This year Super Sunday marks the one year anniversary of our dog Dan’s adoption. It seems fitting because he is a pretty super dog. He has endured the worst, he has surmounted every barrier, he has overcome every obstacle and he has triumphed in a way few of us could. He is not unscathed but he is certainly a testament to resilience and forgiveness. He shows us every day what it truly means to love unconditionally

For many years Dan and a number of other dogs lived in horrific conditions. They were abused, neglected, kept in cages in a filthy basement and used for breeding. Dan lived this life for probably about seven years until he was finally rescued. He was seized from his owners along with seven other dogs. They were sick, malnourished and infested with fleas. Dan’s poorly cropped ears were severely infected and untreated. He was clearly in agony.

He spent several months in the city pound where he was treated for his ailments and brought up to date on his vaccinations. His ear infections were recurrent but he gained weight and his fur grew back. He watched as one by one, all of his siblings/friends were adopted and he was passed over time and again. When we learned his story we decided to foster him so he would at least know what it was like to have a loving home and a better life.

We thought it was only temporary but Dan had other ideas. 

From the first day he decided he was right where he wanted to be. He quickly made friends with our other two dogs and tried his best to ingratiate himself with us. He didn’t have to try too hard or for too long because we fell in love with him almost immediately. After three months we made it official.

What is most amazing to us is how loving and trusting he is despite the treatment he endured at the hands of his prior owners.

As I look back on the past year I realize that there are many lessons to be learned from Dan. Here are just a few:

 - Forgive those who have caused you harm. Life is too short to hold grudges.

 - Don’t let the past define you. Embrace new opportunities and make the most of them.

 - Be tolerant of your friends and family. They may be annoying at times but know and appreciate that they love you.
​
 - No matter how badly you have been treated or how much you have been hurt, keep an open heart and let others love           you…..then love them back.

 - When you are given a second chance, make the most of it.
​
 - Never lose hope. Wake up each morning with a positive outlook – today might be the day your life will change forever.

Thank you Dan for all you have taught us and all you continue to teach us.

​We love you!!

Once again we are please to feature a brand new article written by Jessica Brody of ourbestfriends.pet. Jessica has written this article exclusively for loyalpitbulllove.com and we are very grateful,

Today's article focuses on the human-animal bond and the health benefits that come from having a pet.

We hope you will enjoy this wonderful article.

Mutts, Mental Health, and the Positive Connection

(Photo Credit: Pixabay)
 
Most pet owners will tell you definitively that the love and compassion that their pet shows them has gotten them through many a bad day.  Many studies have shown the positive relationship between caring for an animal and improved mental and emotional health, not to mention how cute they can be.  If you’re thinking about getting a dog or cat to help with your mental health, read on to find out exactly why you should get that cutie from the shelter today!
 
Sparky and Stress
 
Studies have shown time and again that pets help to relieve levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in pet owners.  Owning a pet can increase cardiovascular healthy by helping to get owners outside on walks. This can also help lonely owners to interact with other pet owners, reducing their feelings of isolation. 
 
Studies have shown that interacting with a friendly and familiar dog reduces levels of muscular tension, blood pressure, and heart rate, all signs of reduced stress.  These psychological effects are also more quickly seen than using any kind of medicine for the same conditions.  Stress-related disorders are one of the main causes of death in American society, so it makes sense to go pick yourself up that pooch!
 
Major Mental Disorders Helped by Mutts
 
With even the most serious of mental disorders, such as forms of psychosis, pets can serve as a distraction from the pain of a disorder.  Pets can give people a sense of structure and pride in their lives that they might not have elsewhere.  Getting up to feed, groom, and walk their animals has shown to help with all kinds of mental issues, and this allows the patients to find positive interactions in their daily lives. Those with serious mental disorders can find themselves on opposite sides of a chasm from other people in society.  Pets bridge this gap because they have no need to understand what you’re going through. They love you unconditionally, no matter how difficult your day is.  Unconditional love is one of the main benefits of having an animal of any sort.
 
