It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that MPR must inform everyone of the sudden and unexpected death of our beautiful Tiara. She passed away quite suddenly mid-day this past Wednesday from a very deadly and undetected form of cancer.

Tiara was not showing any signs of discomfort or illness the day of her passing; in fact she seemed quite her normal self right up to her scheduled nap time at noon. She was eating well and playing happily that morning with the volunteers as usual. It was not until another volunteer went to check on her after nap time that she was discovered to be unresponsive and immediately rushed to her veterinarian. Sadly she passed away on the way to his office. She was examined by her veterinarian who informed the volunteers of the reason for her sudden death. She was the victim of Hemangiosarcoma and there was nothing anyone could have done to save her. It was out of anyone's control to fix this situation.

Hemangiosarcoma is quite common in dogs, and more so in certain breeds of dogs including German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. It also occurs in cats, but is much more rare. Dogs with hemangiosarcoma rarely show any signs of this illness until the tumor has become very large and has metastasized (spread throughout the body). Usually, these clinical signs are due to hypovolemia (low blood volume) after the tumor ruptures and causes internal bleeding. Because blood volume is so low, the heart is unable to pump enough to the body and the dog will collapse suddenly. Owners of the affected dogs often discover that their dog has hemangiosarcoma only after their dog collapses. The only sign something may have been wrong with Tiara was days earlier when she coughed up a small amount of blood. At the time it was thought she may have had a mouth injury from hard play. Other than this one odd occurrence, she seemed to be her normal wonderful self so it was decided to monitor her for any unusual behavior. She never did show any signs of physical illness and her sudden passing was a shock to all who loved her.

Missouri Pit Bull Rescue's volunteers are shocked and upset by this terrible turn of events for Tiara. She had a wonderful recovery from her past life after arriving in our program and was showered with love and attention by our volunteers. We hope you will join us in offering a kind thought to her memory. She had a terrible life before arriving in our rescue and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to give her much love and care before she departed this world. She knew how much her people cherished her and was a happy, content girl.

Run free Sweet Tiara! You are loved and missed by us all.

It's been a very difficult week for MPR... We lost another little angel today..... This little guy was found as a stray and unknown to us, had been exposed to parvovirus. As soon as we recognized the symptoms we took him to the vet for testing and treatment...

Bandit fought for his life with all his little heart, but lost his battle. His foster mom is very sad but is taking comfort in knowing that she and her family did all they could for Bandit. He was loved and he will be remembered by us all....

Run free sweet little guy....

If you have never been to an animal shelter during this time of the year then you have no idea what a huge problem this is. Many shelters have non-adoption policies on Pit Bulls. Not because they have a personal agenda against Pit Bulls... Quite the opposite, in fact. Those restrictions are put in place in order to protect the dogs. Sadly, because of lack of resources allowing the staff to screen applicants, the only way shelters can prevent these poor dogs from falling in the wrong hands is by instating a non-adoption policy on breeds that attract more than their share of abuse and irresponsible owners.

Pit Bulls rank #1 when it comes to bad owners' magnets. Hence why rescue groups such as MPR work tirelessly to help those dogs and find them the homes they deserve and solutions to this terrible tragedy.

Even for adorable, innocent little puppies such as these...

In the meantime, more than half of the dogs in animal shelters are unavailable for adoption because they are considered Pit Bulls. This means that if a loving family goes to the shelter to adopt a puppy and if the puppy they pick is a Pit Bull they will be turned away.

The only way a Pit Bull puppy will make it out of the shelter alive is if the original owner claims it back or if a Pit Bull rescue group is able to pull it out in time.

Problem is, a lot of times the original owners are the problem. The family or the breeder abandons the momma dog and puppies on the side of the road or they drop them off at the shelter, or simply allow them to get lost or stolen by lack of supervision. These people close their eyes to the over population problem and walk away not accepting the responsibility of their dog.

If MPR is able to, we pull puppies from local shelters before it is too late. The problem is so huge though that the majority of the puppies don't make it out alive. The public is not fully aware of the big picture either. Puppies are often kept in the back and euthanized quickly to avoid the spread of nasty viruses such as "parvo". So reality is hidden and not always in the face of those who need to see it.

