Monday, March 14, 2011

647

A new friend of the 800 Days recommended this video for a little light hearted cats and dogs
to break up the pace,because much of the info on the next two days posts may be sad for the reader.
A Little Mood Music Maestro


Today and tomorrow on the 800 Days we are going to focus on the plights that suffer some of the four legged friends in this modern crazy place called Earth. All animals deserve respect and kindness from humans. But the next two days I want to give some special attention to a special group of animals that get more bad press than they deserve. The breed of dogs called the Pit Bull.
The Pit Bull cause was brought into my family because of a beautiful animal that my mom and I have made part of our family, she is the good looking lady pictured below. Her name is
CHLOE 23


CHLOE 23 is championing the cause of the American Pit Bull and has her own Facebook page.

She could use your support in spreading positive information about her very misunderstood breed.
Chloe 23 is a little red nosed pitte girl who was found with her companion who was hit by a car and lay dead on the roadside. She sat for hours and was unwilling to leave him. She was exhausted , frightened and devoted to the end. She is a symbol of courage and loyalty and is dedicated to speak out for this misunderstood breed

Chloe 23 has one motto in life
" Life is the Pits. Deal with it."

She also thinks that everyone should know this
"Pit bulls are famous, in circles of knowledgeable dog people,
for the love and loyalty they bestow on anyone who shows them a smidgen of kindness."

Here are some Pit Bull myths that Chloe 23 thinks people need to understand better

Myths about Pit Bull Terriers  by Pit Road Rescue

Source: http://www.pitbulllovers.com/pit-bulls-and-human-aggression.html


MYTH: All Pit Bulls are mean and vicious.

It is reported on temperament tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society that Pit Bulls had a passing rate of 82% or better -- compared to only 77% of the general dog population.

These temperament tests consist of putting a dog through a series of unexpected situations, some involving strangers.

Any signs of unprovoked aggression or panic in these situations result in failure of the test. The achievement of Pit Bulls in this study disproves that they are inherently aggressive to people. (Please visit ATTS.org)

MYTH: A Pit Bull that shows aggression towards an animal will go for people next.

"Many working breeds have antipathy towards other animals - coonhounds go mad at the sight of a raccoon, foxhounds will not hesitate to tear a dog-like fox to shreds, greyhounds live to chase and maul rabbits and even dog-like coyotes. Even the ever-friendly beagle will slaughter a rabbit, given the chance.

And yet the greyhound, coon and foxhound and beagle are among the friendliest of breeds towards humans. And it is the same with the pit bulldog. His work through the years has been control of other animals - never humans. A correct pit bull is more often than not submissive toward all humans, and adores children.

A pit bull that snarls, lunges or growls at non-threatening humans is NOT typical of the breed." (Written by Diane Jessup)

Pit bulls that do show aggressive behavior towards humans are not typical of the breed.

MYTH: If a Pit Bull was never trained to fight, it will be safe with other dogs.

Pit Bulls can live peacefully with other dogs and animals. However, the Pit Bull has historically been bred to take down large animals. Early and continual socialization can help a Pit Bull be more animal friendly. Genetics, however, play an important role in how the dog will respond to other dogs and animals.

A Pit Bull that will fight another dog if unattended is a normal Pit Bull. Even if a Pit Bull does not start the fight, it has the potential to seriously injure or kill a dog once in the fight.

The Pit Bull has been bred to not back down and withstand pain until the goal is met. This quality does not carry true in all Pit Bulls, but it is safe to assume it is a potential in any Pit Bull in order to avoid unnecessary problems.

Pit Bulls have a late maturity, and a Pit Bull that was dog friendly at 7 months old may suddenly show signs of intolerance of unfamiliar dogs around two years old. Spaying and neutering the dog may help to prevent "turning on" the genetic urge to fight another dog.

All dog fights are preventable, however. Socialize a Pit Bull slowly with new dogs, and never let them play unattended. Remove items such as toys and food bowls to avoid stress.