Animals and Addiction Recovery
 
Substance abuse is a major issue facing America these days, and therapy animals have actually been shown to help with recovery and avoiding relapse.  Canine therapy can show improvement in patients’ psychotherapy sessions, allowing them to open up and discuss their feelings and triggers more readily.  Animals can also help recovering addicts get out and get regular exercise, which is highly recommended by most practitioners as a way to help with their recovery. Those who have issues trusting peers can also benefit greatly from equine therapy, where threats, intimidation, or bargaining will get you nowhere.  It allows those in recovery to create new ways of interacting with people and their environments, and creates a more positive self-image. 
 
Whether the animal is fuzzy and cuddly, or even a goldfish, the data say that taking care of any kind of animal helps to decrease feelings of loneliness and depression, as well as anxiety.  Children with autism that have a classroom pet have been reported to be more social and have more positive experiences in the classroom.  Seniors that were given crickets to take care of showed less depression than the control group.  No matter what kind of animal tickles your fancy, the prevailing evidence is that you should adopt a new best friend today!  

​Once again we thank you Jessica for sharing this article with us. We look forward to more. 

Please be sure to check out Jessica's site for some great photos, fun contests and other interesting articles that any pet lover will enjoy.

Today we welcome Jessica Brody of ourbestfriends.pet, a complete website for pet owners that, among many other things, is dedicated to promoting the adoption of shelter pets. Jessica states:

So today we are pleased to present Jessica's article dedicated to helping first-time pet owners.
​
Without further ado, we bring you Jessica's article: 

​Be a Successful First-Time Pet Owner by Choosing the Right Pet, Readying Yourself, and Adapting Your Home

​Photo Credit: JACLOU-DL, Pixabay
 
Falling in love with an animal and impulsively taking her home on the spot is tempting, but it’s not the most responsible thing to do. Being unprepared for pet ownership can lead to life with a pet that develops behavioral issues, and you may eventually have to give it up.
 
To ensure your pet is happy and healthy and that you are the best pet owner you can be, research the type of pet that you should get, what the pet will need, how to create a safe home for it, and how to help your it thrive in as many ways as possible.
 
Considerations to Make When Choosing a Pet
 
Research different types of pets and different breeds ahead of time. Do not make an impulse adoption based on the cuteness of the animal. You should learn everything you can about the pet beforehand, including its temperament, trainability, lifespan, and diet, as well as exercise, space, and grooming needs. It helps to make an informed decision. Some animals and breeds have traits that a new pet owner might not anticipate. For example, border collies and other herding breeds constantly need a job to do, and basenjis like to yodel.
 
Ensure you can handle the financial responsibility of being a pet owner. Different animals (and even different breeds) have varying annual costs. If you are even slightly uncertain about your ability to afford a pet over the next few years, then you should probably hold off on adopting one. If you were to fall on hard times, having a pet could make financial issues even worse and could lead to you surrendering your pet.
 
Readying Yourself and Adapting Your Home
 
Carefully pet-proof your house before bringing your pet home. Take the same precautions with pets as you would with a small child,” suggests the Humane Society. Secure loose or hanging wires, and place medications, chemicals (like antifreeze and insecticides), and remote controls (which contain batteries) out of reach. Some plants, fertilizers, mulch, and wood shavings can be deadly. Avoid rawhide, toys with movable parts, and stuffed animals with plastic eyes. Clear the floor and lower shelves of buttons, coins, sewing needles, rubber bands, dental floss, and thread.
 
Research training techniques before getting a pet. With patience, time, and attention, nearly any pet can be trained, including cats, dogs, birds, horses, and rabbits. And it helps to start early. Start as soon as you bring your pet home, especially if your pet is young. For example, puppies can learn to heel, come, stay, sit, and lay as young as 12 weeks of age. Also, avoid starting any bad habits, such as feeding your pet table food or allowing your pet to sleep in your bed.
 
