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Today, I’d like to introduce you to the American Pit Bull Foundation. I had the pleasure of interviewing Sarah Enos, the founder of the organization.
For those of you who are not aware, the American Pit Bull Foundation is in the running for the Pepsi Refresh Project and could receive $50,000 to help their cause. It’s not too late to vote for them. Just go to the Pepsi Refresh Project to vote.
And now, here is what Sara had to say:
What is the American Pit Bull Foundation and what was the motivation for starting the Foundation?
The American Pit Bull Foundation is a non-profit organization designed to tackle unnecessary euthanasia and animal abuse at the source. APBF has an ambitious agenda to work at the root of the rescue problem and not only benefit dogs, but their owners as well.
The founder, a long time Pit Bull enthusiast and rescuer learned early on that when you continue to take on rescue after rescue without focus on what is causing the innumerable amount of homeless pets and pet abuse, not only individuals, but groups, get very overwhelmed very quickly. With pleas upon pleas and a very high euthanasia rate for Pit Bulls in kill shelters, those who rescue them find themselves in heavy debt with heavy hearts.
In order not to follow in the same path, APBF is designed to help owners with problems such as a new baby in the family, other dog aggression, any less than desirable behaviors that the owner cannot control, issues with finding housing where the breed is often discriminated against, and simply any issue that may cause an owner to consider surrendering their dog. Working through problems with owners and helping them find responsible solutions has a very positive impact on unnecessary euthanasia, as the owner is able to work through the issues and the dog does not end up losing its life at a shelter after being separated from what the dog knows as home.
What is the American Pit Bull Foundation’s mission? What kind of work does the group do?
The purpose of the American Pit Bull Foundation is to promote responsible breed ownership through providing:
- owner and public education
- positive alternatives to pit fighting
- programs to endorse and recognize responsible breed ownership
- provide medical and financial assistance for dogs with responsible owners
- aid in adoption of Pit Bulls to responsible individuals or families.
We are a non-profit foundation striving to reduce the number of pets that enter the shelters on a yearly basis, reduce unnecessary euthanasia, and build relationships with communities to help break the violence link.
Does your organization help all of the “pit bull” breeds? Or are you dedicated to one specific breed?
We help any dog that is labeled as a Pit Bull, be it by actual breed, or by appearance. American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bullys, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, sometimes Bull Terrier mixes and sometimes American Bull Dog mixes. Occasionally another breed slips through; however, our primary focus is on the American Pit Bull Terriers since they are the American underdog and one of the most discriminated against, abused and neglected breeds in the US.
Can you tell us more about the Pepsi Refresh Project and what your Foundation will do with the prize if you win?
The Pepsi Refresh Project is geared to help common people and organizations rally support for their ideas to get funding to foot their efforts. Pepsi has certainly created wonderful avenue for motivation with this idea.
We are looking to use the grant to fully launch our Out of the Pits program, which is geared to help individuals in bad situations with their dogs get into better ones. We are making a concerted effort with the help of Animal Care and Control, to recruit owners who have a history of illegal activities or neglect. We will enroll the owners in the program with their dogs and teach them everything from simple compassion, to general health care and disease, to training them in agility, therapy, and for Canine Good Citizenship where we are able. The owners will have to complete each aspect of the program through a serious of courses and in the field training with their dogs. They will learn to work with their dogs in a way that does not cause harm to them, as well as what a companion animal is really about. We are looking to build relationships with people and guide them out of bad decisions; not only for the relationships they carry with their dogs, but also the relationships they carry with other people. Teaching compassion, no matter the method, can only cultivate the characteristic.
We will also provide proper collars, leashes, bowls, food, and other basic items to the participants during the training sessions. Spays and neuters, as well as vaccinations and microchips will be donated to the owners.
If you visit our page under the Pepsi Refresh Project, there is a breakdown of where the funds will be distributed. We are also intending to donate $5000 of the grant to another organization who we believe is making a difference in the lives of owners and their dogs as well; Coalition to Unchain Dogs. When a gift that size finds us, we like to spread the good.
You mentioned something about the American Pit Bull being one of the most popular Nanny breeds of the past. Can you talk a little more about that?