Pit Bulls can live happily with other pets; if not left unattended. Even the "best of friends" can fight, and the outcome may be tragic. This can be true for dogs that have been together for years. Often, after the first serious fight, relations between the dogs are never the same.
Keeping that first fight from happening is a great way to ensure peaceful relations for the long run. If there is a multiple-dog household, it is important to separate the dogs when there is no one home.

Many people use crates for short times, put dogs into separate rooms, use kennels, or have outdoor areas set up for separation that are safe and secure. Pit Bulls can get along wonderfully with animals like cats, rabbits, and ferrets, but for safety's sake, never leave them alone together.

MYTH: American Pit Bull Terriers have 1600 P.S.I. in jaw pressure

Dr. Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia states, "To the best of our knowledge, there are no published scientific studies that would allow any meaningful comparison to be made of the biting power of various breeds of dogs.

There are, moreover, compelling technical reasons why such data describing biting power in terms of "pounds per square inch" can never be collected in a meaningful way. All figures describing biting power in such terms can be traced to either unfounded rumor or, in some cases, to newspaper articles with no foundation in factual data."

MYTH: American Pit Bull Terriers lock their jaws.

Dr. Brisbin: "The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any breed of dog.

There is absolutely no evidence for the existence of any kind of "locking mechanism" unique to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

MYTH: Treadmills are only used to get dogs ready to fight.

Many responsible owners utilize treadmills to help exercise their dogs. This is useful in places where weather prevents outdoor exercise, or in situations where off-leash exercise in not an option.

The treadmill is used by people that show their Pit Bulls, and do sporting activities like weight pull and agility to help keep their dogs in shape. Because Pit Bulls are athletic animals, responsibly using a treadmill can help them be healthier and happier.

MYTH: Pit Bulls brains swell/never stop growing.

This rumor started with the Doberman, and has since been said about game-bred dogs in general. The concept of an animal's brain swelling or growing too large and somehow causing the animal to "go crazy" is not based in truth in any way.

Their brains grow at the same rate as any other dog, and the only time that a Pit Bull's brain is going to swell is if it receives a serious injury. If an animal's brain were to grow too big for its head, the animal would die.

MYTH: It is unsafe to get a Pit Bull from a rescue or shelter because their past/genetics are unknown.

Under the best of circumstances, it is great to know the history of a dog, the history and health of its parents, and what that line of dogs were bred for.

If a person is buying a Pit Bull from a breeder, this information should be of top importance. However, in most shelter/rescue cases this information is not available. The Pit Bull at the shelter will often be a wonderful pet. It is important to know the general behavior of the dog.

Has it shown any aggression towards humans? Most Pit Bull rescues will not accept or adopt out Pit Bulls with any level of aggression or excessive shyness towards humans. How does this dog do with other dogs? Has it shown any undesirable behavior or habits?

It is suggested that a potential adopter of a Pit Bull bring the whole family to meet the dog. Often, shelters and rescues will allow you to take the dog for a home visit to see how they respond to the new surroundings. Most adoptions of a Pit Bull are amazing successes, and the adopter is not only receiving a pet, but they are also saving a life!

MYTH: It is best to get a puppy so that you can make it behave how you want it to.

Many people feel if they get a Pit Bull as a puppy they can train it to not be aggressive towards other dogs and increase the likelihood that the dog will have no undesirable behavior qualities.

Puppies can be a lot of fun and very rewarding, but with a new puppy there is no way of knowing how that dog will act as an adult.

One benefit of adopting a young adult or full grown Pit Bull is the ability to avoid the uncomfortable puppy behavior stage. This includes constant destructive chewing, house breaking, excessive and uncontrollable energy, teething and puppy biting, possible whining, howling, and barking for attention at night, and the time and effort it takes to begin teaching general manners and obedience.