Other Considerations
 
By exposing your pet to different people, experiences, and sounds, you are helping her to socialize, which can prevent behavioral issues from arising. On the flip side, your pet can help you socialize too, which is just one of the many health benefits of having a pet, especially a dog. You will also see improvements in your stress levels and mood. Dogs in particular provide a great way for you to exercise, since they need to be walked every day. Dog walking helps your dog by letting her use the bathroom, releasing built up energy, staying fit, and meeting new people and dogs. Remember that all pets need some form of exercise, and if you aren’t going to be able to exercise with your pup a few days a week due to your work schedule or other commitments, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker to help you fill in the gaps.
 
Picking the right animal and breed for your lifestyle – including your work hours, house size, and activity level – is important. You also need to carefully consider what is required of pet ownership, including the time commitment and the financial aspects. Making an informed decision about getting a pet and which pet to adopt, readying yourself for pet ownership, and adapting your home for a safe environment are all keys to happiness for you and your pet.
                                                                            *****
From all of us at loyalpitbulllove.com we thank you Jessica for this helpful and informative article.  Please be sure to check out  ourbestfriends.pet for some great resources, articles and contests that any pet owner or animal lover is sure to enjoy.

Today we welcome Emily Walton of www.vetary.com – a website that offers a wealth of information for pet owners. In addition for affordable payment options for veterinary treatment, you can visit this site to find everything from veterinarians in your area to free advice for any concerns you may have regarding your pet’s health.

Included below are links to the site’s resources for cat conditions, articles on dog care, all dog breeds, and horse conditions. If you are searching online for a specific symptom, treatment or specialist, this is a great place to start.
​
Cat Conditions
https://www.vetary.com/cat/conditions
Dog Care Articles
https://www.vetary.com/dog/care
All Dog Breeds
https://www.vetary.com/dog/breeds
Horse Conditions
https://www.vetary.com/horse/conditions
 

It was five years ago today, June 19, 2012, that we said good bye to Oscar. He had been our loyal companion, best friend and family member for 14 years.

When I stopped by the shelter with my son and daughter on July 1, 1998, to look at the dogs, we had no intention of adopting one.  I guess Oscar had other ideas though, because the next thing we knew he was in our car on his way home with us. It didn’t take us long to realize how lucky we were that he chose us to be his family.
​
Oscar was not our first dog, but he was the one my kids grew up with. He joined us when they were in elementary and middle school and saw them into adulthood. They helped to care for him throughout his life and into his golden years when his health began to fail him. I credit this experience as a major factor in shaping them into the kind, caring and compassionate individuals they are today.

​For the last two years of his life, Oscar was unable to walk on his own but despite his physical challenges, his gentle spirit and loving heart never changed. When a scared, previously abused and unwanted shelter dog named Mickey joined our family in February, 2011, Oscar welcomed him, befriended him and let him know that everything was going to be okay. Mickey was fearful of just about everyone and everything but he trusted Oscar and Oscar never let him down.

Oscar never complained or felt sorry for himself. He resisted using his “wheels” for as long as he could, as if to say “I can still do this,” until he couldn’t any more. But he accepted his situation and made the best of it. We learned so many lessons from Oscar. He taught us about bravery, courage in the face of adversity, appreciation for all the little joys life has to offer and what it means to absolutely love unconditionally.

He was honestly the best dog any family could ask for so understandably, one of the hardest decisions we ever had to make or will ever have to make was to let him go with dignity. However, I do believe that he left this world at peace, knowing he was loved by every person who had the privilege of knowing him.
​
Oscar, please know we will never forget you – we remember you with love, today and every day. We miss you always.  It was truly an honor to have had you as our dog.

Anyone who has ever rescued a dog knows that rescue dogs can come with baggage. Actually, even the most mild-mannered puppy will develop unwanted behaviors without the proper guidance. So when getting any new dog, a good first step is finding the right trainer or behaviorist.