The American Pit Bull Terrier was not bred for human aggression or for use as a guard dog. Rather, bred for their unmatchable will, high tolerance for pain, and their athletic abilities. They are good caretakers who are intelligent, loving, and alert. Combine all of these factors together, and you have the recipe for a companion animal that does well with children when properly trained. Pit Bulls make great search and rescue dogs and many serve as therapy assistance animals. The Nanny Dog story dates back to the 19th century where the Pit Bull was a popular choice as a companion animal for children based on their docile temperament. Certain sites will have you believe that the Nanny Dog story is a myth, such as the Truth about Pit Bulls blog, yet if you read such sites, you will see that these individuals are making assumptions based on comparisons of dog aggression and human aggression as if the two are related to one another. For example, one of the implied ides on the site mentioned is the thought that the Pit Bull could be the perfect family companion by day and be the throat ripping monster fighter in a ring by night. What these authors do not grasp is the fact that a scenario of this sort is not only completely plausible, but did, and does exist. Because of how Pit Bull fighting and over-breeding has evolved, coupled with the fact that people can’t understand that dog aggression and human aggression are not the least bit related, most do not comprehend that the family Pit Bull often shared a bed with the kids, ate dinner with the family, saw a veterinarian on a regular basis, and when it was time, was thrown into a ring by his master. When a fight was over, rarely was a death of a dog the end result.
The other side of the Nanny Dog involves those who were companions in the wars. Many Pit Bulls/Staffordshire Terriers would accompany their masters to their posts. There are several war stories and memorandums in dedication to the breed for their courageous efforts and their therapeutic loyalty to injured soldiers.
There are still stories today involving heroic efforts for the family children that the media passes right over. Two recent cases involve a Pit Bull pulling a baby’s basinet through a home away from a fire, and another involves a Pit Bull alerting his owner to a strangling child. Both children were safe in the outcomes. Though bad people do bad things with dogs and tragedies result from their negligence, this breed by nature is not the culprit, they are often the reason that children are removed from harm.
Myths or beliefs, past or present, the nature of this breed emulates a loyal companion and sheppard for children when brought up in the right hands. We share our home with two Nanny Dogs.
The pit bull has a terrible reputation today, due in large part I think to negative media attention surrounding the breeds. What would you like to say to those who fear and/or dislike pit bulls? Or to those who support breed-specific legislation?
Everyone likes dirty laundry and a good gory story to catch people’s attention. The sad part about the media, (and not all media), is that they prey on this human fascination with tragedy and gossip. Rarely does one get the full 360 degree view of what has really happened in a story. Think about the majority of Pit Bull owners out there. There is a reason you don’t see a show entitled “Suburban Housewives and their Pit Bulls”, what fun would that be to watch based on the common persons viewing preferences? In investigating many of the media coverage of Pit bull related incidences, I have come to learn that neglect, abuse, drugs, and irresponsibility often play a huge part in what really transpired.
Eradication is not the answer. Think outside of the extremist box momentarily to view BSL from an end-result perspective. Getting rid of Pit bulls to cease the dog fighting problem is like saying we should get rid of all children to stop the child abuse problem. The problems don’t stem from the child or the dog; they stem from the abuser. Instead of breed specific legislation, why not owner specific legislation? If individual cannot be responsible for their dogs and their actions, they should not own them.
What is in store for the future of the American Pit Bull Foundation?
Long term we are looking at opening up an indoor/outdoor facility with low cost veterinary services, Bully boarding, and a large shelter where we can house adoptable Pit Bulls that are either rescued or transferred from other shelters. We plan to include an educational building as part of the plan to continue our educational outreach and training programs.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I am always open for correspondence/positive discussion from anyone who has questions, concerns, or feedback. I thoroughly enjoy getting people to open up and talk about their passions for their dogs, or even their fears so we can work through them.
There is a niche for everyone at APBF, from volunteering or fostering, to becoming a member, to sponsoring a dog or family in need, or in helping with communications. To learn more about how to help, email founder@americanpitbullfoundation.com, or visit the website (American Pit Bull Foundation).
About Lorie Huston, DVM
Lorie Huston is a veterinarian, pet health and pet care expert, professional writer, blogger, social media and blogging consultant, and SEO strategist.
