As a comedian, I get to meet many talented people. You see them at the clubs over and over again and become friendly in passing, but it’s not like we’re calling each other up and hanging out on the weekends (most of us are hopefully working on the weekends).

So on the rare occasion when you actually strike up a real friendship with a fellow comedian, it is very nice. It is even nicer when you share a passion: rescuing dogs and raising awareness about the issues they face.

I have known comedian Rebecca Corry for years. I knew that she was hilarious, talented, and very charitable. What I didn’t know until a few years ago was that we shared a passion for dogs and more specifically Pit Bulls. I have written about the plight of the Pit for years, but Rebecca has been their voice for years, as has her rescue Pittie, Angel.

I recently sat down with her to discuss Stand Up for Pits‘ expansion to New York City and the One Million Pibble March on Washington.

Tell us about Angel. When did your love of dogs begin?

She is the exact opposite of me. She is calm, zenlike, loving, patient, and kind. I am not. She is flawless! Angel loves everybody. I do not. Angel is living proof that Pit Bull Terriers are born inherently good.

I came out of the womb loving animals. I’ve always had a connection with animals. I just think they are the most magnificent gift we have been given. If people were more like dogs, the world would be a much better place.

You recently led the One Million Pibble March on Washington. How did it go?

It truly was one of the most special days of my life, and I know it was just as special to the thousands of people who joined us. It was amazing to be part of a giant group of people who stood together as one loud voice for the voiceless.

It accomplished a lot as we showed people that they have the power to do something. The march also inspired people to be more active and educated people about the dog-fighting epidemic in this country and breed-specific legislation. We sent a message to those in power that were no longer going to be quiet. We let our lawmakers know that we’re not going to sit back and take breed-specific legislation anymore.

I believe the affects of the march will live on forever. The march brought people in and outside of the animal community together and thousands were inspired to take action. Zero downside to that magical day. Zero.

You worked long and hard on putting the One Million Pibble March together. What did it feel like the day it was actually here?

Well, that’s a tough question. Not sure how long it will take me to fully process the journey and experience, but I can say, that when you walk on to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and see thousands of people after you have dedicated over a year of your life to putting it all together, it’s beyond overwhelming. The incredible turnout gave me hope and inspiration.

The march made history. It was a giant step in the right direction for many reasons. One big one being the empowerment of people. We are the majority and we have to take it upon ourselves to do everything we can. If the “experts” and animal community could fix this it would have been fixed already. We need everyone to understand the abuse and discrimination these dogs have received. It’s up to all of us to do something about it. We have a long way to go but I am proud to have been part of that historic day with all those beautiful human beings.

What was your inspiration for putting together the march?

It’s a really simple answer: Knowledge. When you learn about BSL, you learn the dog-fighting epidemic is bigger now more than ever before, and doing nothing is not an option. But the true inspiration for all things I do is Angel. Knowing and loving her is enough to inspire my life’s work. She is magical. They all are and they all deserve a chance to live love-filled, safe lives.

You recently expanded your benefit Stand Up for Pits to New York City. How did it go?

People stood in line for over an hour to get a kiss from the precious Angel in the kissing booth. New Yorkers are amazing people. It was one of the most enthusiastic audiences we have had. The comedians Janeane Garofalo, Susie Essman, Morgan Murphy, yourself — the whole show was awesome. People had been wanting us to bring Stand Up for Pits to New York City for years, and it feels good to have done that and know we are coming back.

Our dream is to get into more cities and bigger venues. The more cities, the bigger the venues, the more awareness we raise. We are currently in seven cities but every city in this country needs Stand Up for Pits — there is much work to be done.

How can people get involved with the Stand Up for Pits Foundation?

Come to the live events! You don’t have to own a Pit or even own a dog to enjoy Stand Up for Pits. By coming you are saving lives and being a part of positive change. People can get involved by visiting the site, learning about what they can do to help end abuse and discrimination, and then take action.

If you’re not able to attend an event or foster or adopt, you can donate or purchase merchandise or spread the word. It all matters.

Our foundation is about reaching everyone, not just people in the animal community — abuse and discrimination is everyone’s problem. It’s a social issue, and together we can end it and create safer and more humane communities for humans and pets. We want to inspire people to do what they can and encourage them to stick to it. We have amazing supporters. They are some of the smartest, most dedicated people I have ever met. I love them.

What’s the best part about having Angel in your life?

The best part of life is having Angel. She is a gift. Pure joy and love, and I’m the luckiest person on earth for having the privilege of being owned by her. I never take a single moment I have with her for granted. I’ve been asked, “Do you think dogs are better than people?” My answer, “Have you met people?”

To keep up with Rebecca, Angel, and the latest on the Stand Up for Pits Foundation, follow them on Facebook and follow Rebecca on Twitter and Instagram. Then be sure to catch Rebecca on NBC’s new sitcom One Big Happy, produced by Ellen DeGeneres.

Read related stories on Dogster:

• Let’s Talk AboutPit Bullsand Breed-Specific Legislation
• 10 Common Misconceptions About Pit Bulls
• Good News! Washington State Might Be Next to Prohibit BSL
• Pit Bulls Get a Celebrity Makeover with Rachael Ray and Her Pittie
• We Chat Up Tia Torres, Star of “Pit Bulls and Parolees”
• Is Breed-Specific Legislation on Its Way Out?

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