Once you have taken that step the real work begins. Many people make the mistake of thinking that once they consult with a trainer, their dogs will be trained. The truth is that a training is something that you do yourself and it is ongoing for the life of your dog.

Today I offer a few ABC’s to get you and your dog off on the right foot (or paw as the case may be).

Advocacy

Your dog is a product of his or her past. If you have a rescue dog, you probably have already figured out that, in many cases, you will have to undo at least some of the behaviors your dog has picked up.

Take things slowly, celebrate small victories and understand that your dog is depending on you to keep him/her safe. Know your dog, be a leader and recognize that your dog cannot progress without your help.

Bonding

Yes, training can be a lot of work but you will find there is nothing better than the unconditional love you receive from a grateful, happy, well-balanced dog. The time you spend with your dog will bring you closer and the bond you develop will be worth all the time and effort you put in.

Three C’s

Communication

Pay attention to what your dog is telling you. If your dog is uncomfortable, don’t push it. Know when your dog has had enough and try again another time. You will have good days and bad days. Expect it and don’t be discouraged. All good things take time.
​
Commitment

Dedicate a few minutes each day for training. Review what has already been learned and gradually introduce new tasks. Training sessions do not need to be any longer than ten or fifteen minutes at a time, although of course they can be longer if you have the time and your dog is up for it. The important thing is to work on training faithfully every day. Keep it fun. Your dog will look forward to it and, over time, you will experience great rewards.

Consistency

Decide what behaviors you want and expect from your dog and reinforce them consistently. Be firm or your dog will only become confused. Remember dogs want to please and once they know what is expected they will be happier and so will you.

Keep your expectations reasonable, enjoy the time you spend with your dog and don’t give up. You are well on your way.

Today it is an honor and a privilege to share this beautiful article written by Scott Smith, Community and Pet Editor for Consumers Advocate. Smith also also runs the "Everybody Loves Sammy" online community with over 150,000 followers. He describes this article as "one of the most heartfelt and important Pit Bull stories published in years."   

 "Pit Bulls - Straight From The Heart" is a compilation of positive, uplifting stories from rescue organizations and pit bull owners around the country. 

Like so many others, Smith had his doubts about owning a pit bull until an emaciated, frail and tick infested stray pit bull decided to join him and his dogs on a walk. Unable to leave the dog, now named Rocky, to fend for himself, Smith brought him to the vet for treatment. When nobody came forward to claim him or adopt him, Smith took him home.

Now, about a year and a half later, Rocky is thriving and Smith says,
"Seeing his progress from that random Thursday in 2015 has mended my heart from how broken it was that day. 
​I love him, and that's forever. And now I love Pit Bulls, and that's forever too."

Please take the time to read about all of the dogs you see pictured here. Their stories will touch your heart and you will come away with a greater appreciation of the loyalty, resilience and unconditional love these dogs display despite the pain inflicted on them.

You can find the full article here: https://www.consumersadvocate.org/features/pit-bulls-straight-from-the-heart 

Thank you Scott for reaching out to www.loyalpitbulllove.com. We know our audience will enjoy this article as much as we did.

                                                                  Pit Bull, Bentley of My Pit Bull Friend.

                    To the left, John Garcia and Pit Bull friend, Georgia. To the right, Pit Bull, Karma and cat, Omar. ​                

​                                                                            Pit Bull, Blossom, in both pictures.

                                      Both pictures are of Pit Bull, Malibu. Photo credit; Laura of lartephotography.com.

                                                                                                      Potter

On the left is Eddie Milo and a blind puppy, Opie, in the white collar. On the right, Eddie Milo and Regina Mendoza,                                                                                                   CAMP SCR director.

​                                                                  Pit Bull, Bentley and little girl, Camille 

                                                                                Pearl, from the Daily Pip 

On the right, Pit Bull Piper and her human mom Alison, credited to Rachel Johnson. The picture on the left is credited                                                                                    to Emily Tronetti from Heal to Howl.

