Fairfax County Animal Shelter: No Restrictions, Just Success
Last year we had the privilege to meet several members of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FCAS) at our Language and Advocacy Internship program. Later that year, FCAS shared that they had been able to double the number of “pit bull” dog adoptions at their shelter. This accomplishment is noteworthy at any shelter, but FCAS […]
Can Animal Trainers and Behaviorists Be Divorced from Animal Advocacy?
We recently read a blog by the good folks at Your Pit Bull and You called: Can Animal Advocacy be Divorced from Animal Behavior? In this thoughtful post, the authors contemplate if animal welfare advocates would be more effective in the long run if they were as educated in animal learning and behavior as they […]
The Good News You Didn’t Hear About in 2013
It seems like just the other day that we were writing the 2012 wrap up (read that here). But here we are at the end of 2013 already! We’re excited to report that the positive trends we shared with you a year ago are still in full effect: Towns across the country are continuing to […]
“Pit Bull” Dogs: A Petfinder Photo Sampler
We’ve picked this random group of dogs from Petfinder to illustrate three things: 1. There is no agreed upon or standard definition of a “Pit Bull.” Through our work we have come to understand that the phrase “pit bull” means something different to everyone. Animal welfare workers don’t agree on how to define “pit bull”. Law […]
Ambassador Dog Programs: Evolving “Pit Bull” Dog Adoptions
Earlier this year we shared a blog about the successes that The Animal Rescue League of Iowa and their Pit Crew have accomplished on behalf of “pit bull” dogs and their people. In reflecting on their successes and how times have changes, ARL has decided to end their “pit bull” specific programs in order to […]
High School Students Donate Thousands to Court Case Dogs
A little ingenuity and a lot of dedication can make all of the difference to dogs in need.
From Shelters to Service: “Pit Bull” Dogs Change Lives as Assistance Dogs
Animal Farm Foundation’s mission is to secure equal treatment and opportunity for “pit bull” dogs. In an effort to meet that mission, we established a Service Dog Training program so that rescued and sheltered “pit bull” dogs can be considered for the same work traditionally reserved for pure bred, purpose bred dogs. Our first three […]
Children and Dogs: Expert Tips for Making Great Matches
How do we know when a dog is the right fit for a family with children? Is breed a good indicator of whether or not a dog will be good with kids? What do parents need to know to set everyone up for safe, fun interactions? If you’ve been wondering about these kind of questions, […]
Unique and Uniform: The #1 Myth that Fuels Canine Discrimination
Whenever breed restrictions or bans are proposed, those arguing for discriminatory policies rely on this false idea: that “pit bull” dogs are uniquely different from all other dogs and that they are uniform in their behavior. In other words, they mistakenly believe that “pit bull” dogs are specially and consistently different from all other dogs, but are all similar to […]
Recent Trends in Breed Specific Legislation: Logic Trumps Hysteria
Ever wonder if the advocates who are working hard to stop Breed Specific Legislation are making an impact? The answer is YES they are! YOU are making a difference. Here’s the proof: Since January 2012, Breed Specific Legislation is consistently being repealed or rejected more than it is being passed or considered. That’s something to […]