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BE A PIT BULL'S HERO AND BECOME A FOSTER HOME FOR FOR THE LOVE OF PITS!

Since its inception, For the Love of Pits has helped hundreds of pit bulls in Ohio escape death. We would not have been able to help so many dogs if it weren't for our devoted foster homes. At present, we have only 4 foster homes, and we are full to capacity with one foster home fostering multiple dogs.

We understand many people are skeptical about becoming a foster home so we would like to ease your minds in the hopes more people will step forward to help pit bulls in need.

Costs. For the Love of Pits pays for alteration, microchipping, vaccinations, monthly heartworm prevention and necessary vet bills. If necessary, the rescue can provide a crate and toys to the foster home as well. The foster families are responsible for the cost of quality dog food and, to assist with those costs, we extend our discounts to our foster homes.
Temperament. We choose dogs that have amazing temperaments and can be out in public and disprove the misconceptions. We assess all of our dogs before admitting them into our program. We have comprehensive testing that, to date, has successfully predicted the needs of each dog. Our foster homes have not been surprised by any behavior and have always felt prepared to help the dogs reach their potential.
Pairing. Once we receive the foster home application, we know better what dog will work in each foster home. We do our best to find a dog that fits well into the lives of the foster home.
100% Availability. We are not the type of rescue that gives you a dog and does not speak with you for weeks or months. Our foster home coordinator and President are always available by phone and email to answer any questions foster families have regarding, among other things, the dogs, dog behavior and training. The dogs we rescue have often never lived in a home or had a person to love or give them love and, often, have been physically abused by people so our foster families help the dogs understand how to be a loved dog in a home with no worries.
Training. We ask each foster home to take all of our dogs through one formal basic obedience class. We hold obedience classes at Fortunate Fido in Columbia Station on Sunday mornings; however, if this is not convenient, we work with our foster homes to find more convenient training classes. Our foster homes have expressed that the training classes help them communicate better with the dogs and answer many other questions they would not otherwise have asked.
Time. We all know that having a new dog in a home is work so it's important you have time for a dog. If you work more than 10 hours a day and then go out for the evening, you probably do not have time for a dog. At first, let's say the first couple weeks to a month, you will spend more time getting your dog acclimated to you, the new rules and the new living arrangement. You will spend time teaching the dog to enjoy his/her crate, to understand your cues, such as "sit" and "down" and to understand the rules of the house. After this initial transition period, things get much easier and, generally, all that is necessary is at least one 30 minute walk per day, 5 or 10 minutes obedience training daily and time, such as sitting on the couch petting the dog or hanging out in the backyard or whatever you choose.
Forever Homes. It's always difficult to give up our foster dogs when a forever home comes along but our foster families are directly involved in choosing and approving the forever family and this helps ease any anxiety. In addition, we keep our foster families apprised of the dogs in need and when the perfect forever home comes along, our fosters are always confident that their foster dog will be cared for and that the adoption will allow them to help another dog. The rescue and the foster families always keep in touch with our adopters.

As you are aware, most of our local shelters kill all pit bulls (or dogs that even slightly resemble pit bulls) so we receive many, many calls requesting help for great dogs. In many cases, we are their last hope before they are sent to the shelter to be euthanized. We are also contacted by many shelters in and outside of Ohio requesting rescue of wonderful dogs.

We really need help to save the lives of wonderful and deserving dogs. If you cannot foster solely because of the cost of food, we will try to work this out and pay for food for the dog. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the email address provided below.

If you can foster, please complete the writeable pdf application and email it to us at shana@fortheloveofpits.org.

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PIT BULLS IN NEED OF YOUR KINDNESS!

Janie:

Janie lived her life at the end of a chain prior to being rescued. She was in the middle of overgrown bushes without sufficient shelter and without food and water when we visited. She spent her days and nights alone, which is very sad considering the fact that she is terrified of loud noises. Janie had no obedience training and, from what we experienced, never lived in a home. Yet, she loves, loves, loves people and wiggles whenever she's near. We had no concern for her temperament and we just needed to polish her up.

Janie is now obedience trained, housebroken, crate trained and is just an all around great dog. She's everything we want in a pit bull. Her foster family is wonderful and we are sad to be losing them but we are grateful they stepped up when we had no place for Janie. They never intended to be a foster home and have put their lives and travel on hold during this time to provide Janie consistency. Now they must get back to their lives and we are now in need of a foster home for this wonderful gal.

You can read more about Janie at: http://www.fortheloveofpits.org/Janie/Janie.htm

Janie will be forever grateful if you will open your home to her! She will make you laugh on a daily basis and will provide a lot of joy and love. If you can foster, please complete the writeable pdf application and email it to us at shana@fortheloveofpits.org.