                                            Pit Bull, Saint and Chris on the right -- Photo credit; Dan McPartlan ​

                                                          Apollo from the "Cruelty Survior" campaign by Oki Doggy

                                                      Pit Bull Presley, originally from Animal Care & Control of NYC

Wilbur went from owner surrender to ambassador for dogs like him.
He's now a Canine Good Citizen and travels the country with Shannon breaking stereotypes.

                                                                                    Scott Smith with Rocky.

Heartwarming video of a Pit Bull and his best friend, a cat. Video credit; The Dodo. 


All photos courtesy of Scott Smith  -- Community and Pet Editor for Consumers Advocate and the "Everybody Loves Sammy" online community. 

Getting Mickey to where he is today has not been easy. It has been and continues to be a journey, but I now know that his journey is also mine. Adopting a dog with significant fear issues has certainly been an education and a challenge unlike anything I have ever experienced. What I have learned could fill a book, maybe several. So, I thought I would share some insights. I hope my experiences will help others help their dogs to be the best they can be.

Today I will talk about knowing when to look for help and how to find it.

When I saw how erratic Mickey’s behavior could be I quickly realized that training him to be a suitable family pet was something out of my realm. While he demonstrated a sweetness and a love for the individuals and animals he knew, he was unpredictable around those he did not know - a huge concern. How could I take this dog out in public? Not that he even wanted to go out of the house anyway, but realistically I knew at some point he would have to.

So I did what any good, responsible, overwhelmed dog owner would do – I hired a trainer. Smart move, right? Wrong. What I did not know at the time was that all trainers are not created equal. As it turned out, this trainer (who had some very good references) was not equipped to deal with Mickey – in fact he was afraid of him. After several sessions, he stopped responding to my calls and I was left to my own devices.

I took what I could from the experience, trained Mickey in the basics, did a lot of research and asked a lot of questions. Progress was slow but it was progress.  Eventually though, I hit a wall and resigned myself to having a dog who would always be a bit fearful, neurotic and impulsive.

Then, when I least expected it, I met another trainer who was eager to work with us. I decided to give her a chance and the results were remarkable. Mickey was on his way.

That was the first major lesson I learned and, because I wish I had known sooner, I hope my lack of awareness will help others avoid making the same mistake.

Anyone who has experienced a contentious break-up or the loss of a beloved pet knows that either of these experiences can devastate even the most resilient of us. But imagine experiencing both of these painful losses in a period of just two days!

Los Angeles filmmaker Jon Mancinetti of Mancinetti Pictures found himself in that exact situation last year. In the process of ending their relationship, his then girlfriend violently attacked him and destroyed his apartment. Then, just two days later, he lost his beloved pit bull and best friend, Russell Stover to cancer.

Rather than let these events define him, Jon took the lemons he was given and made them into lemonade. He decided to foster another shelter dog who was hours from being killed – an experience that opened up a whole new world for him.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Jon has been making movies for as long as he can remember. After making his first successful feature film, Never Escape, the promise of new opportunities and the lure of warmer weather brought him to sunny California.

Jon has also had a lifelong love for animals. Back in Ohio he began rescuing dogs in a rather unorthodox manner but the knowledge and experience he gained carried forward when he moved west. In just this past year, through his time and effort, eight pit bulls have found wonderful forever homes.

Now Jon is taking his lifelong passions for rescue and film making to the next level by creating a film called Loss and Found. With this project he hopes to tell his own story in an entertaining fashion and, at the same time, create a meaningful film to raise awareness regarding the topics of shelter overcrowding and breed discrimination and to applaud the lifesaving efforts of animal rescue workers.

As many of us already know, when we rescue, we too are rescued and Jon is living proof. As you will see, Jon’s love and compassion for some of the most downtrodden dogs he has encountered have taken him on an incredible journey and his mission is just beginning.

