Pit Bull pride

Yesterday I witnessed what the power of facebook can do. I joked that it can be used for the power of good or evil. Also I made mention that in this particular case it was used for good. It's unlikely anyone in the Pit Bull world (and many that aren't) are not aware of what has gone down in the last day or so. In case though anyone has missed it I'll give you all a quick recap with out all the needless ramblings and drama.

McDonald's (yes that's right the one and only) decided to release a radio ad that ended up being a major bad idea on their part. In this they were trying to advertise their new McBites. Apparently after recent public relations nightmares about their current nuggets (no doubt thanks mainly to the wonderful world wide web) they felt the need to be 'creative'. In that need like most that find themselves desperate for a way out or a scapegoat they found one. Sure they probably thought it was a tongue in cheek ad campaign, one that people would find amusing. One group in particular did not find the humor in this said ad. Instead they spread it like wildfire and within a matter of perhaps minutes it went viral. The topic flooded the walls. Why was this frenzy taking place? Simple really. One little word. Yes that's right one little word. 'Pit Bull' (then again that's probably considered two words) In the ad they compared things that were risky. They made a point of saying that trying their new nuggets was less risky then 'petting a stray pit bull'. (All they needed to do is replace the sentence with the word dog - not target a specific type of dog.) To say Pit Bull owners, lovers, and advocates were upset is probably the understatement of the century. Soon as the information about this went viral McDonald's phones were ringing off the hooks. Within only a few hours the phone lines were tied up to the point that there was 'technical difficulties.' (Ya think!?)

By the end of the day McDonald's had issued their Public Relations apology. Unfortunately for them I'd say the nightmare had just begun and it was a little too late. After all there's an ongoing mantra among us Pit Bull lovers - you should be more worried about us then our dogs. That rang true all night long and into the next day. Pit Bull pages, rescue groups, owners, fans, friends (you get the idea) got together and showed just how they felt about the situation.

The famous Pit Bull rescue and advocacy group BAD RAP made it a project for all of us to get together and show just how we felt. Pictures were taken of our 'stray Pit Bulls' and just what our dogs (and we thought) of the advertisement that aired. It was amazing to see the outpouring of love and a feel of being united against a common enemy. Pit Bull Pride for sure.

What happens after this? Looks like it's in McDonald's court now. Many are talking boycotting. Others are talking of using this as a step up in the right direction and having McDonald's repay what they did to us by joining us. They want McDonald's to help promote the breed. After all what better opportunity? You have a name that everyone knows. They have many connections and outlets. However, many don't feel that they'll take the proverbial ball and run with it. Guess we give it time and see what comes of this entire situation.  

Until then we can be happy and pet our stray Pit Bulls and know that by combining forces we showed just how much Pit Bull Pride we have.

Had me at woof

As the year anniversary of when I first saw (and fell in love with) my Tango approaches I can't help but reflect. It's hard to believe that it's been that long. Seems only yesterday that I saw his adore-a-bull shelter pictures on facebook. Now he's a crazy, silly, loving, loyal (the list goes on) big boy that we can't imagine being without.

If anyone were to tell me a few years ago that I would be the proud owner of a Pit Bull (mix or otherwise) I don't know what my reaction might have been. This passion for the Pibbles is still kind of new to me. It's only been a few year that I have come to love them. Not that I hated them before. Honestly really never gave them much thought either way. Now can't imagine ever not having them in my life. In fact I hope to have more someday.

Until then Tango will be our one and only Pibble. He is definitely a good choice for a new Pit Bull owner. He's an amazing dog. Unbelievable how smart and eager to learn and please he is. I've only been blessed with a few dogs in my life. Variety of breeds have caught my attention and I've even had a few. I love(d) them all. Each holds a special place. Though I really don't seeing me not having at least one Pit Bull in my pack. Anyone that hasn't experienced the love of this outstanding dog is sadly lacking. Don't get me wrong I love my Labbie and my Chi (of course) but it seems there's just something about the big headed, big tongue, goofy smile loving nature of a Pit Bull. (Yes for those Anti-Pit Bull people I did just say that.)

