Each year on this day, June 19, we mark the passing of our beloved Oscar who left us six years ago.
​
While all dogs are special, Oscar was truly one of a kind. He was not my first rescue dog but he was my first shelter dog.  I once came across this quote and it certainly applies to Oscar:

On August 1, 1998, we went to the shelter with no plans to take a dog home but, call it karma, call it fate, call it whatever you’d like – Oscar had been surrendered just hours before we arrived and, that day he chose us to be his family.

He was only eight months old but we were his third home. Because he was a shelter dog, we never knew why no one seemed to want him - he really was the perfect dog. Yes, he was strong and nobody had bothered to train him but he was very smart and did not have a mean bone in his body. All he needed was a chance.

He loved to run, play snow football and pull sleds. He became the kids’ sports team mascot – we were even told that until Oscar was at a game, something seemed to be missing and when he arrived everything seemed right again. He learned many things including how to sing for car rides, how to bring his empty yogurt cup to the trash when he was finished and how to use “the password” to enter the house after his walks.
​
Not only did Oscar learn but he was also a great teacher. Among his many lessons, he showed us how to live each day with unbridled joy, how to appreciate the little things and how to love with our whole hearts.

In his old age, he welcomed an unwanted bunny and another shelter dog who was fearful and shy and he became their friends. Even when he was no longer able to walk he continued to teach. It was then that he taught us how to be brave, to overcome obstacles and not let life’s challenges get you down. And when it was time to let him go, he let us know that he was okay with it.
​
I honestly believe that Oscar would not have wanted us to grieve for him. He was ready to move on and I know that wherever he is now, he is watching over us and knows he has not been forgotten by those who loved him here on earth. And while we can no longer see him, we still feel him in our hearts and his memory will live on with us always.

Happy June everyone! 

Spring is in full swing and its a great time to get out and walk and engage in other outdoor activities. It is also a good time to bring awareness to an issue that is prevalent in humans and pets alike - the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.

Today we are fortunate to have Lucy Tate of doggonow.com, an outstanding website dedicated to providing helpful information for all animal lovers particularly regarding the subjects of animal rescue and need for foster families. Lucy has been kind enough to write an article exclusively for us here at loyalpitbulllove.com. The following article contains a comprehensive guide for keeping your pets at a healthy weight and, you will find many of the tips in the article useful for humans as well. 

So, here you go......enjoy!!

Image via Pexels

Canine Obesity in America

Americans love our food and we love our dogs. It’s no surprise that those two loves also get along-- but what’s the cost? The obesity epidemic plaguing the United States is now coming for our pets. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, roughly 53 percent of dogs are overweight or obese. When pets have an excess of body fat, it puts them at risk for various health issues:

• Diabetes
  
• Joint problems
  
• Heart disease
  
• Increased blood pressure
  
• Respiratory issues
  
• Heat intolerance
  
• Liver failure
  
• Digestive disorders
  
• Decreased immune function
  
• Skin and coat issues
  
• Cancer and tumors
  
• Premature death
  

Controlling Your Pet’s Weight
Being proactive regarding your pup’s weight control can help keep him healthy and happy. Talk to your vet about the ideal weight for his breed or at the very least a breed similar in size. If he or she is already in a healthy range, your work is mostly upkeep and providing an active lifestyle for your dog. If your pup is already overweight, your vet should be able to give you recommendations on low calorie food options and how to safely incorporate exercise into your dog’s schedule.
Diet
There are a lot of opinions when it comes to what dogs should eat. Some people really adhere to the whole raw food concept. Others prefer the simplicity and convenience of kibble. Whatever fits into your budget and schedule is what is right for you.
Some general things to keep in mind regarding your dog’s diet:

• Always have clean water available. Your dog should drink about an ounce of water per pound of body weight every day.
  
  
• Avoid free-feeding. Your average dog loves food so much he can’t control himself and stop overeating. Provide your pup with a regular feeding schedule with appropriate portion sizes to keep weight under control.
  
  
• Know what foods your dog can eat and what to avoid. Always pay attention to his reactions and behaviors after trying a new food. If he seems sick or shows signs of an upset stomach, eliminate that food from his diet. Dogs tend to do best with a consistent and safe diet without too much variation, anyways.
  

