Dog Breeds Banned By Home Insurance Companies

Aside from natural disasters and water, the three things that give home insurance companies agita are dogs, pools and trampolines. Basically anything fun.

The problem with dogs is the expensive liability claims against the dog owners. Homeowners insurance pays out for dog bites or other dog-related injuries—such as a fall when a dog jumps on someone or runs at them. The average dog bite claim has been around $44,760, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

To rein in costs, many home insurance companies have lists of banned dogs—cases where the insurer won’t provide coverage if a customer owns the breed. Not all home insurers have strict lists of banned dog breeds. Some take dog bite problems on a case by case in deciding whether to offer insurance to the owner.

To read more on this story, click here: Dog Breeds Banned By Home Insurance Companies

Humane Rescue Alliance – Seeking Any Information Leading to The Arrest of Person(s) for This Horrific Act of Animal Cruelty - Please Share!

Content warning: sexual assault

Washington, DC - This week, the Humane Rescue Alliance, along with Friendship Hospital for Animals, rescued a puppy from deplorable sexual abuse and violence.

A few days ago, we received a call about a dog abandoned outside, next to piles of trash, and unable to walk, just like Ladybell not even one month ago. When our Animal Control officer arrived on scene, he found a 7-month-old brindle pit bull-type puppy wagging her tail as he approached. She couldn’t move and was covered in both scars and fresh wounds but was still excited to see him. We named her Luna.

She was quickly transported to our partner Friendship Hospital for Animals where she received a full examination. Veterinarians at FHA determined Luna had five broken vertebrae, two of which required surgical stabilization, and two wounds, possibly stab wounds, on her chest. Other injuries indicate she had been brutally sexually abused and was likely strangled. Veterinarians were able to determine these injuries occurred over weeks, due to the varying stages of healing of each injury.

We estimate the cost of her critical care will exceed $20,000. Friendship Hospital for Animals has stepped up to cover the entire cost of her surgeries, and is working to stabilize her spine, with the hopes that one day Luna will be able to walk again. Despite the extent of her injuries, veterinarians are optimistic that Luna will have a good quality of life. We are so grateful for their incredible generosity and their shared commitment to saving animal lives.

“The person responsible for torturing Luna has certainly demonstrated their propensity for extreme violence,” said Chris Schindler, vice president of field services at the Humane Rescue Alliance. “Study after study has shown that individuals who commit cruelty to animals, particularly sexual abuse crimes, are known to perpetrate these crimes against humans, especially children. To ensure the safety of the entire community, we will do everything in our power to find who is responsible and are asking for the public’s help to do so.”

As Luna begins to heal, our humane law enforcement officers begin their investigation into the person or persons responsible for this heinous act of sexual assault and cruelty. They are looking for anyone who may have noticed anything unusual near Fort Dupont Park on or before August 11. If you have any information that could help assist in the arrest of those who abused Luna, please call 202-723-5730 option 3.

Police Officer Stays At Shelter Overnight With Stray He Rescued

Rescuing a stray puppy may not be a police officer‘s job, but some kind-hearted officers don’t do it for the job. Some genuinely want to help the little ones who can’t help themselves. Officer Kareem Garibaldi of the Lakeland Police Department in Florida is one of those wonderful people.

Officer Garibaldi worked an early morning shift one Saturday in May, 2016. As he drove his patrol car, he nearly ran into a small Pit/Boxer mix puppy. The 8 to 10 week old pup had no identification tags or collar and was just running around loose.

To read more on this story, click here: Police Officer Stays At Shelter Overnight With Stray He Rescued

Pit Bull Ban in Denver Remains After Mayor Vetoes Vote to Repeal

The Mayor of Denver has vetoed a vote to repeal the city's long-standing pit bull ban.

Mayor Michael Hancock said on Friday in a letter to City Council that after hearing from thousands of residents on the issue and carefully considering the matter, he could not "in good conscience support this legislation."

The Denver City Council on Monday voted to amend a code that banned pit bulls entirely from the Colorado capital. The amendment passed 7-4.

The ban has been in place for some 30 years.

