Check out the new blog!

We're writing on a new blog about all kinds of animal welfare issues (with a special interest in pit bulls and rescue, of course).

So, if you're interested in dogs, cats, and other creatures, check us out at:
http://animalwelfare.change.org/

Chemical-Flavored Chew Toys? Ewww.

Some friends of mine just tested a bunch of dog and cat stuff for toxic chemicals...and unfortunately, they found plenty of bad news. Nearly half of the collars and half of the doggie tennis balls (but not the ones from sports stores) had detectable levels of lead. Lots of the other toys and beds had chemicals, too.

There have been recalls for human toys, but at least they have some regulations. There are no standards to make sure we're not surrounded by toxic chemicals!

Luckily, HealthyStuff.org is trying to change that. Look up your favorite things to see how they rank...then go to the Take Action part of the website and tell your legislators and the manufacturers to start protecting the furry members of the family, too!

Why is there a book about me?

My mom posted a video on her blog about breed specific legislation (BSL), which are the laws that are passed that ban pit bulls, like me, or make our owners jump through unfair hoops to keep us.

This video does a pretty good job of expressing why my mom wrote a novel about me - so people would understand that pit bulls are lovable dogs who are parts of families just like yours, and we don't deserve to be discriminated against.

Check it out on her blog (scroll down...it's the post after the muppet video!):
http://www.stephaniefeldstein.com/myblog/

P.S. We're working on finding an agent for the novel...we'll continue to keep you all posted!

Happy Spay Day!

Today is Spay Day USA - a day that the Doris Day Animal Foundation and the Humane Society of the United States have put together to help fight pet overpopulation. You can find out more at www.spaydayusa.org

If you're a pit bull and you need to get fixed (or know a pit bull in need of speutering), check out Pit Bull Rescue Central at www.pbrc.net/speuter.html

I know that since I got fixed, I've had much less to worry about. Don't have to worry about being responsible for unwanted puppies, don't have to worry about being a tough guy (which is good, because I really tend to be a mushball around the ladies), and I don't have to worry about certain health problems down the road. Makes life much easier.

Today is a good day to get fixed, encourage your neighbors to get fixed, and for your humans to donate to low-cost spay/neuter programs.

Happy Spay Day!

Chilly Pit Bulls

A few days ago, it was practically springtime. Now we just had an ice storm and I'm slipping across the slush outside. At least I'm not the one who has to worry about vacuuming up the fur I'm shedding or cleaning up my wet pawprints!

I don't know how the rest of you pit bulls feel, but I'm about ready for springtime. It's fun at first when it snows, but we pit bulls are practically naked out there (except for the nice jacket I have on in my photo).

Before I was rescued, I was one of those dogs kept outside all year long. It was miserable and lonely. If you know any dogs left out in the cold, or being otherwise mistreated, there's a great website out there with tips on what you can do about it: www.sunbearsquad.org

Back to my warm, cozy couch...
Oscar

Hi Dogster

Life hasn't always been easy. I have an owner who loves me a lot, but it took me awhile to find her and we've been through a lot together. I won't tell you my whole story here because I hope you can read the book someday soon. But I will keep a diary of stuff that I like, stuff that's good for me, and stuff that my owner has to deal with.

All of the animals listed as my siblings are the real, live animals of the person who wrote my story. If you're in Michigan and looking for a cool dog, check out Namaste - he's up for adoption.

Thanks for visiting me.
Oscar