set up, offers tax advantages, and limits your personal liability, an LLC is the right way to go. You’ll need to take a look at the regulations for LLCs in your state to make sure you’re fully complying with the law. If you want to save money and avoid exorbitant lawyer fees, consider using a business formation service to form an LLC in Connecticut.
 
Create Distinct Spaces for Your Office and Pet
 
Just as you need a personal area to sleep, you also need to set aside a distinct area for your work. While you’re at it, take some time to figure out where your new pet’s personal area will be. You can set it up inside your office, nearby, or in a completely separate area of your home. But try not to put it somewhere so far out of the way that your pet will feel lonely and alone. You want to make sure your newest family member knows he or she is a valued member of “the pack.”
 
Set Aside Sufficient Time for Work, Play and Pet Care
 
It can be hard to manage your time when you work from home and also care for a pet. One way to make sure you don’t neglect any important areas of your life is to create a schedule that allows you to set aside sufficient time for work, play and pet care. Determine what time you’ll start work, what time you’ll end it and how many breaks you’ll take throughout the day. Be prepared to be flexible, since you can’t predict when your pet may need a potty break or require attention throughout the day.
 
Train Your Pet
 
One of the most important things you can do for your pet and yourself is reserve time for training. If you don’t have the time or the know-how to train your pet all by yourself, you may want to hire a trainer. The cost is definitely worth it, as a trainer will know how to help your pet learn the house rules very quickly. When you have a well-trained pet, you have less stress because you don’t need to worry about your animal misbehaving while you’re trying to focus on your work. If your dog does start to act unruly, it may be an indication that you need to give him or her a little bit more attention throughout the day.
 
Owning a pet and starting a home-based business can be challenging but fun. Follow these helpful tips to make both adventures as pleasant as possible.
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We are delighted to share the following article, created exclusively for our site. It was written by Joanne Speed of the website readysetpuppy.com/. This is a relatively new site, dedicated to helping prospective puppy owners and owners of new puppies to understand and properly care for their new furry friends. We hope you will enjoy this article and also check out this awesome site. You will find a wealth of information pertaining to many different types of dogs that will benefit even the most experienced dog lovers. We thank Joanne for creating this for us!

Staffordshire Bull Terriers: Lovers and not Fighters
 
One breed that gets a lot of attention is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Over the years, it’s not always been positive. Unfortunately, this breed has been misused in parts of the world due to their natural athleticism and strength. But real ‘staffy’ owners will tell you a different story; the real story of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They’re lovers and not fighters. Full of love and affection, they make the best family pet whether you’ve got young kids or old dogs in your household.
 
The Loving Staffy
 
Let’s be honest with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s British past. It was a breed developed for blood sports in England, involved ratting and bull-baiting. They were also used for dogfighting. But when these sports were outlawed in 1835 in the UK, the centuries that followed allowed responsible breeding to take its place. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, known lovingly as the ‘staffy’, became a family companion due to their affectionate and loving nature. This is why staffies are still one of the most popular breeds in the UK today.
 
Of course, most dogs are described as loving and devoted to their owners. They’re pack animals that love to please. But my experience with staffies is that they don’t just love their human; they adore everyone they meet. With their infamous huge smile, they crave human interaction, perhaps more than they do with other dogs. I’d go as far as to say the breed is obsessed with humans.
 
The Positives
 
When you’re looking to introduce a dog into your home, you want them to become part of your family. With such a loving personality, the Staffy is the perfect match. They’ll immediately greet everyone and make sure everyone gets a cuddle and licks. After that, you’ll have a loving dog for life. My Staffy was abandoned in the Yorkshire Moors and despite her difficult past, she’s always been affectionate towards everyone she meets. She instantly trusts everyone and can’t wait to have some fun. Instead of being protective and guarding our home, she welcomes everyone who comes through the door with a wagging tail! This can be just what you need after a long day.
 
When I take my Staffy to the local pub, she’s the talk of the town. Everyone can’t wait to see her and she loves all of the attention. She’s wagging her tail at everyone that comes in and if you make eye contact, she won’t stop until you’ve greeted her!
 