Rescue groups only have so much space and when it's full we are left helpless to the puppies we see. To have to walk away from the cage of a baby Pit Bull that is nursing from it's momma, knowing that these babies won't make it out is a horrible feeling, one that Pit Bull rescue groups face every day. For these puppies sometimes it's only a few hours before it will be pulled away from its momma taken into a room and have a needle inserted into it's vein.

Please visit local animal Control and see first hand how bad the situation really is. See the countless pleading eyes watching you as you walk past their cages. Some of those dogs are new to the shelter and seem to not understand what has happened to them. Some others may have been confiscated and must endure a longer stay on death row. They know their fate and are jumping, barking and pawing at the kennel door trying to escape.

How is a baby deserving of this you ask?..... It's not.

This is just a little view into world of Pit Bull rescue and the fight we have on our hands every day. So take a little time and go to your local shelters. Look for Pit Bulls that are under a year old, and you will leave astounded at the cruel world that these dogs are born into. One that punishes them not because of a bad deed done, but because of their breed! Now try to close your eyes and not see these horrible images! Knowing that in 5 days the majority of the dogs you just saw will be dead, including the puppies ...just to make room for more with the same fate.

Please don't breed or buy while shelter pets die, Please Spay or Neuter your pet......

Disaster Preparedness Month - A campaign urging people to make preparations in case they should be hit by a disaster...and that includes making plans for what you would do with your pet in case of a hurricane, tornado, flood or other natural disaster. Be Red Cross Ready. Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

NATIONAL MICROCHIPPING MONTH (AKC) - Microchipping is an effective tool in reuniting lost pets with their owners, but it is only effective if owners keep their contact details up to date.  Make sure your pet is not at risk - and ensure you keep your contact details up to date.

June 7-13, 2010 - National Pet Appreciation Week

June 12, 2011 - World Pet Memorial Day - PBRC resources for pet loss

June 20 - Happy Father's Day

June 22-28 - National Animal Rights Awareness Week

June 24, 2011 - Take Your Dog To Work Day - Dating back to 1999, this special event from Pet Sitters International encourages workers to take their dogs to work one day as a way to celebrate and promote pet adoptions.

Why leave your pet at home? - Six ways to make pet travel safer, easier, and more enjoyable for all this summer.

Northland Pet Pantry - The mission of the Northland Pet Pantry is to provide short-term help in the form of free food and basic supplies for the companion pets of people who are struggling financially.

Reminder from the National Canine Research Council - The excellent book The Pit Bull Placebo: The Media, Myths and Politics of Canine Aggression is available for free download at the National Canine Research Council website. Find it here.

Breed Discriminatory Fiscal Impact Calculator - Tool for municipalities in understanding the real cost of enforcing bans and restrictions on dogs because of their looks. The study that led to the calculator pointed out that dogs often identified as pit bulls may be, in fact, another breed entirely, which raises the question on how to properly identify animals that under the law might be banned.

Dog Training and the Myth of Alpha-Male Dominance - Victoria was profiled in a recent TIME Magazine article entitled "Dog Training and the Myth of Alpha-Male Dominance." In the article, Victoria helps highlight the differences between traditional dominance-based methods and her brand of positive reinforcement philosophies.

EXPECTING???? - Dogs Need To Be Prepared For Baby, Too - Shawnee Mission Medical Center Offers 'Dog & Storks' Class. Families preparing for a new baby may also want to consider preparing the family pet for the new addition, too. Dogs and Storks class is $29. For more information please see, Shawnee Mission Medical Center Classes

NEW!!! - WEBB CITY , MO - Webb City council approves pit bull ban - It was too little, too late in Webb City. Although several people spoke against the ban on "pit bulls" (and any dog resembling a"pit bull"), and the council's second vote was tied, the mayor ultimately voted for the ban, citing his "personal experience" and "four to five hours of reading" as the reason he supported the ban.

The ban means it will be unlawful to have a pit bull in the city limits unless it was registered with the city before the ordinance was adopted, and numerous restrictions will apply. The penalty for violating the ordinance is a fine of $200 to $500. Read the full article here.

Bullet has quite the story to tell. Not only did he survive 2 bullets, but he never lost his smile during his ordeal. Talk about a trouper!!! Read all about Bullet's rescue story here.

Bullet is definitely a lover. He loves any person who will give him the time of day; he very much enjoys the comfort of being touched or held.

Bullet is crate trained, and is currently working on tricks. When he has been on a leash, Bullet does not appear to want to sprint ahead or pull.

