It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just a week away. With all of the tragedy in the world of late, we are reminded to be thankful for our blessings. We are also reminded of the impact that even small acts of kindness can have on others who are less fortunate.
Recently I came across a local organization called Connecticut Pit Bull Resources (CPR) that offers many important services to assist people and their pit bulls, not only at holiday time but all year long. Today I would like to say a few words about the individuals who make up CPR – who they are, what they do, why I support them and why I encourage others to do the same. These folks do what they do out of the kindness of their hearts, without judgement or monetary compensation. The magnitude of their contributions to pit bull owners and their dogs is immeasurable. They are truly an inspiration to all of us who seek to make the world a little bit better place.
Connecticut Pit Bull Resources was founded in January, 2015 by the husband and wife team of Bill Murphy and Catherine McKenna. After adopting three pit bulls of their own and fostering twenty-four others, they have a wealth of experience and the desire to help other pit bull owners by advocating for, educating about and celebrating these often misunderstood dogs.
Recently I came across a local organization called Connecticut Pit Bull Resources (CPR) that offers many important services to assist people and their pit bulls, not only at holiday time but all year long. Today I would like to say a few words about the individuals who make up CPR – who they are, what they do, why I support them and why I encourage others to do the same. These folks do what they do out of the kindness of their hearts, without judgement or monetary compensation. The magnitude of their contributions to pit bull owners and their dogs is immeasurable. They are truly an inspiration to all of us who seek to make the world a little bit better place.
Connecticut Pit Bull Resources was founded in January, 2015 by the husband and wife team of Bill Murphy and Catherine McKenna. After adopting three pit bulls of their own and fostering twenty-four others, they have a wealth of experience and the desire to help other pit bull owners by advocating for, educating about and celebrating these often misunderstood dogs.
Currently they are working tirelessly to change Connecticut laws that allow insurance companies to discriminate against people who own pit bulls and certain other breeds of dogs. They also provide information about responsible ownership and available resources to empower dog owners and keep pets in their homes. Recently they have helped a number of people by providing referrals to trainers when there are behavioral issues, talking clients through difficult situations, providing information on local pet pantries and low cost veterinary care, matching families with pit bull friendly housing; the list goes on and on.
It would be easy to write volumes about the amazing things Bill and Catherine are doing but instead I recommend taking the time to visit ctpitbull.org and the CPR Facebook Page to learn all about their wonderful work. You will see as I did, that everything they do comes from a place of compassion and a genuine desire to effect positive change.
On a seasonal level CPR has initiated the“Merry Pitmas Project,” because Bill and Catherine believe that "shelter dogs deserve Christmas too." Last year they tried a small scale project. They spent Christmas Eve at the New London, CT Animal Shelter, bringing gifts and joy to Lexus and Wreath, two pit bulls who did not have a real home for the holidays.
They purchased beds, blankets, toys, food and treats for the dogs out of their own pockets. They spent several hours playing with Lexus and Wreath and watching them open their presents. This year they hope to give many more shelter dogs a “Merry Pitmas.” It is an honor and a privilege to support them toward accomplishing this goal.
You may think dogs don’t know the difference between Christmas and any other day and you may be right. However, if you have any doubts about the difference Bill and Catherine made for Lexus and Wreath last year, take one look at this video and you will understand. After watching the video, I knew I wanted to become involved and hopefully you will too.
It would be easy to write volumes about the amazing things Bill and Catherine are doing but instead I recommend taking the time to visit ctpitbull.org and the CPR Facebook Page to learn all about their wonderful work. You will see as I did, that everything they do comes from a place of compassion and a genuine desire to effect positive change.
On a seasonal level CPR has initiated the“Merry Pitmas Project,” because Bill and Catherine believe that "shelter dogs deserve Christmas too." Last year they tried a small scale project. They spent Christmas Eve at the New London, CT Animal Shelter, bringing gifts and joy to Lexus and Wreath, two pit bulls who did not have a real home for the holidays.
They purchased beds, blankets, toys, food and treats for the dogs out of their own pockets. They spent several hours playing with Lexus and Wreath and watching them open their presents. This year they hope to give many more shelter dogs a “Merry Pitmas.” It is an honor and a privilege to support them toward accomplishing this goal.
You may think dogs don’t know the difference between Christmas and any other day and you may be right. However, if you have any doubts about the difference Bill and Catherine made for Lexus and Wreath last year, take one look at this video and you will understand. After watching the video, I knew I wanted to become involved and hopefully you will too.
If you follow my Facebook page you know that your purchase of “Loyalty Unleashed” or “Loyalty Unleashed II” all this month will help support the Merry Pitmas Project. For each book sold, five dollars will be donated to the Merry Pitmas gift fund. Or, if you’d prefer you may donate directly to CPR from the wish list that can be found here.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Bill and Catherine for all of their kindness and devotion, for all they do to give pit bulls and their owners a better existence and also for giving some shelter dogs a chance to experience the love and joy of the holiday season.
Best of all I am happy to report that, in large part because of the Merry Pitmas video, both Lexus and Wreath were quickly adopted into loving homes.
I look forward to working with and supporting Connecticut Pit Bull Resources in the months and years to come.
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