Exercise
No matter how much of a couch potato your dog is, he needs regular exercise for both his physical and mental wellbeing. You can’t just let your pup in the backyard and expect that to be enough, either. A dog can spend a surprising amount of time just sniffing around-- sometimes when it comes to real physical activity, you have to take the lead.
Walking daily is the most obvious solution to your dog’s exercise dilemma. Walking your dog allows him to follow his instincts and explore the various sights, sounds, and-- most importantly-- smells around the neighborhood. Make it a priority to break out the leash, check here for some good ones, at least once a day to go for a leisurely stroll.
Another great way to encourage exercise is by taking a trip to the dog park. Dog parks provide ample space where your pup can run off leash and play with other canines. When visiting a dog park, stay alert at all times, and keep these safety tips in mind. As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to pick up after his business when in public. It is also important to watch for signs of aggressiveness both from other dogs and your own. Look for signs of sickness and keep your dog away from possibly infections pups to keep him healthy.
***
American dogs are facing the same struggles with obesity as American humans. If your pup is overweight or obeses, it puts him at risk for various health problems including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Talk with your vet about an appropriate weight range for your dog and the best diet for his needs. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water and exercise to promote health and happiness in your dog’s life.
***

Thank you Lucy for creating this for us.

Hope everyone reading this enjoyed the article as much as we did and also found some useful tips to incorporate into your daily routine with your dogs.

Be sure to check out doggonow.com too!

You will laugh. You will cry. You will cheer! While there are many outstanding films that deal with animals and rescue, “Loss and Found” by award winning Hollywood filmmaker, Jon Mancinetti of Mancinetti Pictures is quite unlike others that have been done previously..

“Loss and Found” is a comedy and a coming of age story about one young man’s journey into rescue and how saving one dog motivated him to save more.  At the same time, the film also touches upon some very serious issues surrounding rescue dogs – shelter overcrowding, misconceptions, breed discrimination and, most importantly, the need for individuals and families to open their homes and hearts to homeless animals through fostering and adoption.

I first became acquainted with Jon Mancinetti just over a year ago when “Loss and Found” was just a vision. His aspirations were documented on this website here. Now the film is a reality and Mancinetti is taking it on the road with the goal of showing it at numerous film festivals around the country, while also doing fundraising events for local rescues.

One of the scheduled screenings happens to be a benefit for an organization that is near to my own heart, Furry Friends Foster and Rescue, Inc. On April 15th at 1:00 PM the rescue will be hosting a benefit screening of “Loss and Found” at the Spotlight Theatres in Hartford, CT, and could not be more excited.

As one of the lucky few who was chosen to view the film in a private screening, the film really resonated with me as a rescuer. It showed, in a non-judgmental way, many of the things we see in rescue on a day-to-day basis. We see how healthy, adoptable dogs are often overlooked. We see the mistaken beliefs that shelter dogs are somehow “flawed.” We see how some are never given the chance to adjust to life in a home or learn what it means to be part of a family. And we see what happens when someone takes the time to care.

Perhaps even more importantly, this film is a must-see for anyone who is interested in becoming more involved in helping homeless animals. It will certainly open your eyes to the plight of shelter dogs and inspire you to join the fight to save them. "Loss and Found" also focuses on the bond that develops between humans and their pets and how when we rescue, we too are rescued. By showing the film in our area, Mancinetti hopes to “help spread awareness and motivate more people in the area to foster.”

“Loss and Found” recently won the Audience Choice Award at the Huntington Beach Film Festival. It has been shown in California, Mississippi and Ohio. More than a dozen additional screenings are already scheduled in locations throughout the country during the spring months and into the summer.

Although “Loss and Found” will be touring over the next months, it will only be available for viewing in select theaters. For those of you in or near Connecticut, this may be your only chance to see this wonderful film.

Mancinetti says, “This is my first time coming to Hartford. I am excited to not only see the area but also to show my film and continue to spread awareness. My hope is that once people see the impact that fostering had on my life, it might motivate them to do the same.”

That is our hope as well!
​
For tickets and event information please visit LossandFoundHartford.Eventbrite.com.
​

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.