Hancock said he spoke to experts in veterinary care and animal control to get a better understanding of what the change could have meant for the city.

"At the end of the day, I must ask whether passage of this ordinance would make our homes and neighborhoods safer or pose an increased risk to public safety? I have concluded that it would pose an increased risk," his letter read.

To read more on this story, click here: Pit Bull Ban in Denver Remains After Mayor Vetoes Vote to Repeal

Sir Patrick Stewart and Wife Sunny Ozell Rescue Their 3rd Pit Bull

Sir Patrick Stewart and his wife Sunny Ozell are passionate about pit bulls. They made a goal to foster three of them during this season’s filming of Picard and in bringing Ella home, they have met that goal.

Sunny is clearly smitten with Ella already, saying on Instagram that she has taken to calling her Ella Bella Cinderella because she is such a “pretty princess.” Like countless other pitties, she enjoys snuggling up on the couch under the comfort of a cozy blanket.

Stewart and Ozell work with the rescue group Wags and Walks in fostering these wonderful pups. Based in Los Angeles, the group rescues family friendly dogs and works to find them foster and forever homes. They rely on donations to keep things running as well as fundraising through various event. Tickets are on sale now for their 9th annual Wags & Walks Benefit Gala in October. The star-studded event will be hosted by the fabulous Judy Greer and Sir Patrick and Sunny will be special guests.

To read more on this story, click here: Sir Patrick Stewart and Wife Sunny Ozell Rescue Their 3rd Pit Bull

Deformed Front Legs of Puppy Saved Him from Becoming Fighting Dog

An adorable two-month-old puppy was surrendered to the Associated Humane Popcorn Park Shelter in Newark, New Jersey recently; the dog's front legs grossly deformed. Perhaps his birth defect or being locked in a too small kennel as he developed saved his life; his past owner decided the little one's deformity made him unsuitable to be a fighting dog.

Named Hulk by his rescuers, the staff at the Associated Humane Popcorn Park Shelter stated the eight-week-old little bundle of cuteness was the meanest, nastiest little critter anyone would have wanted to meet. From the moment he entered the shelter, Hulk would bite, growl and snap at everyone. It was evident he hadn't been socialized; chances are he was already being taught to fight and be aggressive.

According to the AHPPS, however the very young life of Hulk is making a positive turn:

"...the rough edges have smoothed down with loving hands that hold him. There are two matronly female dogs who play with him so he can perceive that affection and dominance are taught in a favorable and rewarding manner."

Hulk will be examined by a specialist this week in hopes of correcting his deformity. If you would like to help, please click here.

Follow Hulk's progress on Facebook by clicking HERE. 

Dancing Pit Bull - Woman Reveals The True Nature Of Pit Bulls, That Wasn't Expected! See Video!

Pit Bulls often get a bad reputation, but this video is proof that it is dog owners who cause some animals to be aggressive and dangerous. This video was such a great surprise for me! When I think of the traditional Bollywood-style dancing I’ve seen in films, it definitely isn’t a dog who comes to mind. I couldn’t believe my eyes once the music came on and these two started moving!

The dog’s owner is a trained choreographer who shows us that with a little love (and presumably a lot of practice!), even a Pit Bull can be the most graceful dancer. My favorite moments happen after about 0:59… just take a look at what a great dance partner that dog is! I hope these two keep showing off their moves, because they are both amazing talents. What a show!

Pit Bulls are just like any other breed. They love to learn, they love to love. Please share this amazing video if you love the breed as much as we do!

Rescued Dog Gets Prosthetic Leg from Orlando's ABC Prosthetics and Orthotics Company (Photos)

"Lucky" might not be the first word you'd use to describe a dog left abandoned, starving and abused in a rough neighborhood near Miami, a dog whose front paw had been cut off.

But on Wednesday, the year-old pooch trotted happily on her new plastic and carbon-fiber limb, seeming quite pleased with the odd path her life has taken.

In only her first year, "Little" Debbie, a now-65-pound, gray-and-white pit bull named after the snack-food treats has gone from abused pup to media darling, earning the attention of "Good Morning America," the staff of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and dog-lovers across the country who wanted to help her.