Another benefit is that an adopter can know how an adult Pit Bull will do with other dogs, cats, children, car rides, and other certain situations. Bringing a puppy up in the most loving and social environment can only alter its predetermined genetic urges so much.

In other words, having a dog since puppyhood does not necessarily mean it will have all of the qualities desired in a pet. It may end up having some traits that are undesirable. An adult Pit Bull, however, will have more of an established personality, and an adopter can know what to expect with the dog.


And now the first part of a story that will be continued tomorrow as well. A story that needs to be told even thought it is the hardest story to have to tell. Chloe 23 hopes it reaches your heart.  


Charity's Story Part One

This is Charity, Faith, and Hope...They are Pit Bulls

(Charity is on the right. Faith is the Tuxedo pup to the left, and Hope is in the back)
(Charity is on the right. Faith is the Tuxedo pup to the left, and Hope is in the back)

Take a moment to read the story of Charity an American Pit Bull

This is a story that my mom forwarded to me on Facebook, and it had a profound impact upon me when I read it. I thought it was worth forwarding and letting others read the story as well. Keep on Hubbing. Blake4d
My name is Charity.
My life began about 6 months ago. I was one of a litter of several and knew nothing of the world or the people in it. I knew my mother and warmth and hunger. I knew one day something was wrong when I was ripped from my mother with two of my sisters. We were hurt in ways we did not understand and could not make sense of what was wanted or expected of us.
You see, we were born American Pit Bull Terriers and those who may not understand; we are a very loyal breed. We want only to please those who feed and care for us. Ideally, we would be nurtured and our sharp instincts used for wonderful things, like rescuing small children who have wandered away from a campground, or tunneling through debris at a World Trade Center when bad men do horrid things.But I was born into a world that does not understand us. The most decorated Army dog ever was my kind, and now... well... now they want to kill us all I understand. I am not so sure what it is that makes people hate us so. I know we grow into dogs with a powerful bite and we can do a lot of damage. But, basically, we will do what it is we are trained to do. If we are with a kind person, and we learn kindness from an early age, we can be the best friends ever. Some of us have an instinct that makes us what is called animal aggressive, and I know that is not such a good thing when we need to get along in a family. I was never aggressive. I never harmed anyone or anything... and neither did my two sisters, Faith and Hope. But because of what we are, bad people like to take us and make us do bad things. And those bad people make a lot of other humans hate us for what we are trained to do. But that is another story, sort of... though that story is the reason why things happened to us as they did.Our birth was brought about by one of those bad people with bad intentions. And the more people hate us, the more those bad people want us and the worse they treat us. And it is ok because we are just “Pit Bulls” and “Dumb Dogs.”
They do not seem to understand that we feel pain, we feel when someone hates us, and we do not want to be hurt. So ... that is the world we were born into, but we did not understand all of that then. We just understood we had been ripped from our mother; we could not eat because we had no teeth; and, worse ... the man who bred us had a teenage son that was doing really bad things to us. I later learned that it was called sexual molestation, sodomy, or bestiality. I just knew that it hurt and I could hear my sisters crying when he would hurt them. Faith was so small and I tried really hard to protect her. I cannot tell you how many times this happened, though it could not have been many or we would not have lived. But it was enough to hurt us. One day the boy was seen hurting us and his father saw what was happening too. He rushed us to this place called the County Animal Shelter. I think we were supposed to be killed there and no one would ever question what happened, because most “Pits” that go into a place like that do not come out alive. But this was a good place with people who did care.The man told them the big dog down the road had “gotten to us.” I guess they figured that is how we got all those bite marks all over our bodies where the other dogs were allowed to hurt us. But they noticed there that we were very, very still, huddled together ... and we would not eat. I was very worried about my sisters. And they seemed to look to me.