This is a breed that is a suitable companion for a family home with children. They’ve even earned the nickname, ‘nanny dog’, due to their affectionate nature. In fact, there are only three breeds mentioned by the Kennel Club that are suitable for households with young children. You’ve guessed it; the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of them. Of course, it’s essential that any dog is supervised around children. But you can enjoy peace of mind when owning this breed if you have young kids in the house. They’ll accept attention from anyone.
 
Since staffies love their owners so much, it can make them easier to train. They love to please and are eager to be taught more commands by their favorite human. Treats definitely help too! They’re loving nature makes them enthusiastic and you can introduce a training session at any time of the day; they’ll be ready.
 
The Downsides
 
Are there any downsides to the loving nature of Staffies? Well, there are certainly some things you might want to consider. Since they love their humans so much, they can become clingy. Say goodbye to ever going to the bathroom by yourself again! Some staffies can become velcro dogs; they want to be by your side all the time and they follow you everywhere. If you like your independence, this is something to consider. Since this breed is also known for being high-energy, they won’t always want to just sit beside you either. They might have a ball or rope ready for tug-of-war. If you’re busy, this can become frustrating or if you don’t have time to play.
 
Adoring humans mean that Staffies don’t like to spend much time alone. Their sociable nature means they will crave attention whenever you’re home. If you work long hours then a Staffy will miss you a lot during the day. It is possible they could become destructive if they’re bored without stimulation when you’re away. With some training and toys, this could be avoided. While some dogs relax and enjoy afternoon naps, the Staffy can be the complete opposite. They’ll want you to play and interact with them. If you’re looking for a lazy dog that becomes part of the furniture, you may want to consider another breed!
 
Another consideration is the friends and family you have. Do they like dogs? Are they comfortable with being licked and jumped on? Staffies don’t know boundaries sometimes and definitely don’t know a lot about personal space. If you hang around with someone that doesn’t like or is scared of dogs, they could find this overwhelming. Staffies adore everyone but you’ve got to remember that not everyone feels the same about our furry friends.
 
While Staffies can be easier to train because they love you, they may also need more training to understand calmness. They can jump all over you, which not everybody wants. It can be necessary to teach them some manners when around other people. This is something that can stop with training and they’ll be eager to learn. So, it shouldn’t become a problem.

The Verdict
 
With their loving personalities, Staffies have so much to offer. They’ll become best friends with everyone they meet; I can’t go on one walk without my Staffy stopping to greet someone! Their adoration for humans makes them the perfect family companion, even if you have young kids. It’s important to make time for your Staffy; this will make sure they’re happy and content. Don’t pay attention to the history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, look forward to the future with your bright and loving companion!

Once again, we are delighted to welcome guest blogger Nick Burton of ourbestdoggo.com. 

Nick and his wife Mary had fifteen years with their dog Willie before he crossed the bridge. They have spent the past year grieving and helping others navigate the process of caring for an elderly pet. Nick and Mary have also dedicated their site to offering tips, resources and support to dog lovers everywhere.

We know you will enjoy this article and hope you will also check out ourbestdoggo.com and explore all that the site has to offer.

Thank you Nick for sharing your insights with us here.

Try These Tips to Help Your Pet Age With Grace
 
Pets age and, just like people, they experience changes with each passing year. Because of this, as your furry friends reach their seventh or eighth year, you’ll need to start thinking about ways to enhance their lives at home. From home modifications to simple changes you can make starting today, the following tips can help you and your pets enjoy their golden years.
 
Combat mobility issues.
 
If your dog has to go up and down stairs to get in and out of the house, consider buying or building a ramp. Many dogs experience mobility issues later in life. Arthritis and hip dysplasia, for example, can make it more difficult for them to navigate an 8” to 10” step. Because getting up and down off the couch or bed can be a challenge for an older pet, you can also build an adjustable ramp to help here as well. DIY Network explains that plywood, hinges, a few tools, and a long afternoon are almost all you need.
 
Consider urinary incontinence.
 