"She's lucky," says Chaya Springer, the 24-year-old Oviedo engineering student who was selected from a pool of applicants to adopt Debbie. "In fact, we're all just lucky that everything worked out. … She's going to be a track star now."

She's also something of a celebrity these days at Orlando's ABC Prosthetics and Orthotics, which has donated its services to Debbie. The place sees her when appointments for human clients have finished for the day.

"When Debbie comes in, everybody here gathers around her and makes a big fuss," says office manager Laurie Saunders, who has a three-legged dog of her own, named Tres. "She is the sweetest girl. All she wants to do is give you kisses."

It's especially noteworthy considering the dog's wretched start in life.

A couple of children playing in a Hialeah neighborhood where county law prohibits people from owning pit bulls found Debbie last spring when she was only a couple of months old. She was lying on the ground, her front paw severed, her leg infected, her body gaunt from starvation. The kids carried the pup back to their mother, who bandaged the paw and promptly called Animal Services which, in turn, took the dog to Michelle Rodriguez, co-founder of 1 Lucky Dog Rescue.

"She was very scared but very sweet," Rodriguez says. "We don't know what happened to her paw, but because it was taken off so cleanly, it looked like it was intentionally cut."

Prosthetics for dogs and cats and horses and even whales, have been around for more than a decade. But though costs are considerably less than for humans, the fitting and molding still run several hundred to several thousand dollars per device. And a dog is likely to need a series of replacements during its life span, both from changes in weight and normal wear and tear, not to mention errant chewing.

"Because dogs and cats bear about 60 percent of their weight on the front legs, they adapt pretty well to missing a back leg," says Longwood veterinarian Dr. Rick Marrinson. "But if it's a front leg, the problem you have is that eventually the other front leg is going to break down. The joint will likely become arthritic and degenerate from the extra pressure and compensation."

Rodriguez knew this. She also knew that a little media attention on Debbie's predicament might bring the offer of a prosthetic limb that her nonprofit rescue group couldn't otherwise afford.

Around and About Inc. in Plantation answered the call,  and by late May, Debbie had her first prosthetic leg. That's when ABC's "Good Morning America" and several Florida stations picked up the story. And that's when Chaya Springer, who happened to be looking for a second pit bull to add to her little family, happened to see it.

Springer and her boyfriend, who were house-hunting at the time, had already adopted an 85-pound pooch named Chopper from the SPCA of Central Florida.

"When I saw this story, I just knew she was perfect," Springer said. "I instantly knew that she was meant to be ours."

But it would take two more months for them to bring Debbie home. First they had to apply. Then they had to drive to Miami for a meet-and-greet, one of about a dozen applicants, and they had to bring along Chopper.

"I instantly loved Debbie, Michael instantly loved Debbie, and Chopper acted like she didn't even exist," Springer said. "I told him, 'You're hurting our chances!'"

He was. Rodriguez worried the dog's aloof reaction might turn to aggression when Debbie moved in on his territory. But after prolonged pleading by Springer, and a move from Plantation to Orlando by a one of the prosthetic fitters on Debbie's team, Rodriguez was swayed.

On July 12, Springer met Rodriguez at a toll plaza along the Florida Turnpike. That night, Chopper curled himself protectively around his new roommate and even shared a toy.

And now, Debbie has her fourth , and perhaps final  prosthetic, at least for a while. ABC donated the labor and new limb, as it has for other dogs. The latest model, with its molded plastic, cushioned liner and hinge-shaped carbon-fiber foot, is worth about $600.

"We just have to watch her when she has it on," Springer says. "We have to make sure she doesn't eat it."

Itty-Bitty Pit Bull Is Born With Cleft Palate Before Vets Find Excessive Fluid Around Her Brain

When Sasha the pit bull was born, she looked a little different than most pit bull puppies.

Born in early September, Sasha’s life was immediately in danger. She had a cleft palate and lip, and was unable to nurse from her mama.

Nurse practitioner Marie DeMarco had previously cared for sick kittens, so animal rescuer Courtney Bellew thought she was the perfect person to look after Sasha.

