It's a breath of fresh air to know you're making a difference and to see those that you surround yourself with make a change. This is how we feel. Late Monday night someone attempted to come into our house however, Krush wasn't having it. The most damage they did was taking a purse out of our vehicle. Let me add someone left the garage door open which lead to the incident. There were valuables in the purse that can be replaced. The alarm rang (Krush) and the perps did not get into the house. Why is this important? What does this have to do with a breath of fresh air? With all of that going on our sister has been warming up to the idea of loving Sasha & Krush (whether she'll admit it or not). After hearing how Krush saved the evening our sister was extremely impressed with our alarm and has decided to adopt an American Pit Bull Terrier!
This is a huge feat for our sister for she's scared of pit bulls and by the way media portrays them initially I was too. During our inaugural event "Pits & Pumps" dog fashion show our wonderful sister took Krush's leash (with the assistance of our son) proudly walked Krush down the red carpet. They looked smashing; it was hilarious because Krush did a double take (literally) when he felt our sister's energy when she took the leash. Again she was impressed with Krush which helped her to see pit bulls aren't savage beasts the media and others make them out to be. In her neighborhood there are plenty of American Pit Bull Terriers with responsible owners our sister encountered daily. Then it was Sasha's turn to spread the love. While at our sister's house one day she got the nerve to pet Sasha. Sasha being the true pittie she is, when our sister went to pet Sasha her entire body was hanging out of the vehicle ready to welcome our sister with open paws and plenty of wet kisses! Guess Sasha & Krush have done their job of changing perceptions & minds!!
Way to go Sasha & Krush we're so proud of the two of you!!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
It's our 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
It’s been a year since The Pretty Chic with the Pits was founded and what an incredible year it has been! It’s been a year of ups and downs, tears of joy and tears of sadness, fostering and rescuing dogs, volunteering, and advocacy! Within our first year many accomplishments were made. July 2011 started the ball rolling. The Pretty Chic with the Pits was founded due to the overwhelming need to protect this bully breed. After adopting Sasha & Krush the love we had for pit bulls was unimaginable. Never in our wildest dreams did we think a dog let alone a pit bull would set us free. That a dog let alone a pit bull would change our lives and take us on a journey of volunteering, fostering, advocacy, blogging, rescuing, traveling, fundraising and changing careers & minds! Along this journey we gained momentum from family, “old” and new friends, formed alliances with various people plus organizations and we’re just getting started!
What a difference a year makes! Happy Anniversary to The Pretty Chic with the Pits!!
What a difference a year makes! Happy Anniversary to The Pretty Chic with the Pits!!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Kemo, Piper & King Tut
The physical and mental anguish humans put animals through, especially our pets is inhumane. Since working at the shelter our eyes have been wide open and our hands covering our mouths after hearing the “reasons” one brings their "beloved" pet to the shelter. As we’re working with the dogs in the yard a car pulls up, a healthy, happy pit bull is taken out of the van and brought into the shelter. The feeling that came over us was despair, sadness and a sick stomach. The woman was in the office approximately 2-3 minutes, she comes out wiping the tears from her eyes; not wanting to judge we kept working with Kemo. After our session we were told the woman dropped the dog off after rescuing him from death row a year before ONLY to bring him back to certain death. Anger and confusion filled us, a brief discussion was had and it was time to leave. The dog being bought into the shelter replayed in our heads all night.
The shelter is closed on Mondays soTuesday rolls around and our usual routine resumed; we pulled into the shelters driveway, got out of vehicle, walked in the shelter only to be told Kemo & Piper the two dogs we were asked to work with had been euthanized. Tears filled our eyes immediately. As we attempted to gather ourselves to work with Danny (a fairly new pup to the shelter) it was evident our spirits were broken. Yes, we knew that dogs that go into the shelter usually come out in trash bags however, we were going to be the difference maker, and no dog was going to die on our watch. We’re trainers in training; we’re here to make a difference! What a smack in the face and a punch in the gut did we recieve? The shelter worker informed us more dogs were being bought into the shelter due to the heat. Although the shelter informed these people that the shelter did NOT have power due to the storm folks didn’t care and bought their dogs to the shelter.
Can’t help but wonder what hurt Kemo & Piper most the pain of the needle pricking their paw as the concoction of meds flowed through their veins to take their lives or the pain of their once beloved family member bringing them to the shelter for certain death. As for 6 month old King Tut, what hurt him the most? DC’s summer heat or being betrayed by mankind? King Tut was killed as he slept, a center block of concrete was smashed into his skull killing him instantly. The mental and physical abuse humans inflict on these animals are cruel and inhumane, yet these crimes go unpunished, these people are allowed to have pets and possibly repeat the same behavior yet these pets are left brokenhearted, broken spirited and forced to cross over the rainbow bridge far too soon!