Urinary incontinence has many causes in cats and dogs alike. American Veterinary explains it can result from a congenital abnormality, among other things. Commonly, animals have less control over their bladder and bowels as they age. As a responsible and loving pet owner, you will want to get ahead of issues that might arise from bathroom accidents. One way to do this is to modify your behavior so that you can take your pet outside more often. This may not be practical, however, so consider adding a dog door, which will give them unrestricted access to their bathroom of choice: the backyard. A word of caution here is to be patient. They may have many accidents, and getting rid of the smell and discoloration can be frustrating. It’s not impossible, however, you just have to get creative and be willing to do everything from clean the carpets to replace the subfloor in areas they tend to frequent.
 
Create convenience.
 
Plan to carve out a corner of the room that your pets rest in most often so that they will have a place dedicated to their personal belongings. Their area should have a bed and any toys, blankets, or bones they enjoy. To keep things contained, have a bucket or wicker basket nearby. Make sure it is low enough so they can access their stuff when they want it. You’ll also want to invest in an elevated dog feeder. This is essentially a platform where their food and water bowls sit a few inches off the floor. This is beneficial for dogs with arthritis or animals with health conditions, such as megaesophagus.
 
Prioritize hygiene.
 
Just because your pets are getting on up in years does not mean you can let their hygiene fall to the wayside. For example, even if stiff joints and muscles make it harder for your dog to climb in and out of the bath, you still need to bathe him periodically. Fortunately, installing a dedicated dog wash station is not that expensive or difficult. If you have an extra bathroom with a standup shower, you may even be able to get away with replacing a stationary showerhead with a hand sprayer so that you can get down on your dog’s level. If you want to invest in quality equipment, there are certainly ways to save. For instance, a Chewy promo code can help you get the gear you need to keep your pet clean without soaking your bank account.
 
Manage their safety.
 
The Humane Society of the United States points out that safety concerns should also be front and center. You can do things such as add baby gates to stairways and restrict their access to areas that could pose a health hazard. Spend an afternoon looking for potential problem areas, including outdoor fire pits and swimming pools, which can be fatal to a pet that falls in and cannot escape. Make sure he also has on a collar with your contact information in the off chance he wanders away from home and can’t find his way back.
 
Keeping your pets safe and comfortable is one of the best things you can do for them as their health and physical condition deteriorates with age. The above tips are the gold standard in home modifications for aging pets, no matter how much silver is in their muzzles.

Image via Pexels 

How to Help Your Dog Adjust to the Move

​There are many ways to help your dog feel comfortable and adjust to the move. From natural remedies to introducing new toys, feel free to try out various options to best fit your pet. A few helpful tips to consider are listed below: 

1. Natural Remedies. Remedies like CBD oil can help naturally ease your dog’s nerves. There are also essential oil sprays made for dogs that can make the environment feel less chaotic and more familiar. 
2. Introduce New Toys. Giving them a distraction can be a good way to ease anxiety. With new toys, your dog can feel a sense of excitement rather than fear that they have been experiencing. It brings about a positive feeling in a situation where they don’t necessarily feel comfortable. 

Bring in a Piece of the Old Home. In order to better transition the move, bringing in a piece of your old home into the new one can make things less overwhelming. Your dog will feel more comfortable with this piece from the past, leading to them feeling less anxious about the various boxes, new couch, and overall new structure of their living space. This can be a bed, toy, or piece of furniture that they enjoyed the most from the old house.

How to Help Your Dog Adjust to a New Home

Like people, dogs need time to adjust to a new place. Make your pup feel safe and protected in your new home, and ease the transition by taking a few extra steps when you move. If you take the time to help ease your pet's adjustment, your pet will adapt much more quickly and with a lot less stress.

Before the Move

Before bringing your dog inside the new home, put out his food and water bowls. Pick a permanent spot for his bed and put his favorite toys nearby. The dog will get the message that this is his space. It won't hurt to put a few treats near his eating and sleeping areas as well, so he will immediately associate positive feelings with these new spaces.

Don't forget to pet-proof your new place. Search around for any cords, debris, or nails sticking out in the carpet and baseboard areas. 