Marie absolutely fell in love with Sasha, but she knew she had a long battle ahead, reports BoredPanda.

Unfortunately, when Sasha was 6 weeks old, a vet discovered that she also had a brain condition, making her a little slower than other puppies her age.

Even though she’s already had her fair share of struggles, Sasha the pit bull isn’t giving up. This little munchkin is a fighter, and her spirit has warmed the hearts of people everywhere.

To read more on this story, click here: Itty-Bitty Pit Bull Is Born With Cleft Palate Before Vets Find Excessive Fluid Around Her Brain

Pit Bull Gives Adorable Baby a Laugh Attack

Elliott just can't stop laughing while getting a bath from Gemma the pit bull. His reaction will definitely bring a smile to your face, check it out!

Tag: adorable pit bull adorable pit bull video cute pit bull video pit bull and baby pit bull and laughing baby pit bull makes baby laugh the rumble

Yes, Pit Bulls Suddenly Snap

I did not write this post, it is a  “Reprinted from StubbyDog.org” .

About: StubbyDog
StubbyDog is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), focused on changing public perceptions of pit bulls. Our vision is a world where every pit bull has the right to a good life. Our mission is to help people rediscover pit bulls as lifelong friends.

Pit bulls “suddenly snap.” It’s true. One minute they are lying upside down on the couch snoring, and the next minute they hear the word “walk,” or “rawhide,” or “ball,” and they suddenly snap. From 0 to Mach 90, they are doing zoomies down the hall, tongue flapping, tail tucked for turning aerodynamics. Jump in front of this joyful train, and you could indeed accidentally get knocked down! (photo by Donna J. Griffin)

Pit bulls’ jaws are unlike any other dog. Again, it’s true. Bullies have a singular type of jaw that enables smiling unlike any other! The lips curl up and wrinkle, and you can’t help but laugh at that happy pink tongue bobbing with each big breath, those shiny white teeth and those big twinkling eyes. (photo by Ronny A. Roberts)

Pit bulls are tenacious fighters. Ever try and fight a pack of pit bulls for the couch? The bed? A soft, cozy blanket? It’s true, they love a comfortable place to sleep and would rather lie right on top of you or each other than be alone on the cold, hard floor. (photo by Janet Podczerwinski)

Children beware. If your child has a phobia for canine kisses, then he or she definitely better stay clear of pit bulls. Pit bulls have a special radar just for children. Smell one, and they start to lick their lips. They can’t wait to find that little kid and cover them in kisses. (photo by Colleen S Moore)

Pit bulls are the ultimate guard dogs. Maybe all robbers need is a little love? If this is the case, then yes, pit bulls make excellent guard dogs. Most will be happy to greet robbers with their wiggly butts. They may even show them where the couch (and TV) is, where the coziest bedroom (and jewelry) is, and invite them to stay and cuddle awhile. (photo by Cristina Falcon Seymour)

Those of us who really know pit bulls, know that they’re just dogs (OK, maybe they’re especially cuddly and goofy dogs). Now let the world know the truth about pit bulls!

Pit Bulls – Do They Make Good Pets?

Pit bull is a term commonly used to describe several breeds of dog in the molosser breed group. Most jurisdictions that restrict pit bulls, use the term "pit bull" to refer to the modern American Pit Bull Terrier, American  Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any other dog that has the substantial physical characteristics and appearance of those breeds.

Media hysteria and bad owners have greatly damaged this breed, and every incident involving a pit bull makes it worse for the entire breed and their owners, often prompting breed specific legislation or breed bans.

The pit bull is typically a people loving, intelligent and fun breed. Due to their affinity with people, this breed is a good candidate for rescue and adoption, but potential homes need to be carefully screened to insure that the new owners understand and accept the responsibility of owning a pit bull.  This is not a breed for everyone! The only way to repair the pit bull's bad reputation is to keep them in the hands of responsible owners.

Animal shelters in the United States euthanized approximately 1.7 million dogs in 2008; approximately 980,000, or 58 percent of these were assessed to have been pit bull-type dogs.

Should Police Dogs Wear Bullet Proof Vests?

Over the years several police dogs have been shot and have died while pursuing a criminal.