What else can I say but apparently Tango had me at... woof...

Proud to love a Pit Bull

Fightin' dog words

I'm just a dog

Update long overdue

Seems I am way behind in updating or writing in here. Perhaps it's because life has a way of getting in the way of things we want to do. How dare it!?

Anyway, lets see if we can't do some type of quick update and recap since the last time anything was published here.

Last time I had posted another chipin (in December) because of our sudden need to relocate. Yes after having moved in September it became apparent quite quickly that another move was in our immediate future. One that wasn't really in our control this time. One we didn't want to have to endure so soon. However, so far it seems that it was probably for the best all around after all was said and done. (Or rather not said and not done in this case.) All I can say is I hope karma is something our former landlord and his poor excuse for a management company get a visit from sooner then later. It was quite an ordeal trying to find another place that not only fit our very low price range but would allow us to keep our critters. Giving up anymore was not up for consideration. Despite what many said or thought we were not going to give away anymore. Already in such a short time we had given up so much. As for the three dogs in no way shape or form was I willing to even think of parting with them.

Of course anyone that has ever tried to find a rental that owns pets knows it's next to impossible to find one. Then you add that to the fact that not only did I have a dog but three. Then we had the itty bitty issue of what types of dogs we had. No not the tiny little easy to hide accepted in most places types of dogs. Pepe is the only one that fits the description. Try inquiring on places that claim they allow dogs (but don't give their specifics in the ad so waste everyone's time) then you tell them you have three and that two are big dogs. Kind of hard to sell anyone on the fact we have a Lab and get them to agree. The only thing in our favor with that is she does have a doctor's note that she's my "companion" dog. Okay so you get them to agree to those two BUT trust me you won't sell them on a Pit Mix. So going against everything you believe in, advocate for, fight for, and just plain detest you "lie". Perhaps it's not truly a real lie. After all we don't really know exactly what makes up our beautiful boy. I did do it though because I was too stubborn and determined not to keep all my babies. For all intents and purposes Tango was labeled a Lab Mix. Only one asked to see his picture and did make a comment that he looked pit. Claimed it wasn't a problem. Interesting though we lost touch for a bit though. Irony of all ironies she calls me the day I am applying for what would become our new apartment. (Telling me in a voice mail she didn't currently have anything in our price range - hmmm then you better update your Craig's List ads.)

Long story short thanks to a tip I got from another Pit Mix owner we did find something. It wasn't our ideal place as far as what we were looking or originally hoped to find. (Third floor, no w&d, no tub, and it seemed small) However, the person we dealt with was very nice and didn't care that we had dogs or what they were. All he asked was how many. I never even had to tell him the breed/type/size or anything. I told him I had two larger ones and a small Chihuahua. The conversation didn't get further. He just wanted to make sure they wouldn't bother the neighbor's with barking. I assured him (as did my mother who looked at the place first) that they only bark when someone shows up. What you want a dog to do.

Somehow we had lucked out. We decided the pros outweighed the cons. Yes it was a long tedious process but it meant our family got to remain together. Everything that I had been fighting for since deciding to sell our mobile home and move was for a reason. I refused to give up, back down, or even consider any other way. (Hmmm sounds very Pit Bull of me doesn't it!?) There was no way, after I rescued my Pit Bull Mix from a high kill shelter last year and promised him that he'd have a forever home that I was going to let him down.

During all the madness the one thing that never wavered and the one thing that Scott and I were at one hundred percent agreement on was - the dogs (all three) we not going anywhere. They were staying with us. (As I type this Tango is laying behind me chewing his bone filled with peanut butter, Pepe is laying on his bed on my computer desk sleeping, and Jenna has put herself to bed in her kennel in our bedroom. I'd say that makes all the stress, drama, tears, and long nights worth it. Wouldn't you!? After all I love my Pit Bull (and the rest of our babies)

Moving Tango's Family... Again