Stella

Stella lived much of her life in on a four foot chain, in an outdoor 8x8 kennel without shelter, food or water. She did not get human affection or attention and was extremely neglected. Stella was one of the 162+ dogs seized in mid-February during the raid on Kathy Witzman's property in Trumbull County. During her time at the warehouse, Stella remained wiggly and happy despite the miserable conditions and we used her frequently as one of our test dogs.

In March, Richland County Humane Society came to help some of the dogs from the seizure and Stella was one of the dogs they picked. Unfortunately, because they are located in Mansfield, where there is a ban on pit bulls, they adopt out very few pit bulls dogs. The shelter is now full and the board has instructed that the Trumbull Dogs be euthanized.

We do not believe any of the dogs that survived the horrible neglect at the Humane Sanctuary should be euthanized for no reason and so we're searching to find a foster home for this angel. She is an absolute breed ambassador and we'd be lucky to have her as a part of the rescue. If you are interested in reading more information about Stella, please visit: http://www.fortheloveofpits.org/trumbull_dogs/Stella/78.htm

To see pictures of the dogs prior to the raid, please visit: http://www.canineadvocatesofohio.org/HumaneSanctuary/Index.htm

Chocho

We were contacted last week about Chocho. Approximately a year and a half ago, this wonderful boy was found in Tremont severely emaciated and had open wounds. His rescuer took him in, loved him and got him better. Last month, his owner committed suicide and, although a friend of his owner is watching him, this gentleman works 14 hours a day and is searching for a better place for the dog.

He does not want to see anything happen to Chocho but cannot indefinitely continue to care for him. Chocho is very well behaved and a wonderful boy. We cannot help save Chocho's life without foster homes.

Please consider fostering for us!!!

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LAB/MASTIFF MIX TO BE KILLED

"Big E"

We do not know Big E personally but everyone who has met him, loves him.

Big E was one of the 162+ dogs seized in mid-February during the raid on Kathy Witzman's property in Trumbull County. Big E was not at the warehouse after the seizure; he was at the shelter in Trumbull County. As a result, we did not have the pleasure of meeting him.

In March, Richland County Humane Society came to help some of the dogs from the seizure and Big E was one of the dogs they picked. Unfortunately, the shelter is now full and the board has instructed that the Trumbull Dogs be euthanized. The humane officers and many people who helped after the seizure are working hard to find a rescue before Big E is put down. We also want to help.

We do not believe any of the dogs that survived the horrible neglect at the Humane Sanctuary should be euthanized for no reason and so we're searching to find a rescue for the big headed gentleman.

Here's what the shelter says about Big E: "Big E is FANTASTIC with people...not so much with other animals. He's fine around some dogs, but he can also just have a really bad day and get snappy with one who he was completely fine with. He's fairly laid back and will sit for treats. He can be shy around new people, but watches everything. We all adore him."

As most of us know, shelters are stressful environments and this poor boy has been through hell and it hasn't gotten much better since he was rescued. No wonder he's frustrated and doesn't want to be around other animals. Sounds like he just needs some consistency and rules in a knowledgeable foster home. PLEASE, HE NEEDS A RESCUE ASAP!!!!

Here are pics of where he came from (it truly was hell!): http://www.canineadvocatesofohio.org/HumaneSanctuary/Index.htm

Here is what the shelter has on his Petfinder page:

"He is about the size and shape of a large lab, but his head is enormous like a mastiff! He is so unique looking that we just had to take him and see if we could find hima great home. Big E seems to like some dogs and not others, so if you have other dogs a visit may be needed. He is about 6 years old and enjoys a good butt rub. Big E has been through a lot and we desperately want to see him end up with someone who will spoil him."

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TANK NEEDS ACL SURGERY ON BOTH KNEES. PLEASE DONATE. EVEN $1 HELPS!

Approximately 6 months ago, an unemployed, single mother of two, living in the inner city contacted us after her "friends" dumped their two dogs on her and disappeared. She was already struggling with two young children and did not have the time or money to take care of the dogs but she did not want anything to happen to them either.
Because she was trying so desperately to help Tank and Pup, we worked with her. For months, we paid for food, treats, tie outs and other items she needed for the dogs. We got the dogs altered and UTD on vaccinations. We noticed that the male, an elderly boy, had bad knees but because the foster did not have a car, we did not get him checked out at our vet.

Over the months, we sent out numerous emails requesting help from reputable rescues. Finally, an independent rescuer in Chicago offered to take both dogs on the condition that if he needed ACL surgery, we would raise the money. Last week, the vet recommended surgery for Tank's torn anterior cruciate ligaments in both hind limbs. Surgery is extremely expensive and we have offered to pay half if we can raise the funds. Tank is an amazing boy and Retschi, the independent rescuer, is a saint for saving both Tank and Pup's lives.

