You may remember an old wmtc post about BAD RAP, or perhaps you've seen the badge on my sidebar. BAD RAP is an extraordinary animal rescue, rehabilitation and education organization focusing on the American Pit Bull Terrier, or as we call them, Bully Boys.
There is a very special place in my heart for BAD RAP and the work they do. Our Buster, whose picture is my Flickr icon, was an abused and abandoned pit-mix. We found him on the street, near death. It's likely he was either trained to fight or used as a "bait dog" for other dogs to attack.
Our six years with Buster were nothing less than an odyssey. I liken it to having a child with a disability: our lives revolved around him. And through Buster, I found BAD RAP.
Two years ago, BAD RAP was involved in rescuing and rehabilitating the "Vick Dogs" - the survivors of the torture chamber owned and operated by NFL player Michael Vick. I've just discovered that the incredible and heroic story was a Sports Illustrated cover story! For magazine coverage in the US, you can't get any bigger than that. If I read the BAD RAP blog more consistently, I'd have known this. Since I don't, I had to wait for Allan to see it at a doctor's office. (Note to self: subscribe to feed!)
This SI story must be the largest, most far-reaching pit-bull public education effort in history. I'm thrilled and amazed that Sports Illustrated ran it - and on the cover, too!
Please, check out the BAD RAP blog, even for a moment. The SI story is linked on the sidebar, and there's a great
photo gallery here.
I hope you'll set aside some time to read this story, both heartbreaking and heartwarming, about the worst and the best of humanity, and true princes of the animal world.
Warning: bring tissues.
16 comments:
This story makes me think of that wonderful quote by Margaret Meade.
The rescue and rehabilitation of the Bad Newz dogs is exceptional. Most rescue agencies do not try to rehabilitate fighting dogs because they don't believe dogs with such extreme animal aggression can be ever be safely integrated into society. These rescuers not only did a tremendous thing for those dogs, they succeeded in doing what many thought to be impossible. They've shown that some fighting dogs can be rehabilitated and changed the way rescuers will deal with seized fighting dogs going forward. Dogs that wouldn't have had a chance before might have one now. They've changed dog rescue for the better. That's a pretty awesome legacy!
Dharma Seeker, I was hoping you'd be here!
It's an absolutely incredible story, beginning with their secret negotations with the federal authorities to not have all the dogs put down. That was a HUGE breakthrough.
If you haven't read about this before (which you may have through your own animal rescue world), go back to the earlier wmtc post that's linked in this post, and read the BAD RAP story. They had to secretly transport 2 dozen traumatized dogs across the US! The stories of their painstaking rehabilitation into the normal world is just unbelievable.
Oh and yes, Margaret Meade. "It's the only thing that ever has." Also on my sidebar. :)
Not that you require testimonials, L-girl, but I grew up with the pitbull next door. For years we used to dress poor Danny up in doll clothes and push him round the block in our dolly buggies.
Aw Alison, thanks for that. :)
They are such wonderful dogs, when raised by good people. To make them dangerous, their own good qualities are used against them - their extreme loyalty and obedience, combined with their great physical strength.
In Ontario there is breed-specific legislation (BSL) that requires all pit bulls to be leashed and muzzled while in public. We are trying to challenge this indefensible law in the Supreme Court of Canada but we need help with our legal bills. (find out more here here or here). I know times are tough but even the smallest donations are greatly appreciated.
This legislation means that I cannot properly exercise my wonderful dog, and I cannot give a loving home to another pit bull, although I would love to and the shelters are full of them. My dog wears a muzzle whenever he is out, and even tho he has twice been attacked by off-leash dogs he has never shown the slightest hint of aggression.
Pit bulls are not the only dogs at risk from this legislation, and Ontario is not the only jurisdiction where it is relevant, because if this law stands, a dangerous precedent is set for the rest of Canada. Please help!
That is a beautiful dog! (Buster)
He was so handsome!
When we found him, he had almost no fur left on his body, and the skin that showed through was gray and diseased. He had open wounds all over, and was covered in infections.
Buster is all over this blog. The summer before we moved, he almost died, then we got a proper diagnosis for his latest health issue, pulled him through, and during our actual move he needed tons of special care.
He had stabilized and was doing very well, when a different condition worsened, and we - very suddenly - had to put him down. That was 11 weeks after moving to Canada. The readers of this blog at the time went through it with us - helped us get through it.
He was a very special animal. I loved all my dogs so much, and losing each one was awful. But Buster is in my heart in a very intense, profound way.
Some pics:
Buster and Cody in our apt in NYC
Buster and Cody at play in our first house in Canada
Buster's last day on earth. :<(
Oops, wrong link. That last set should be this.
L
I checked out the BAD RAP site and was very impressed. I had my own semi-odyssey with my late Golden Retriever mix. BAD RAP is very comprehensive and informative. Doesn't matter what breed or mutt one owns. I am surprised I didn't know about such a worthy organization living in the Bay Area as I did. The BAD RAP folk clearly know how to raise, nurture and maintain a healthy animal. The "Did You Know" section and the even more insightful, "Are you responsible..." (amongst others) shows the depth to which they are experts. Cheers for highlighting and promoting them.
Adam, thanks for checking them out. You're right, they're a great organization and website no matter what kind of dog you have.
Finally got to read the SI article. Both heartbreaking and heartwarming. How can we ever understand how some people are so evil and others so good?
But all dogs are good unless some evil person hurts and corrupts them.
I think it does depend on the owner, because a friend of a friend of mine had a pitbull that was actually very tame and kind and didn't create any problems at all!
But at least the safety regulations with the muzzles and leash could be helpful against the bad dog owners who turn their dogs into bad dogs and thereby create serious problems! In Germany, we call those kind of owners "the problem on the other side of the leash".
Happy Ending: Winston
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