Rest in Peace all of the pets that have crossed over the rainbow bridge because of the carelessness of humans! Kemo,Piper & King Tut your death isn’t in vain!
The shelter is closed on Mondays soTuesday rolls around and our usual routine resumed; we pulled into the shelters driveway, got out of vehicle, walked in the shelter only to be told Kemo & Piper the two dogs we were asked to work with had been euthanized. Tears filled our eyes immediately. As we attempted to gather ourselves to work with Danny (a fairly new pup to the shelter) it was evident our spirits were broken. Yes, we knew that dogs that go into the shelter usually come out in trash bags however, we were going to be the difference maker, and no dog was going to die on our watch. We’re trainers in training; we’re here to make a difference! What a smack in the face and a punch in the gut did we recieve? The shelter worker informed us more dogs were being bought into the shelter due to the heat. Although the shelter informed these people that the shelter did NOT have power due to the storm folks didn’t care and bought their dogs to the shelter.
Can’t help but wonder what hurt Kemo & Piper most the pain of the needle pricking their paw as the concoction of meds flowed through their veins to take their lives or the pain of their once beloved family member bringing them to the shelter for certain death. As for 6 month old King Tut, what hurt him the most? DC’s summer heat or being betrayed by mankind? King Tut was killed as he slept, a center block of concrete was smashed into his skull killing him instantly. The mental and physical abuse humans inflict on these animals are cruel and inhumane, yet these crimes go unpunished, these people are allowed to have pets and possibly repeat the same behavior yet these pets are left brokenhearted, broken spirited and forced to cross over the rainbow bridge far too soon!
Rest in Peace all of the pets that have crossed over the rainbow bridge because of the carelessness of humans! Kemo,Piper & King Tut your death isn’t in vain!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Trying Times!
The last couple of days have been a whirlwind of emotions from all of the organizations posting what appears to be hundreds of thousands of pictures of available dogs for adoption that will be euthanized within the next 24 hours to saving Lennox to a rescue organization closing it’s doors due to the lack of support from the community. Lennox is a male pit bull that was taken unlawfully from his owners because he is a pit bull! NOT because he’s a menace to society, NOT because he’s attacked or bitten anyone or another animal but because he's a pit bull. He was taken away because he’s a pit bull and the “potential” damage he could inflict if he were to attack or bite someone or another animal. We’re sick andt ired of folks judging and misrepresenting this bully breed. What’s funny to us is that these dogs aren’t a BREED. How can something that cannot be identified per se cause so much hate and discontent?
This dog like many others that resemble Lennox face discrimination, hate and pay the ultimate price with their life, yet those that have caused the hate and discontent walk around free to cause more hate and discontent. These individuals are not held accountable for their actions and instead of the powers that be taking a stronger look into punishing these individuals they’re thinking it’s easier to ban the dogs. With so many cities repealing bans on specific breeds it's safe to say banning a breed is NOT the solution. We’re not dealing with law abiding citizens, the majority of these individuals are criminals to one extent or another. What are we saying? If it’s illegal to have a particular breed it’s more appealing to these individuals and if they can’t or won’t deal with the breed of their choice the next step for them is to go underground or find another breed to victimize.
Our facebook page was filled with such sad faces and cases we chose to unfriend a few organizations because it was too overwhelming. No one said being an advocate would be easy however, being bombarded with such negative images wasn’t fueling us, it was doing the opposite, it made us feel inadequate, it caused us to doubt if ourefforts were making a difference. This is one job that is strictly volunteer and it is not for the faint at heart. Many days we’re holding our heads in our hands, tears streaming down our face asking why can’t we or someone help these dogs, ALL of the dogs? Many of our conversations consist us asking Why?Why are people so cruel? Why did this dog have to suffer? What did this dog do to deserve such fate? Who do we need to call? More questions very few answers. These are the questions we ask in these trying times.
This dog like many others that resemble Lennox face discrimination, hate and pay the ultimate price with their life, yet those that have caused the hate and discontent walk around free to cause more hate and discontent. These individuals are not held accountable for their actions and instead of the powers that be taking a stronger look into punishing these individuals they’re thinking it’s easier to ban the dogs. With so many cities repealing bans on specific breeds it's safe to say banning a breed is NOT the solution. We’re not dealing with law abiding citizens, the majority of these individuals are criminals to one extent or another. What are we saying? If it’s illegal to have a particular breed it’s more appealing to these individuals and if they can’t or won’t deal with the breed of their choice the next step for them is to go underground or find another breed to victimize.