Did you know that more than 500 Police Service Dogs (PSDs) have been killed in the line of duty? A vest increases a 98% chance of survival in an attack.

A police dog put its life in danger every day just as the police officer. The police officer wears a bullet proof vest to protect them…so should his dog also wear a bullet proof vest?

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) said that they support the use dogs in law enforcement provided that the animals are humanely raised, trained and afforded every consideration for their safety and well-being, including the use of bullet-proof vests.

There are some police departments that do provide protection to their K9 members with stab and/or slash resistant vests. These vests are used because they are lighter, and do not protect the dog if it is shot.

However, you have to wonder if the weight of a bullet proof vest would be uncomfortable for the dog and possibly flop around as the dog runs.

What do you think? Should police dogs wear bullet proof vests?

Delta Airlines Announces That Pit Bulls Have Been Added to List of Banned Service/Support Animals

Delta Airlines announced Wednesday it’s updating its service and support animal policy yet again to further enhance restrictions.

The airline will now allow only one emotional support animal per customer per flight and will prohibit all “pit bull type dogs” as service or support animals.

These new limitations come as a “direct result of growing safety concerns following recent incidents in which several employees were bitten,” the airline said in a press release.

Delta first updated its policy in March, citing customer abuse and a rise in animal-related incidents.

The regulations require those wishing to travel with a service or support animal to provide special documentation. Customers must show a current signed veterinary health form or immunization record for the animal 48 hours in advance, as well as a signed letter by a doctor or mental health professional and proof the animal can behave while in the cabin.

"The safety and security of Delta people and our customers is always our top priority," Chief Operating Officer Gil West said in a statement. "We will always review and enhance our policies and procedures to ensure that Delta remains a leader in safety."

According to the statement, the airline carries around 700 service and support animals daily and has seen an “84 percent increase in reported animal incidents since 2016, including urination/defecation, biting and even a widely reported attack by a 70-pound dog,” which they note is uncommon behavior for properly trained working animals.

Celebrity Dog Picasso Honored for Overcoming Tough Odds

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — With his famous misaligned snout and unique toothy grin, Eugene dog Picasso was honored in Portland with an Oregon Humane Society Diamond Collar Hero Award.

At almost 2 years old, the pit bull, Chihuahua and Pomeranian mix has captured worldwide attention since coming to Eugene in early 2017.

The Oregon Humane Society's Diamond Collar Hero Awards recognize and honor animals and people who have acted to save a human or animal life in peril, performed services within the community with undying loyalty, or overcome incredible odds in order to survive.

"Picasso has overcome challenges that most dogs don't ever have to, from surviving an assaulter to living on the streets," said Liesl Wilhardt, Luvable Dog Rescue founder and executive director. "And he's done it all with courage and grace."

To read more on this story, click here: Celebrity Dog Picasso Honored for Overcoming Tough Odds

Twin Special Needs Girls Adopt Disabled Pit Bull For Christmas

It’s not easy being different. Tianna and Gianna know that better than most people. The twin 10-year-old girls are legally blind, and Gianna suffers from autism. It’s hard for them to find someone who truly understands what they go through. Maybe that’s why this year they only had one Christmas wish. They wanted a disabled dog who would love them and understand them.

To read more on this story, click here: Twin Special Needs Girls Adopt Disabled Pit Bull For Christmas

Photographer is Using His Studio to Take Free Portraits of Rescued Pit Bulls: Aims to Dispel Breed's Myths

A Los Angeles-based photographer is using his studio to take free portraits of rescued pit bulls. Headshots Melrose owner Peter Michelena plans to publish the photos in a book with the hope that it demonstrates, despite common misconceptions, pit bulls are just as loving as other breeds of dog. Michelena adopted a pit bull and fell in love with the breed. Proceeds from sales of merchandise using the dogs' photos will benefit animal rescues and charities.

A Danish Man Has Committed Suicide After His Dog Was Seized by the Authorities and Euthanized

A Danish man has committed suicide after his dog was seized by the authorities and euthanized in compliance with the country’s Pit Bull legislation.