Making the Move

When you're moving your dog into a new home, make the move during the day. Dogs naturally feel more fearful at night, according to the American Kennel Club. If possible, move your dog during a bright day so he feels secure. As soon as possible, take him out to go explore the new yard. Let your dog lead you as he sniffs and explores. This will help him start to feel more comfortable more quickly with his new territory. 

Most importantly, don't rush your dog. Let him set the pace and explore new surroundings in his own time. If your dog would rather sleep than explore, let him sleep. He will go exploring the new home on his own, so don't try to speed up the process.

After the Move

Keep your dog's schedule as normal as possible. Maintain the same feeding times and walking times so he won't have to adjust to lots of new changes. Try to keep the house as quiet and calm as possible. According to PetFinder, too much excitement in a new place can make it harder for your dog to adjust.

Spend extra time with your dog after the move, so he knows that you are still a constant in his life. Talk out loud to your dog so he can hear the comforting sound of your voice and spend time petting and playing with him. This will help your pet begin to feel more relaxed.

If possible, don't leave your dog alone in the new house for too long in the first week. Being alone in a new place will increase your pet's anxiety. Spend as much time as you can with your dog and begin leaving the house gradually. Go away for less than an hour the first time, and then spend a little more time out of the house every day. 

Adapting Your Space

There’s a lot you can do to make your dog feel more relaxed and secure, but don't forget to take steps that will actually make your dog safer. Get new tags (which you can purchase for under $7.00) with your new information on them, and make sure your dog has them before you move.

Consider installing a fence around your property if there isn’t one already in place. According to HomeAdvisor, the average national price to install a new wood fence is $2,751.00. If you want to add a gate, you’ll likely spend an additional $200.00 - $600.00, depending on the materials and scope of the project. A fence will not only make your dog more comfortable, it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your pet is protected and safe. A new neighborhood comes with other dogs and wildlife, stray animals, children, and potential threats to your animal’s well-being.

Protecting Your Pet

Take the steps to make your dog feel protected and safe during a hectic time. Give your dog the attention he needs and deserves during a move that’s stressful for the both of you. With a little extra care, your dog will adapt to his new environment and be safe, healthy, and happy in your home -- just as you want him to be.


Photo credit: Pexels.com


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 We all love our dogs and we also love our social media. And who doesn't like to look at cute dog pictures on Instagram?

Today we have an exclusive article written by Ryan Goodchild of pupperslove.com to help us make our dogs look their very best when we post their pictures on Instagram.

If you have not yet checked out Ryan's site, you are truly missing out as pupperslove.com is a very cool site offering inspiring stories about our best friends. There will soon be a book available as well, so please be sure and follow the website for the latest updates.

We hope you will enjoy this article and check out the many internet resources available to help make your dog a superstar on Instagram.

We thank you Ryan and look forward to your upcoming book.

How to Make Your Dog Look Like a Superstar on Instagram

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Photo: Pexels
 
Doting dog parents don’t have Instagram feeds full of selfies. Instead, they have endless photos of their beloved barker!

While we think every little thing our dogs do is adorable, we also know that not every snap we take of them is worthy of posting on social media. After all, it’s sometimes impossible to get Fido to sit still long enough for us to capture that aww-worthy pose, and even Instagram’s best filters can’t always remedy a poor lighting situation.

​If this sounds familiar, we’ve rounded up some of the best advice on how to take the absolute sweetest dog photos that will make your dog look like a bone-afide Instagram celebrity.
 
Get Your Dog to Pose for the Camera Like a Model

Want to Get Your Dog to Look at the Camera? Here’s How

Easy Tricks to Teach Your Dog  … for Cute Photos

How to Take Better Action Photos of Dogs

Pro Tips to Capture the Best Pictures of Your Pets

How to Make Your Dog/Puppy Sit Still for a Photo

How to Get the Best Lighting for Smartphone Photos

Tips for Taking Low-Light Photos with Your Smartphone 

Which iPhone Should I Choose?

How to Choose the Best Android Phone

iPhone Photography 101: Quick Tips to Take Better iPhone Photos

Use AR Stickers on Google Pixel to Add Extra Flair to Your Snaps

10 Tips for Smartphone Photo Editing

How to Grow Your Dog’s Instagram Followers


All of us dog moms and dads think we have the world’s most precious pup — and we’re all right! Do your pooch justice by using these tips to help him shine on Instagram.