Our facebook page was filled with such sad faces and cases we chose to unfriend a few organizations because it was too overwhelming. No one said being an advocate would be easy however, being bombarded with such negative images wasn’t fueling us, it was doing the opposite, it made us feel inadequate, it caused us to doubt if ourefforts were making a difference. This is one job that is strictly volunteer and it is not for the faint at heart. Many days we’re holding our heads in our hands, tears streaming down our face asking why can’t we or someone help these dogs, ALL of the dogs? Many of our conversations consist us asking Why?Why are people so cruel? Why did this dog have to suffer? What did this dog do to deserve such fate? Who do we need to call? More questions very few answers. These are the questions we ask in these trying times.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Power of Love
Love is defined as a deep tender feeling of affections for or attachment or devotion for a person or persons. We’re supposed to love one another, that’s one of the commandments in the bible. Not only are we supposed to love one another but animals too. Some may say animal lovers are crazy, insane or fanatics when it comes to the love they show their four legged counterparts. Love will make you do things you ordinarily wouldn’t do. As Al Green put it “love will make you do right, love will make you do wrong, love will make you come home early, love will make you stay out late.” The love one has for their pet can run deep. Love caused us to fight for a cause we otherwise would not have thought about. The power of love caused us to reach out to people we ordinarily would not reach out to. The power of love caused us to change careers. The powerof love has caused us to walk up to a complete strangers and provide them with suggestions/tips on walking their dog, interacting with their dog, what to feed their dog and what equipment (toys, walking harness etc.) would be best for their dog. The power of love caused us to help dogs in other cities and countries. The power of love provided us with a purpose, passion and desire to make a change not only in our lives but the lives of our family, friends and others both human and canines alike. The power of love bought our family and community together. Love has the power to change a negative to a positive. Try love today!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
It's so hard to say good bye
As a pet parent we enjoy the good and bad memories our pets give us. Some have had their pets from the beginning of their lives and others at a later point in their pets life. No matter what stage our pets came in our lives they provide us with many memories. Memories such as them opening their eyes for the first time to the first time they pottied outside. Like mankind memories are made daily. What happens when those good memories turn to making an unthinkable put necessary decision? The decision not to be selfish and let our furever familymember “sleep” eternally with no more pain, no more med and no more pottie pants because they can no longer make it outside to do their business. We can’t imagine that however, we know that day is coming prayerfully a long, long, long, long time down the road.
For some that decision is being made at this very moment. Someone is making that decision as we write this blog. A dear friend of ours has contacted us on several occasions with fear and agony in her voice asking for rprayer for her dog. Each time her furever family member cheated death and lived another day. After reading a heartbreaking story last week; a conversation ensued. Would we have the gumption to make the decision of allowing Sasha or Krush to suffer for our own selfish reasons or would we make the decision to help them crossover the rainbow bridge?” That’s a hard question to ask let alone answer. Prayerfully when the day comes for Sasha & Krush to crossover the rainbow bridge they’ll do so on their own in their sleep with no pain. As we write this the thought of it brings tears to our eyes. Who will greet us at the door and genuinely be excited to see us? Who will be at the top of the stairs wagging their backside so hard and fast they can’t walk? Who will we chase and scream "get out of the trash"? Who will help to keep us physically fit with the early morning wake up jumps on the bed because it’s time for their morning walk? Who will hog the covers? Who will leave angry boo boo’s in the middle of the living room when we can’t take them with us? Who will help keep our emotions in check? Who will help us educate and train others? Who will be our motivation? The questions are endless as are the tears that's flowing or flowed for those that know that feeling of how hard it is to say good bye.
When the time comes we pray we won’t be selfish or have to have make the difficult decision; either way it will be hard to say good bye to a friend, companion, confidant, a furever family member.
This blog is dedicated to all of the dogs that crossedover the rainbow bridge...you are loved and greatly missed! Love you Max!
For some that decision is being made at this very moment. Someone is making that decision as we write this blog. A dear friend of ours has contacted us on several occasions with fear and agony in her voice asking for rprayer for her dog. Each time her furever family member cheated death and lived another day. After reading a heartbreaking story last week; a conversation ensued. Would we have the gumption to make the decision of allowing Sasha or Krush to suffer for our own selfish reasons or would we make the decision to help them crossover the rainbow bridge?” That’s a hard question to ask let alone answer. Prayerfully when the day comes for Sasha & Krush to crossover the rainbow bridge they’ll do so on their own in their sleep with no pain. As we write this the thought of it brings tears to our eyes. Who will greet us at the door and genuinely be excited to see us? Who will be at the top of the stairs wagging their backside so hard and fast they can’t walk? Who will we chase and scream "get out of the trash"? Who will help to keep us physically fit with the early morning wake up jumps on the bed because it’s time for their morning walk? Who will hog the covers? Who will leave angry boo boo’s in the middle of the living room when we can’t take them with us? Who will help keep our emotions in check? Who will help us educate and train others? Who will be our motivation? The questions are endless as are the tears that's flowing or flowed for those that know that feeling of how hard it is to say good bye.