With his new project Loss and Found, Jon also has great news for dogs and owners everywhere. By making just a small contribution to Jon’s Kickstarter campaign you will not only be backing the project, but you and your dog can also be showcased at the premiere! Be sure to check out all the details here.
​
We are very pleased to have Jon with us today to tell us all about himself, his dogs and his exciting upcoming film, Loss and Found. 

​​I adopted Russell a month after losing Balou. He was always so well behaved. We continued to stay involved with Karma Rescue and attended their community education events. Russell became a certified canine good citizen and went to “Reading Isn’t Rough” events, where children would read to him. Adopting Russell was such a blessing and it truly changed my life. The love he gave me motivated me to save more dogs so I could help other people have the same loving experience I had with my rescued pit bull.

​We also saved another dog a few years later, a puppy named Bebe who had accidentally swallowed poison. Saving Bebe really showed me how much I loved helping dogs. Balou came with me when I moved to LA, but the other dogs stayed with my ex-girlfriend. I wished I could have kept them all but they have a wonderful home and are spoiled rotten. I have visited a few times. It is hard seeing them and saying goodbye but I know they are happy. And working with Beauty and Bebe was good practice for the dogs I have fostered since coming to LA.

Q. Tell us about some of your film projects.
​
A. I made hundreds of movies with my brothers over the years and lots of student films that really helped me learn editing the technical aspects. My first full film, Brice Stevens: The Movie was a 45 minute improv based comedy. In 2010. I wrote, directed, shot and edited my first big feature, a 1 hour 15 minute action thriller Never Escape. It premiered to a sold-out crowd of over 400 people, went on to be accepted into numerous film festivals and got a video on demand deal! This film really helped put me on the map in Cleveland. Next the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers offered me a job to shoot videos for them. This was a dream job. I wrote, directed and shot in game videos and commercials that were seen worldwide. Eventually I saved up enough money to move to LA and hit the ground running. My first project was a music video. It was featured on Spin.com and received an overwhelmingly positive response. I have continued to do music videos, commercials and visuals for DJs that have played at some of the world’s biggest music festivals. I also worked last year for Actors For Autism, teaching young adults with autism how to do post effects for movies. Now my goal is to raise a solid budget so I can focus on telling my own story. So much of my time is spent giving my creative talents to clients for their projects and their ideas. This film will give me a chance to really showcase my abilities in a story that is very important to me.

Q. Tell us about your rescue efforts (shelters you work with, dogs you have saved, happy tales, etc.)

A. Over the past year I have fostered a number of dogs, all of them pit bulls. I fostered both independently and through traditional rescues JMM Rescue, Karma Rescue and Paw Prints in the Sand. The dogs were saved from shelters in Riverside, Downey and Carson. They all came with challenges but seeing them thrive and become happy, healthy dogs was a joy. Knowing they found wonderful, loving homes was the greatest reward of all. I have kept in touch with their new families and they are all doing great.  Two months ago I went to Carson Animal Shelter and adopted my new dog Smokey! I really lucked out with this guy. He is so well trained that I decided to use him for my film Loss and Found! Smokey will play my first foster dog. I’m excited to make him a movie star! 

Q. When did the idea for Loss and Found hit you and how is the project coming along? Where are you now with regards to the film?

A. Last year, after an awful fight with my ex, I was covered in cuts from broken glass and she destroyed my apartment. Then two days later, I had to put Russell to sleep because he had a tumor causing blood to fill his lungs. It was literally the worst weekend of my life. I kept thinking there had to be some kind of reason behind it all. But I stayed positive and channeled my energy into saving dogs.  I was amazed at how many people were unaware that you could foster a dog or adopt from a shelter, let alone the staggering number of healthy adoptable pit bulls that are put to sleep every day. I remember thinking when my first foster dog Munson got adopted, “This seems like something out of a movie”.  