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
My wife and i are trying to help our town and cover as much ground as possible. I have an idea of helping our wonderful breed, american pit bull. Im trying to get people involved in spaying/neutering their dogs, aiming specifically at APBT, because there are so many of them. and we want to prevet BSL from starting up and killing our pets. I think it would be great if the county or city made it mandatory for pitbull and pit mix owners to have their dogs spayed/neutered, to help control overpopulation. Only licensed breeders should be allowed to breed with specific regulations involved, such as cannot breed looking for agressiveness traits, the parents should be registered, have their canine good citizen award, and stuff of that nature. Backyard breeding should be made illegal, and those caught doing so should have to pay a fine… a big fine, one that is hard to afford, as well as neglective owners should face consecuenses. This way there would be less dogs in pounds and shelters, and less dogs suffering in the wrong hands such as dog fighters and neglective owners. By doing all of this, also pit bull adoptions would increase giving them a home instead of shelters and pounds. can u give us any advice on how we can start a program like that?
I commend your ambition, Arturo. Good for you and your wife and best of luck in your endeavor! You might try contacting Sarah Enos for more information. Her email address is founder@americanpitbullfoundation.com or you can contact her through the APBF website.
I am presently trying to save my dog ,Gotti, from being put to sleep. He is presently being kept @ the Cincinnati SPCA. Last week while I was seeing after a neighbor’s son after he had been injured in a fight, Gotti was able to get loose and go in a neighbor’s yard whose dog is in heat. He chased Gotti back to my home where Gotti turned toward him and became territorial. They confiscated Gotti ad gave a citation. Gotti has been with me sincehe was a few weeks old . He is part of my family. Last year I had a seizure and could not move, felt as though I was freezing. Gotti laid on me and i felt his body heat. He didn’t move until I was able to. He is a loveable pet. He is mixed pit bull which automatically labels him a vivious dog. Please help us.
I’m so sorry about your situation with Gotti, Peggy. I wish you the best of luck in getting resolved successfully.
Thank you Lorie, I miss Gotti so much. My son Johnny was murdered in 07. I wasn’t able to fight for his life. I have a chance to fight for Gotti even tough I have criminal charges for owning Gotti
after owning a pitt bull for 10 years i came into some personal situation and need to give her up what should i do ineed to move from my present apt but cant do it cause of my dog shes a sweetheart never bit anyone love kids ank people please help me get her a good home for whatever life she has left
Good luck with finding a home for her, Donna. Have you tried contacting the American Pit Bull Foundation or some of the other breed rescues for help?
Hi Lori, I was successful in saving Gotti. The courts ruled against putting him to sleep but, I have not been able to bring him home. There are large fees for room and board at the SPCA. They will not release Gotti until they are paid. Are there any organizatios that have grants available to help me get my friend, Gotti home
I’m glad to hear you were able to save Gotti. I don’t know of any organizations that give grants to cover expenses like these unfortunately. Have you asked the SPCA if they any suggestions? Perhaps they might be able to help.
Hi Lori I was able to see Gotti, he is just as beautiful as ever. I still cannot bring him home. I can not pay the fees. I asked the courts to reduce the fees. i am waiting for an answer. My heart went out for the other dogs just waiting to be euthinized. So sad that noone is fighting for their lives
That is sad, Peggy. Good luck with getting Gotti back. Hopefully, the courts will help.
Hi Lori, the judge ordered Gotti be put down. There was no negotiating the fees. Dogs go to heaven too. I truly beleive this. Money carries too much weight
I’m so sorry, Peggy. What a horrible ending
Dear friends I live in Alameda, CA 94501. I am trying to save a pitbull from euthanasia in our horrible local shelter. The dog is sentensed to die for minor scatches caused to a staff member. It is an outrageous case of arrogance and abuse of power by a local animal control officer. The name of the dog is Daisy. Who can help me to deal with the situation and spread the word around
I am looking for some help or guidance. My dog Abel is a pitt…we had an accident where a very big friend of mine stepped on is ear in a dark room…he now has a ear hematoma…i ahve volunteered and my sister has also helped way more with the local animal shelter here in my hometown of Marion, IL. and the manager has helped me twice with draining it…but this 3rd time it is worse and filled back up overnight. From what I understand it is a fairly simple surgery but it ranges from 250$ to 600$ in all the vet offices here….I need help. I am a single mother and also a full-time student. I cannot just whip that amount of money out of my pocket….i was told of a local shelter that does pro-bono work and i called them…they are denying him because he is a pitt bull….I have called several other vet offices and no one will let me make payment arrangements or do volunteer work for them….I have also applied for what they call a care credit card and because I have no credit I cannot get it. I am at a huge loss and my poor dog is in pain and it is going to be infected….I need help plz anyone who has any ideas…..he is such a good dog and does not deserve to be in pain just because I cant afford this surgery for a freak accident….
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