Then this woman and man came and got us and took us to a place called The Eagle’s Den. After that, things changed.They call it rescue, and I am glad we were rescued. I wish all of my kind could be because it gives us a chance. But... anyway... we saw a vet and he sort of guessed at what had happened to us. But the man was not punished, nor his son. All I know is there is something called an investigation into all those bad people and they really want to catch them all. They should. And I hope one day there will be some justice for me and my sisters.But the people will have to work that out because well... we are just dogs.And our story has not ended. Well, mine has, at least there where it hurt every time I went to the bathroom, but where life was so good I did not let on that I was hurting. You see, one day I just felt funny and then I went to sleep. I can remember wet tears on my face as the man and woman held me and I knew they were going to try and save me again. But I was just so tired. After having been in pain for so long and knowing my sisters were I just went to sleep and came to a place called Rainbow Bridge. It is very nice here. I have a lot of friends here. There are all kinds of dogs and many of my kind, many that were hurt like I was, and killed.And I can watch over Faith and Hope here. They have had surgery now to help them. After I came here everyone knew we were not alright. We were rambunctious pups, yes. And we were scared pups because of all we went through. All we really wanted was a friend and to play and be happy. I am rooting for Faith and Hope now and I watch over them from here. They had the surgery they needed to fix the pain. They may not understand the pain they are in right now, but it will get better now.There are a lot of people upset because of what happened to us. And I am very glad they are upset.
If I could tell them anything that would help: make it stop; but not just this man. Make it all stop.
Get the people who make laws to write some that will protect us. What happened to us is against the law. That is a fact. But there are no federal laws to help us, and they get away with it time and again. Anyone who wants to see how often this happens, just type the word Canine sexual molestation into your computers and look. But you only see the cases that get reported. And not much happens in those cases. Even when they kill us, not much happens. So if you want to help, if you want it to stop ... there is only one way. Make it illegal all over the United States. Make uniform laws so that all animal abuse carries mandatory sentences. Other countries protect their companion animals. If you guys who have prayed so hard and whose love I feel so strongly want to help ... make it stop. Make them hear you. They have never heard us.Faith’s surgery went really well, even though she was the sickest. Hope had hers today and she is doing ok now. Ironically, Hope may have already been here at Rainbow Bridge, but some of the abuse actually saved her. When they did her surgery, they found a piece of metal in her intestines, surrounded by flesh. It was blocking a tear. They had to cut off a lot more of her intestines than they did Faith’s, but she will be ok now ... I HOPE. That piece of metal stopped poison from spilling into her body at least, even though it did damage, it helped her to stay alive long enough to get the surgery to save her life. I am watching, and I am hoping this will make people wake up and realize what goes on with us when we are bred for all the wrong reasons. I hope people will stop punishing our breed for what these people do and realize what we go through. I wish they all could be rescued. I wish there was no reason to rescue.
There is one more thing I have seen since I came to Rainbow Bridge. All of you are very caring and good people. My sisters were able to have their surgery because people cared enough to help them live. They have a long way to go, but thank you for helping them.I’ll be watching... and one day I will see all of you here at the Bridge; because I am everyone’s dog who had a part in saving my sisters. Thank You.


Charity

Three Pit Bull sisters while they could still be together.

 (Charity is on the right. Faith is the Tuxedo pup to the left, and Hope is in the back)
(Charity is on the right. Faith is the Tuxedo pup to the left, and Hope is in the back)

For those who would like to help Faith and Hope

If you would like to contribute to help cover the cost of the surgery and aftercare... it would be greatly appreciated and no amount is too small. We appreciate all of your help and support:
eaglesdenrescue1.chipin.com/in-memory-of-charity
If you would like to help us care for the animals at Eagle's Den, all donations ae appreciated, tax deductable and 100% goes to the care of the animals.
Thank You, and thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers.
paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CF7XNPKP9QFWE
Vet: Southeastern Veternary Hospital (Donation can be made in general or In Memory of Charity)

CONTINUED ON TOMORROWS BLOGPOST


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