I had already completed work on a full-length film called Epic Fail and wanted to come up with an idea for a short film next. I knew it had to be something compelling that would get into film festivals and get my name noticed. I couldn’t stop thinking about my story of overcoming loss and saving other dogs last year, so one weekend I sat down and started writing. I think I cried a million times while writing it. Once the script was complete it was an amazing feeling and very cathartic. I have gotten an overwhelmingly positive response on the script and can’t wait to put it into production! As of now literally all I need is money to start pre-production. I want to start casting and locking down locations as well as dates for shooting. I hope to start production in late March early April.

​As an extra incentive I’m going to also be saving my next dog while making this movie. There is a dog named Wiley at the Carson shelter that I fell in love with the day I adopted Smokey. Wiley was honestly my first choice but they wouldn’t let me see him because he hadn’t been temperament tested. Fate brought me to Smokey and he is perfect but I can’t stop thinking about poor Wiley. He has been at the shelter since November and his time is up. I’ll need to get a rescue to help me pull him so I can officially be his foster. Hopefully I can make this happen in a few weeks. When this film is complete I will be showing it to as many audiences as possible which will ultimately help save more dogs by educating people on the issues surrounding rescue dogs.

Q. Without giving too much away, how do you envision the final film?

A. I think this film is unique because it has honestly never been done before. This is a short film about how I saved my first foster dog. I have never seen a film about dog fostering, let alone a comedy. We have all seen the commercials on TV to save dogs with the depressing Sarah McLachlan music and this is something I definitely wanted to avoid. Although these commercials are effective, I think they actually turn a lot of people off to the conversation. My goal is to make this film fun and entertaining so audiences both young and old can enjoy it.

It’s also not just a dog movie like Homeward Bound or A Dogs Purpose. It starts right after I lost Russell and will show how devastated I was. Audiences won’t know that it was my dog until halfway through the movie. That’s when the real plot unfolds and I decide to save another dog who is about to be put to sleep at the shelter. At first things don’t go so well and my foster dog just makes me miss Russell more, but eventually we start to bond and audiences will see the positive impact that my foster dog had on my life. It ends with an inspirational message when my foster dog gets adopted by that loving family in their dream home on the beach.

I truly think that this uplifting and inspiring story is so perfect to tell right now with all the negative news that has been happening in our world. I believe that through the comedy in the film we can create something that will both entertain and inform audiences.

Q. Is there anything else you would like people to know?

A. I am extremely passionate about this film because it is based on my own life experience. My dogs have shown me so much love and have really helped me get through life. As someone who does suffer from depression every once in a while, I am a firm believer that owning a dog can help. The dogs bring me so much joy. All I want is the opportunity to bring that same joy to more people while also saving more dogs.  

In LA alone, over 200 pit bulls are put to sleep in the shelters every single day. Out of 600 brought to the shelter system only one actually makes it to a forever home. I now have a strong voice and these poor animals really need that. I know saving eight dogs is small compared to the numbers that are being put down, but just think how many I will be able to save by continuing my work. I know that this film is the story I am meant to tell right now in my life. The main thing I want people to know is that yes, I will be promoting my talents and furthering my career, but most of all I am making this film because I believe that it will help raise awareness and save lives.
 
So there you have it and remember the name folks, Jon Mancinetti of Mancinetti Pictures.

You can follow Jon and his pups on Instagram @mancinettipics and please don’t forget to check out the campaign page for important updates. Again, all the information can be found at :

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/MancinettiPictures/loss-and-found?ref=thanks_share

We here at www.loyalpitbulllove.com  hope all of our followers will promote and support Loss and Found. In doing so you will help raise awareness for issues surrounding shelter dogs which ultimately will help to save lives.

Jon, we cannot thank you enough for taking the time to visit with us today. Most of all, thank you for being a positive voice for those who need it most. We wish you the best and look forward to Loss and Found as well as other future projects.  We are confident that both personally and through Mancinetti Picutres you will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of shelter dogs.

