Wallace (the Pitbull) - Book Review

I have recently finished reading Wallace by Jim Gorant, which is the story of Pitbull Wallace and his owner Roo Yori, as they champion flying disk and change perceptions in America.

The story follows Roo Yori as he and his wife, Clara, take on a pitbull from their local shelter, where they volunteer, who is acting out and has behavioural issues which threaten him with euthanization as it is feared he is unadoptable. Roo and Clara see through his problems to the great, intelligent and enthusiastic dog underneath, and fight nail and teeth for him. The results far surpass anything they could have hoped for.

The book is written by sports writer Jim Gorant, author of The Lost Dogs -the story of the pitbulls rescued from Michael Vick's dog fighting ring- and is a little sterile. Whilst giving great detail, it is detached from the characters and can feel more like a report than a story sometimes. However, it is written with a good pace, and if you're interested in pitbulls and their advocacy, it is a must-read. The story is steeped in information about pitbulls and their status in America, and the valuable contribution dog sports give to dog training, behaviour and handling. 

Wallace is currently suffering from ill health, but still continues as a massive beacon of hope for changing the views on pitbulls in America, for the good. 

He is a good dog. 

Wallace's website and facebook page. 

Lulu the therapy dog visits schools and teaches understanding

"Lulu is a therapy dog owned by teacher Tami D'Ericco. She brings Lulu into her classroom to teach her students about prejudices and discrimination."

65 Pitbulls and Beagles rescued from suspected dog fight operation

"On Thanksgiving evening, firefighters from Ashland City and Pleasant View Fire Departments in Ashland City, Tennessee, were responding to a brush fire when they discovered a large number of dogs chained outside on the property.

Firefighters called Cheatham County Animal Control, who arrived and found 65 dogs – mostly Pit Bulls and Beagles - at the residence. The dogs were all without food or fresh water, needing medical attention and appeared to have been part of a suspected dog fighting operation."

[...]

"In a press release put out by Animal Rescue Corps, they indicated the dogs were all underweight with sores covering their bodies and displaying signs of internal parasites. ARC president Scotlund Haisley said, "We believe this is the largest dog fighting rescue in Tennessee history. The conditions Animal Rescue Corps found on this property are the worst I have ever seen at a dog fighting operation in my 22 year career in animal protection." "

Read the full story here. 

Unusual request for Pit Bull rehoming

From Fox 23 News:

"The two pit bull-mix puppies found nailed to Albany railroad tracks will get their happy ending after all, but you have to put in some work before you can give it to them. 

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society is still offering a $7,000 reward for information leading to the abuser's arrest, but now that Pearl and Hudson have recovered, the shelter is asking anyone interested in adopting the dogs to write 300 words on why their home is best for them.

One dog is being fitted for a prosthesis on Monday, and that night, shelter volunteers will begin sifting through the entries."

"Yes, Pit Bulls suddenly snap"

Charming piece on Life With Dogs via stubbydog on clarifying why 5 things you hear about pit bulls are 'true'.... :)

Read it here.

Edmonton, Canada, eliminates BSL laws

EDMONTON (CANADA) - An amendment has been passed at City Council which eliminates the contentious Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) from Edmonton's Animal Control Bylaw. The BSL section outlined that certain dogs were labelled "restricted" solely based on their breed. 

Animal advocates like Bilinda Wagner of the Edmonton Humane Society have argued that the bylaw is not necessary."Every dog is an individual," she told Global News earlier this month. "It's not just an aggressive gene, it's not just a breed, it's not just a look of a dog. Every dog learns what people teach it."

Read more here.

Labrador in Ontario subject to new BSL laws

"When BSL was introduced in Ontario in August of 2005, I did not worry for my dogs. After all none of them were “pit bulls”, so we weren’t affected directly by this heinous legislation.

[...]

Niki and I were calmly walking along the beachfront when we heard “Why isn’t that “pit bull” muzzled?” I turned to find little Ms. Bluehair staring hard at Niki and pointing.

[...]

“My dog?” I asked innocently. “Ma’am my dog is not a “pit bull”, she is a husky/lab cross breed.”

“I know a “pit bull” when I see one young lady!” was the old lady’s reply. “I have already called the pound, and the SPCA is coming to get your dog. You people can’t be keeping these vicious beasts around innocent citizens! Your dog will be taken from you! Good thing too, no one has any business owning one of these dogs! I’ll fix you!” She waved her cell phone at me.

[...]

It was the muzzle that changed things. No one had ever been afraid of Niki before, they would see her smiley face headed for them, and a smile would break out on their face. She is just that kind of dog, she loves everyone, and up until she was forced to wear the muzzle everyone loved her."

Read the full story here.