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Those of us who are homeowners know all too well that most insurance companies DO discriminate if you own certain breeds of dogs. Luckily there are some that don't. While not all of these are created equal, here are some options for owners of pit bulls and other unfairly maligned breeds.  

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Jacqueline And Puma - Changing The World For One Dog

10/7/2014

6 Comments

 
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A year ago, I did not know that October is “National Pit Bull Awareness Month,” but ironically it was during October of 2013 that the suggestion was made to me to write a book – a collection of positive stories about pit bulls, to educate the mainstream public and raise awareness about these magnificent, misunderstood dogs.

In theory the idea was great but the reality was I did not have material, other than a few personal stories of my own. I began contacting people I knew who were involved with pit bull rescue and I received a couple of submissions but not nearly enough. I thought my goal of writing a book, which started out with such promise, would not be realized. Then an amazing thing happened. On November 17, 2013, a friend of mine, Theodora DeBarbieri, wrote this article for the Examiner. 

Almost immediately the stories started to materialize as if by magic, and within days I knew that there would be a book. The stories I received were all amazing. I could feel the love these individuals had for their dogs and I knew I had to tell their stories.

Two days after the Examiner article ran, I received an email from a young woman in Michigan that immediately caught my attention. It began:

I was about four years old when my parents brought home their first rescue pit bull straight out of a fighting ring. He was a mess. After some love and care from them he became my best friend who played Barbies and dress up with me. I guess you could say I was "ruined" right from the start.
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This young woman’s name is Jacqueline Drake, a college student and rescue volunteer who landed a two week internship at Villalobos Rescue Center and was assigned to work with a group of special dogs that were stressed and overwhelmed by life in a kennel.

It was at Villalobos that Jacqueline met Puma, a pit bull that was rescued after a shootout and suffered from PTSD. Puma had been at the rescue center for nine years. She had lived in a kennel since she was six months old. It was believed that Puma’s issues made her unadoptable and that she would spend the remainder of her life at Villalobos. Then Jacqueline came along and there was an immediate and profound connection. In May of 2013, Jacqueline adopted Puma and after nine long years, Puma was finally home.


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Jacqueline excitedly told me how she and Puma were going to be featured on one of last season’s episodes of Pit Bulls and Parolees, and proudly emailed me again to let me know when the show would air. As I watched the adoption unfold on television, I felt like I was a part of it – like I knew them, even though, of course we had never actually met. The story had touched me that much.


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Recently I heard the very sad news that Puma lost her battle with cancer, less than a year and a half after her adoption. It was a devastating blow to Jacqueline who loved her to the moon and back. Last Saturday evening on the Pit Bulls and Parolees After Show, Tia Torres stated that her favorite adoption story of all time was Puma. Viewers were then treated to a video recap of her amazing story.


 Puma’s life story had a very unhappy beginning but we must remember that in the end, she left this world knowing she was loved and really, that is all any of us can ask. My deepest thanks to Jacqueline, not only for sharing her story, but most of all for changing the world for this most deserving dog. Jacqueline and Puma showed all of us that with love all things are possible.

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Puma will live on forever in the hearts of Jacqueline, her family and everyone who had the privilege of watching her amazing story. Rest in peace beautiful girl – you will never be forgotten.

For more videos of Puma please click here.
6 Comments
Patricia Mazzella
11/19/2016 02:15:09 pm

It was such a wonderful story that Puma got a chance for a wonderful home with so much love before she died. Jackie you must have been a great mom.

Reply
Tracey
6/7/2017 04:15:12 pm

So great you were able to be in each others lives!!

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Raquel Acevedo
8/22/2017 10:17:04 am

Jacqueline thank you for loving this sweet girl with the capacity that you did. Love is a choice, and I am sure that she knew you chose her every day. I watched the episode of Puma's adoption today and I am beyond touched. It takes people like you to make a change in this world. Thank you!

Reply
Adam Gallagher
5/19/2018 03:27:49 pm

Sad to hear puma passed but what a great thing to do for her Jacqueline god bless

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So awesome when these dogs find "forever" home. Many viewers love getting updates on their post adoption lives.
7/2/2019 11:10:26 am

So awesome when these dogs find their "forever" homes. Many viewers love getting updates on their post adoption lives. Thank you for finding love for these "babies"!

Reply
Maddy link
7/21/2021 10:07:54 am

Hi.
I live in the UK and have just been watching the story of Puma's adoption, on today's episode. I just googled for an update, and am so sorry to hear of Puma's passing, but how amazing that she was so loved for the remainder of her life. You guys and gals from Villalobos do such an amazing job. The world needs more people like you. Take care and God bless you all. Maddyxxx

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    View Sue Torres's profile on LinkedIn
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    About the Author

    Sue Torres is an animal advocate, rescue volunteer and proud owner of a previously abused pit bull who was slated to be destroyed for being tense and fearful in the shelter environment.

    Inspired by their resilience, devotion and ability to forgive, she now devotes herself to restoring the image of these once-esteemed and cherished family pets. She works tirelessly to promote the adoption of pit bulls in our nation's shelters and change perceptions about this extremely misunderstood and unjustly maligned breed.

    She lives in Connecticut with her rescued pit bull, Mickey. Her first book, Loyalty Unleashed was published in May, 2014 and is avsailable in paperback and e-book formats. Loyalty Unleashed II (her second book) is now available, also in paperback and e-book formats.

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