Under Denmark’s law, the dog’s owner, Dan, was given eight days to prove that his canine, Zanto, was not one of the country’s prohibited breeds.

When Dan, whose last name has not been released, could not prove that Zanto was a prohibited breed, the dog was confiscated and put down. Unable to cope with his dog’s death, Dan, 27, reportedly took an overdose of pain medication and died.

Denmark’s breed-specific legislation, titled the “Dog Act”, requires police to seize and euthanize dogs that “savage” a human person or another dog.

The Dog Act makes illegal the ownership and breeding of 13 breeds of canines, including the Pit Bull terrier, the Kangal, the South Russian Shepherd Dog, the Dogo Argentino, Boerboel and the American Bulldog.

The legislation does not take into account the behavior of any individual dog who falls into one of the prohibited breed categories. The legislation passed in 2010 raised the number of banned breeds to 13.

On April 19, the Facebook page Foreningen Fair Dog Fan side, wrote:

"Zanto (the dog) was ripped out of Dan’s arms, (Zanto’s owner) because he looked like one of the now banned dog breeds, or mixture of both.

Zanto had nothing done, he is a good, devoted and happy dog and has never done a fly mischief. The owner had 8 days to prove Zanto’s creator, but we all know that it is not a possible task.

Dan was given eight days to prove that his canine, Zanto, was not one of the country’s prohibited breeds, but was unable to do so.

There have been many attempts to change Denmark’s breed-specific dog laws, including a Change.org petition, none of which has succeeded".

The Animal Law Coalition has cited studies according to which breed-specific legislation and bans have not reduced the number of dog bites in the country. The organization has had this to say about the breed-specific laws Denmark continues to enforce:

Denmark is moving in the opposite direction from other European Union countries that have discovered breed discrimination does not work to prevent or reduce dog bite incidents.

Yet, Denmark’s Dog Act was upheld in 2014.

William Dodson, The Man Who Taped a Dog’s Muzzle in 2015, Will Spend 15 Years Behind Bars

By now, you’ve likely heard about Caitlyn, the dog whose muzzle was taped so tightly that she risked losing her tongue and suffering permanent damage to her nasal passage.  She’s absolutely thriving now, and her abuser was sentenced to five years in prison for what he did to her, to be served concurrently with a 15-year sentence for other crimes.The 15-month-old chocolate pit bull mix was found in June 2015 on the porch of a South Carolina resident who called 911 after seeing what horrible shape she was in.

She was taken to the Charleston Animal Society, who got her immediate medical attention.  The blood flow had been completely cut off from her tongue, making the situation quite delicate.  When the tape was removed, Caitlyn screamed in excruciating pain.“It was 36 hours of torment,” CAS spokesman Alwin Roman told the court.

Caitlyn’s former owner, William Dodson said he taped her snout shut because she wouldn’t stop barking.  He was charged with felony ill treatment of an animal, and was indicted in February 2016.  He will serve 5 years for what he did to Caitlyn, but it will be served concurrently with a 15-year sentence he received for a federal drug and weapon conviction.Dodson made no apologies for what he did, and Judge R. Markley Dennis Jr. told the abuser that he wished the sentence could be longer.Meanwhile, Caitlyn is doing wonderfully in her loving new home.  She has fans all over the world and is an ambassador for animal welfare.

To learn more about this case, please read the following posts:

$1,000 Reward for Information Leading to the Arrest/Conviction of the Person(s) Responsible for Taping a Dog's Muzzle Together with Electrical Tape

William Leonard Dodson Has Been Arrested in the Animal Cruelty Case of Caitlyn the Dog That Was Found with Electrical Tape Tightly Wound Around Her Muzzle

Caitlyn, The Dog Found with Her Muzzle Taped Shut is Making a Remarkable Recovery

Caitlyn the Dog Who Suffered Grotesque Injuries After Her Snout Was Taped Shut with Electrical Tape is on the Mend

Caitlyn, The Pit Bull Who Was Found with Her Muzzle Taped Shut Will Be in Shirtless Firefighters Calendar

Do You Remember the Story of Caitlyn? The Dog Who Had Her Muzzle Taped Shut: Take a Look at Her Now