This Happy Tail is courtesy of Leah Kraus, from Dewitt, NY:

“My husband Greg and I adopted Jackson when he was just 12 weeks old. To be honest, for most of my life before that, I held onto some misconceptions about pit bulls. Growing up in the suburbs, the pets around me were Labrador retrievers and beagles, bought through breeders or in pet stores. Growing up, having no exposure to the breed, I was raised with the notion that pit bulls were scary and dangerous. This was an idea I got from adults around me and stories I heard on the news.

“This all changed when my sister-in-law got a pit bull named Diesel as her family dog. As I got to know Diesel, I quickly fell in love. Diesel was one of the biggest, strongest dogs I had ever seen, and also one of the gentlest, most loving dogs I’d ever met. I began to realize that the impressions I’d had about pit bulls might be, well, just plain wrong.”

“In 2010, my siblings and our significant others started a tradition – instead of giving each other Christmas gifts, we’d give pet food and bedding to the CNY SPCA. In 2011, when we went to drop off our donations, we fell in love with a pit bull puppy, who had been dropped off at the SPCA with his six siblings. He seemed timid, and spent most of our visiting time curled up in my lap. We adopted him as soon as he was old enough to get neutered, and named him Jackson. He quickly gained confidence and energy outside of the shelter. Now, Jackson’s days are filled with all of his favorite things -long walks on the Canal, kisses, belly rubs and other doggie friends.

“Jackson has not only completed our family, but completely changed the minds of our family members, friends and neighbors. I remember the day I called to tell my mom I was considering adopting a pit bull puppy. She told me I’d be putting my future children in danger by adopting a pit. Now, she and my dad are Jackson’s #1 fans. They love to dog-sit their ‘grandpuppy’ and will tell anyone who will listen to them about how good Jackson is with his human toddler cousins. So many people who spend time with Jackson have the same reaction — “He’s a pit bull? Really? But he’s so sweet!” It goes to show you how much work still has to be done, but how one dog and one advocate can change many minds!

“I’ve gotten involved with Cuse Pit Crew because I know that, like me, there are many other kids and adults locally who have been raised with false perceptions about bully breeds. And because of this, these families are overlooking adoption as an option.  I love that Cuse Pit Crew is shedding a positive light on the breed and expanding the minds of so many humans – thereby improving the lives of so, so many dogs!”

A pit bull named Precious is stealing hearts and grabbing headlines. In a heartwrenching example of pet-owner loyalty, Precious sat by her owner April Newell’s side last Wednesday when the woman laid injured after a house fire.  
But following this act of devotion, Precious is now unable to live with his owners.

Prince George’s County, Maryland, where Precious and her family resided, has a law in place that bans pit bulls.

Now, Newell must find a new home for Precious; some stories report she may be rehomed with her owner’s sister in a nearby county. Newell was able to get a second pet back in her ownership, because that dog is not a pit bull.

To read more about Precious and her story, click here.

To take a stand on ending breed-specific legislation that separates families, petition Congress!

To read more about why breed-specific legislation is ineffective, and the alternatives, view the ASPCA’s stand on BSL.

Have you heard about Khaleesi? She’s one special dog who is shining a light on the resilience of pit bulls even in the face of horrific abuse.

As described in an August 27th Huffington Post article, “Even now, while she’s in the thick of getting better herself, Khalessi is helping others of her kind.”

Khaleesi was found several weeks ago with half her face missing. Now, the dog is undergoing reconstructive surgery. The national attention she has gained has led to a huge rise in both fostering and financial donations to the organization that has been caring for her, Passion 4 Pits.

To find out more about Khaleesi, read the full article here.  To help other dogs like Khaleesi, visit our Get Involved page for ways you can help similar local dogs in need!

When Katie Benware moved into her first home about a year ago, she knew she wanted to fill that home with a loving, furry companion.

Enter T-Rex!

Luckily for T-Rex, Katie never considered getting a dog through a breeder or pet store. She knew there were so many great dogs out there waiting to be adopted!  Katie started her search for the right dog on Petfinder.com. And right away, she found her perfect match at the Dewitt Animal Hospital Shelter.

As a dinosaur lover, Katie loved T-Rex’s name. But when she met T-Rex, what Katie loved even more this sweet dog’s loving personality. Katie got some helpful tips from Caitlin from the Cuse Pit Crew before adopting T-Rex, including advice on introducing T-Rex to Strawberry, Katie’s cat.

Katie says that T-Rex is the most easily-trained dog she’s ever met, and the most loving of people. “She won’t stop moving for the first half hour when someone comes over, because she’s so excited,” says Katie. Katie has even taught T-Rex a unique trick: Katie says “Stick ‘ em up,” T-Rex puts up both front paws; then Katie says “Bang,” and T-Rex falls over backwards!

“There are just so many dogs waiting to be adopted– anyone can find at least one dog that you’ll love,” Katie says. “And even if the dog’s behavior isn’t perfect, organizations like the Cuse Pit Crew can help you with training tips and finding a trainer.”

We couldn’t agree more! Visit our Facebook page today to find more animals like T-Rex in need of loving homes!