To Donate Towards Tanks Surgery, please visit: http://fortheloveofpits.chipin.com/double-acl-surgery

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HEARTWORM AND FLEA PREVENTION NEEDED!!!!

Generally, For the Love of Pits can pay for heartworm preventative without asking for donations. At this time, however, we must ask for help. Much of our funds have been used to help the community feed and vet dogs rescued off the street and find homes for dogs in jeopardy of euthanasia for no other reason than because they have big heads and muscular bodies.

Generally, we give each of our rescue dogs Interceptor each of the 12 months of the year and, during the warm months, apply K9 Advantix to the dogs. Unfortunately, this year we have been unable to afford the K9 Advantix so our dogs are not yet being treated.

K9 Advantix -

A 12-pack of K9 Advantix for 21-55 pound dogs is $121.99 and a 12-pack of K9 Advantix for 55+ is $129.99. To get through the next few months, we need approximately 2 packs of the 21-55 pound K9 Advantix applications and one, 12-pack of the K9 Advantix for dogs weighing 55+ pounds.

Interceptor -

We purchase a 6 pack of Interceptor for dogs weighing 21-50 pounds for $34.02 and a 6 pack of Interceptor for dogs weighing over 51 lbs for $43.98. We need about 3 packs of each.

If you can donate towards the cost of heartworm and flea preventative, please click the following link. Any donation, no matter how small, helps us save lives! Thank you for your generosity!

http://fortheloveofpits.chipin.com/heartworm-and-flea-preventative

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LOST DOG!!!! VERY SWEET, SPECIAL GIRL RESCUED FROM TRUMBULL HOARDING SEIZURE! REWARD

OLMSTED TOWNSHIP

Honey
4 year old female Pit Mix spayed
Tan / white

Very shy and scared but sweet.
Most likely hiding in a corner, garage, shed, bushes, etc.
Honey slipped her harness, so she has no tags. She is microchipped though.
Last seen near Usher Rd in Olmsted Township 10am Sunday 7/11.

REWARD!

Call Kate 330.730.4884 or Andrea 440.221.2425 ANY TIME, DAY OR NIGHT if you see her.

Click here for Lost Flyer - please print and put up everywhere!!!

Support Local Dog Loving North East Ohio Businesses

I don't know about you but I will not support businesses that have the ability to support rescue efforts and choose not to. In addition, businesses that support animals in general are always my first choice. Over the years, we've worked with many local businesses and have found that two NE Ohio owned businesses have exceeded our expectations in many ways.

As dog owners and lovers, it's extremely important that we support businesses that are involved in animal welfare activities, love animals and are part of the local community.

A Dog's Life
12648 Chillicothe Road
Chesterland, OH 44026-2535
(440) 729-7722
http://www.adogslifestore.com/

The owners of A Dog's Life on 306 in Chesterland are dog owners and lovers. They routinely help dog owners that are having difficultly as a result of the economy. Further, without A Dog's Life, we would not be able to provide all of our rescues Dick Van Pattan's Natural Balance Duck and Potato. We generally see many allergy related problems with our rescues and we've found that this food helps reduce skin problems and vet visits. Thank goodness for local stores, such as A Dog's Life, that cares about the community.

If you live on the East side or are passing through, please visit and spend money at A Dog's Life.

The Grateful Dog Bakery
31966 Center Ridge Road
North Ridgeville, OH 44039
(440) 353-1990
http://gratefuldogbakery.com/

Nancy and Rick Winrod, owners of The Grateful Dog Bakery are very involved in animal welfare. They have events to raise money for rescues in Northeast Ohio and they are involved in passing animal friendly, nondiscriminatory laws in Ohio. They are very active and we are lucky to have business owners that care about their community.

If you live on the West side or are passing through North Ridgeville, please visit and spend money at The Grateful Dog Bakery.

Headlines:
1. Submit Your Photos for the 2011 Calendar!
2. Upcoming Training Classes and CGC Test. Sign up now!
2. Be a Pit Bull's Hero and Become a Foster Home!
3. Pit Bulls in Need!
4. Lab/Mastiff to be Killed. Rescue Needed
5. After Many Years Living in Pain, Tank Now Has a Chance at a Pain Free Life! Donations Requested!
6. Help Needed to provide Interceptor and K9 Advantix to our rescues.
7. Pittie Missing!!! Olmsted Township! Please Help Find Her!
8. Support NE Ohio Businesses Support Dogs and Rescues