Sunrise

Sunrise
Early Spring Sunrise Snow on the Silo

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Why I LOVE Bullies, Bully breed dogs, that is.



Facebook is an awesome, terrible thing. I have caught up with friends from grade school, promoted my business and helped organize a local playgroup by harnessing its seemingly limitless power. It also brings me tremendous joy and sadness in regards to the plight of the many homeless companion animals in foster care and shelters. I have held AmStaffs close to my heart for 35 years, one of the breeds erroneously labeled as 'Pit Bulls' by the media and the less knowledgeable. Bully types are often mis-identified and blamed when other large headed, big bodied breeds are the culprit. The common perception is that we Bully owners are thugs and criminals that keep aggressive dogs to fight and intimidate. While that may be the case on occasion, the vast number of the millions of Bully owners are average folks that like these breeds for their many wonderful characteristics.


How did I discover Bullies? When I was 15, I volunteered at the Lake Shore Foundation for Animals in Chicago, IL. We had a young Staffordshire Bull Terrier come in that required a foster home and I took the bait. I was completely naive of their reputation and history and immediately fell in love with him. Within a few weeks an excellent permanent home was found, but I had my first taste and have been an aficionado ever since.


Boogie has grown up surrounded by AmStaffs, Clarabel is 'his' puppy and he named her after one of Thomas the Tank Engines coaches. He loves taking her off for adventures around the farm. And reading to her.



I am saddened by the vast number of abused and abandoned Bullies I see day after day on my Facebook feed. So all my friends, this is why I annoy you on a regular bases with my cross posts of dogs available for adoption. I know that networking helps find these dogs fosters and permanent placement. Please bear with me, or better yet, click on share and help find a dog a home!