So many people say they would not be able to foster a pet because they would become too attached. I completely understand. That’s what pets do – they come into our lives and our homes and we fall in love with them.  

While it is a great kindness to offer love to someone who needs it, I will not turn this into a dissertation on how, without foster families, rescues cannot help animals in need. We already know this and, if you are one of those who for whatever reason is not able to foster, it is not my intention to make you feel bad. I have been there too.
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I have fostered several times in the past. Some of the dogs fit in well with my dog Mickey and some not so well. For the record, I loved all of my foster dogs but when the right homes came along, I found it pretty easy to let them go – much easier than I would have thought. Somehow I knew they were not meant to be mine.

Although I did become extremely attached and all of them were wonderful dogs, when their journeys took them to where they truly belonged I was thrilled for them. The problem I encountered was that certain dogs made Mickey very nervous. My last two fosters were not interested in making friends with him so I decided, in fairness to myself, to Mickey and to the other dogs, I would have to take a break. I was happy to do anything else to assist rescues but there would be no more fosters for me as long as I had Mickey.
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Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans – they often go awry. And my plans were thrown into complete chaos this past October when I attended an event and met a dog named Dan. He was there with a local Animal Control unit in hopes of finding a home. I learned he had been seized along with seven other dogs in a cruelty case and had spent many months in the pound. His siblings had been adopted but he remained. 

Dan is an older boy, estimated to be about seven years old. He had been kept in a crate in a basement and used for breeding. He was missing patches of fur, his ears had been poorly cropped and were horribly infected and he had come into the pound severely infested with fleas. He had been taken to the vet and no longer had fleas but he was still missing fur and his ear infections had not completely cleared up causing him considerable discomfort.

In spite of everything though, nothing seemed to faze him. He enjoyed being petted, walked obediently on his leash and greeted everyone he met with a smile and a tail that never stopped wagging. One of the vendors even offered him some chicken soup which he happily lapped up from a cup.

As the days passed, I found myself thinking about him more and more, looking at the shelter website and making some inquiries. Finally I asked one of the rescues I volunteer with, Furry Friends Foster and Rescue, Inc., if it would be willing to pull him from the pound if I agreed to foster.  The rescue said yes!

First, though we had to make sure he and our dogs would get along. My boyfriend and I took our two dogs to the pound to meet him and everyone seemed fine. It was a done deal. We decided right then to give fostering another try. I notified the rescue which then made an appointment to spring him. About a week later I gave Dan his freedom ride.

As you may guess, a senior pittie is not a dog that people will be lining up to adopt so I knew he would be with me for a while. The plan was to foster him for as long as it took to find his forever home. What I did not plan on was how much I would fall in love with him.

Dan likely has had no real training or socialization but he is sweet, smart and tries hard to please. He will take time and work but I believe he has tons of potential.
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He is funny and goofy and his head is a little too big for his body. He runs clumsily and his whole body wiggles when he is happy. He can be a bit pushy but Mickey doesn’t seem to mind – in fact they really seem to like each other and Dan will learn his manners eventually. 

I don’t know exactly when or how I made the decision, but one day I just knew that Dan would be not be looking for a permanent home because he had already found one. Earlier this month we made it official. Dan is now one of us – part of our family. He has won his way into our hearts completely.

I guess my point in all of this is, if you have the home, the heart, the love and you are on the fence, fostering is worth a try. If you’ve had a bad experience or two, it is worth trying again. Having a reputable rescue behind you makes things a lot easier. Everything is provided for you – food, supplies, medical care and any support you may need.

Yes, you will get attached. And yes, it can be hard to let them go. But sometimes, if you’re lucky, you find one that you’ll never let go. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you’ll find just what you need when you didn’t even know you needed it. I certainly was not looking to adopt another dog but then a sweet, lonely senior boy that no one else seemed to want adopted me. 
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He waited seven years but his wait is over. Dan is finally home and we could not be happier.