We are pleased to welcome once again, guest blogger Nick Burton of ourbestdoggo.com. Nick and his wife Mary have created their site to provide resources and support for dog owners. If you have not yet checked it out, please do. It offers a wealth of information and it is clearly a labor of love.

Today Nick touches on a topic that all pet owners can relate to  - tips for tackling pet messes with minimal stress and maximum savings. We know you will enjoy the article and we thank Nick for writing this article exclusively for us here at loyalpitbulllove.com

Thanksgiving is a week away.

The kids have moved across the country. Both have gotten married and have begun their own traditions. Close family members and friends have either passed away or made plans of their own. What used to be my favorite holiday now feels like just another day.

This year there will be the traditional meal but no dinner guests to share it with us. As the holiday approaches, I have been feeling a bit down. Then I started thinking about the true meaning of Thanksgiving – at least the true meaning as I see it and I have come to the conclusion that really, it is all in how you look at it.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all that we have and all that there is to be thankful for, and for me there is a lot.

I am thankful for my family and friends, even though I cannot be with everyone I would like to be with on Thanksgiving Day.

I am thankful that I am physically and financially able to travel and visit loved ones several times a year.

I am thankful to have a home, food, good health and people who love me.

I am thankful that I have found a purpose in life – helping homeless animals find the loving families they deserve.

And I am thankful for my own pets. They bring us great joy and I am thankful they chose us to be their family.
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 Especially, I am thankful that Mickey, who was diagnosed with cancer almost 16 months ago and given about a year to live is still enjoying a good quality of life and is with us to celebrate another Thanksgiving.

​Thanksgiving may look a little different this year and it may feel a little different this year but it is still Thanksgiving and I am still thankful.
 
From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving, filled with food, family and many blessings. 

He’s baaaaaack!!!!! We here at loyalpitbulllove.com are excited to announce the return of our friend, award winning filmmaker and pit bull advocate Jon Mancinetti who is currently planning his next big project, Super Bois. Super Bois is a comedic, autobiographical story about Jon, his developmentally disabled brother, Joel and his rescue dog, Smokey.

Mancinetti’s last project, Loss and Found was a funny and very poignant short film about his own experiences as a rescuer and foster dad for a number of shelter pit bulls who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to experience loving homes and families. We were fortunate to be among the first to learn about this film. We first had the opportunity to discuss the film with Mancinetti on this page prior to its inception and also reviewed Loss and Found here last year.

In case you are not aware, statistics show that only one in 600 shelter pit bulls makes it out alive and over one million are killed in shelters each year. Mancinetti’s mission, like ours here, is to educate people about these very loyal, loving and misunderstood dogs with the ultimate goal of seeing them find their way out of shelters and into loving homes.

Loss and Found was featured in many film festivals, won numerous awards, was shown in more than 40 cities worldwide and raised over $50,000 for local shelters and rescues. Along the way, Mancinetti was even able to rescue, foster and find a home for a Memphis shelter dog who was slated for euthanasia. He is hoping for even greater success with Super Bois, which strives to educate the public about both disabled individuals and shelter dogs and how they can positively impact all of us.

Growing up in Cleveland Ohio, Jon and his brothers Jeff and Joel enjoyed making super hero movies together, using their parents’ VHS camera. Not only did this influence his career as an adult, but it also created a powerful bond between Jon and his brothers, Joel in particular. Over the years, he and Joel have grown even closer and Jon’s passion for educating and raising awareness has grown right along with it.

Mancinetti already has big plans for Super Bois. In addition to entering the film in various film festivals, he has already reached out to a number of schools and animal rescue organizations and is making arrangements to show the film in cities around the world.

If you would like to help Jon on his mission, please check out his Kickstarter campaign and donate if you are able. There are many sponsorship opportunities and other incentives for donors so let’s do this! Let’s help Jon continue his mission to help others by supporting Super Bois. We can’t wait to see the finished product!