When the time comes we pray we won’t be selfish or have to have make the difficult decision; either way it will be hard to say good bye to a friend, companion, confidant, a furever family member.
This blog is dedicated to all of the dogs that crossedover the rainbow bridge...you are loved and greatly missed! Love you Max!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Our 1st Rally!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 was our first rally! We’ve seen them televised, some peaceful and some chaotic; no matter the reasoning, voices are being heard, emotions felt, tears shed, signs written, signs read, media coverage from every angle trying to capture the raw emotions of the crowd. We found out about the Pit Bull Rally in Annapolis, Monday, April 14th and the thought came across our minds if we were going to go or not. The rally was scheduled in the middle of the day and in Annapolis, Maryland, do we have the leave (still recuperating from Pits & Pumps) the decision was made that wewere going to attend the rally. Tuesday,May 15th we woke up to torrential rain and the report it will rain the majority of the day. Our spirits were dampened alittle yet we were at peace with the decision to attend the rally. Sent the kids off to school, went to work and when it was time for us to leave work we left. We were unsure as to what to expect considering it was our first rally.
Upon our arrival to Annapolis, Maryland there was an overwhelming feeling of excitement.
While looking for parking we saw the rally had begun. There were advocates with their dogs (one person a bull terrier and later a family with a black pit bull terrier), plenty of posters with pictures of beloved pit bulls. Some posters had pictures with family members to include babies and other young children. Many posters in bright colors read “Don’t Bully our Dog," “The only inherently dangerous about my dog are their farts” (we loved that, their farts are lethal), “Our dogs are our family.” Some posters showed dogs in their therapy jackets. As we walked up to the rally we were approached by a reporter from a local TV station out of Salisbury, Maryland, he approached us and asked if he could interview us. Our first rally and we’re being interviewed GREAT was the feeling. He asked the questions we obliged with respectful, well informed answers. It was a pleasure seeing so many advocates and pit bull guardians out in full force in the middle of the day.
As the rally officially kicked off the organizer of the pit bull rally spoke as well as a Senator and few delegates supporting our cause. As the Delegates and Senators walked by us one advocate an older woman said taught a few of the delegates and pointed them out even chasing one of them down to speak with the delegate about pushing for the pit bull issue to be put on the agenda of the special session. The atmosphere was electric! Everyone was respectful of each other, there wasn’t anyone there to oppose us,we were so peaceful the police let their guard down. A few of the Delegates and Senators didn’thave a clue as to why were there (they shouldn’t be elected next term) but the experience was great. Great networking opportunities came about, we learned about other organizations and a few advocates “liked” us on Facebook and others saw the pictures from Pits &Pumps Fashion Show! It was a great time with a great message for lawmakers and anyone who attempts to take our dogs rights away....don’t mess with us becausewe’re united & we’ll stand for our dogs and against you!
Upon our arrival to Annapolis, Maryland there was an overwhelming feeling of excitement.
While looking for parking we saw the rally had begun. There were advocates with their dogs (one person a bull terrier and later a family with a black pit bull terrier), plenty of posters with pictures of beloved pit bulls. Some posters had pictures with family members to include babies and other young children. Many posters in bright colors read “Don’t Bully our Dog," “The only inherently dangerous about my dog are their farts” (we loved that, their farts are lethal), “Our dogs are our family.” Some posters showed dogs in their therapy jackets. As we walked up to the rally we were approached by a reporter from a local TV station out of Salisbury, Maryland, he approached us and asked if he could interview us. Our first rally and we’re being interviewed GREAT was the feeling. He asked the questions we obliged with respectful, well informed answers. It was a pleasure seeing so many advocates and pit bull guardians out in full force in the middle of the day.
As the rally officially kicked off the organizer of the pit bull rally spoke as well as a Senator and few delegates supporting our cause. As the Delegates and Senators walked by us one advocate an older woman said taught a few of the delegates and pointed them out even chasing one of them down to speak with the delegate about pushing for the pit bull issue to be put on the agenda of the special session. The atmosphere was electric! Everyone was respectful of each other, there wasn’t anyone there to oppose us,we were so peaceful the police let their guard down. A few of the Delegates and Senators didn’thave a clue as to why were there (they shouldn’t be elected next term) but the experience was great. Great networking opportunities came about, we learned about other organizations and a few advocates “liked” us on Facebook and others saw the pictures from Pits &Pumps Fashion Show! It was a great time with a great message for lawmakers and anyone who attempts to take our dogs rights away....don’t mess with us becausewe’re united & we’ll stand for our dogs and against you!
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