He does not appear aggressive towards other dogs and we think he will be able to share a home with a friendly female. It appears that Bullet would be wonderful to any home of any age.

If Bullet's amazing story to courage and forgiveness doesn't pull you in, his darling pointy, fox-like ears will. He has the cutest face that makes everyone's heart melt. It is definitely a face of a young dog; there is so much happiness, joy, and curiosity in his eyes. We think Bullet realizes he has been given a second chance, and plans to love every minute of it. Bullet desperately wants and needs someone who can continue his second chance at life, and will live it with him to the fullest. Will you be that special someone?

We're pleased this month to recognize the dedication of one of our newest volunteers, Bonita Dobson, a registered nurse by profession. . In April of this year, Bonita contacted MPR to offer her help and we're glad she did!

We're proud to have Bonita as a kennel staff volunteer caring for the kenneled dogs. She goes the extra mile, usually comes early and stays about 4 hours so she can give each dog one on one time. She always cleans inside the mini shelter and outside, taking her time to do a through job. She is also willing to take a shift for someone if she is not working.

She is very open to all education of the Pit Bull breed and very eager to learn more. She does what she can as her working schedule permits her to.

Bonita, your caring, hard work and commitment are such an asset to MPR and the dogs. We are so very fortunate and thankful to have you on board. Thank you!

~ MPR Volunteers

   Happy Updates are the fuel that keeps
  rescuers going....

To my friends at MPR,

I want to thank you so much for my "Papsi Girl" (Paprika). When I adopted her two months ago I never dreamed what love and joy she would bring into this household. Not just for myself, but for my elderly mother, who we almost lost this past winter. She did not want a dog, but knew how badly I did. Papsi has really won my mother's heart over!

Papsi is so gentle, but playful, with my four small grandchildren. They don't come to see Grandma anymore, but come to see Papsi. Everyone that comes in contact with her is impressed with her loving gentleness.

I really could not have asked for a better companion. She is absolutely remarkable. Not a day goes by that she doesn't do something new that is just amazing. Seriously, I could go on forever on how good she is, but all in all, just wanted to thank you all for taking such good care of her there, and then letting me adopt her! PAPSI IS HOME!!! She is a major part of our family now.

Thanks again,

Debbie Waters and Papsi Girl

My friends,

I am sending the above letter to you as my sister's internet is not working. Her letter is so heartfelt, and I wanted to add a little bit. My brother and sister really wanted a dog, and needed one. My brother works crazy hours, and now has someone to greet him no matter what hour he comes in. My mother was not wanting a dog, and even more, was terribly anxious about it being a pit bull. She now sees what loving companions they are. She, and the rest of us, are under the "spell of Papsi's eyes". She can use those big ole eyes and lead us anywhere. She loves everyone she meets, but has a bond with my sister like I have never seen. My brother calls Papsi "heels" because she is always on my sister's heels. She follows her so closely that my sister almost looks like she has grown a tail. You see my sister walking down the hall, and a tail wagging behind her! Papsi reminds me of the term "gentle giant". She plays with the children, and enjoys them so much, but is so careful with them. She is thrilled to go for rides, patiently sunbathes while my sister works in the yard, and is perfectly content to just lay by Debbie's side and watch tv. My family needed her, maybe even more than she needed them. To all who passed her up when looking at adoption, we are grateful, for she truly is a part of our family (my fur niece).

Thank you,

Gig

Just an update from the Roach family,

Chew toy, back yard, grass, and freedom. Hmmmmm life is good. We want Frankie and she wants us.

" ...things are great. Lickingest and lovingest dog I have ever seen."

Thanks,

Robert Roach

Pleione is now a sister to Atlas (a previous MPR courtesy listed dog). Jim tells us that Atlas took a bit to warm up to Pleione but things are going well now.

Jim has kept Pleione’s name but he calls her Cherry and he tells us she's very sweet and affectionate. Jim also tells us that it is cute to watch them in the back yard. Atlas for some reason becomes very agitated about tools and lawnmowers and air compressors and hydraulic jacks plus the tractor coming out of the garage, and runs and barks. Cherry sits very calmly and watches him run back and forth trying to figure out what there is to be upset about.

MPR is grateful to Jim for giving both Pleione and Atlas a wonderful and loving home. And, for all the support he's shown and continues to show to MPR.

I am Millie's mom (rescued from MPR back in the spring of 2004). Millie was a puppy of Charlotte and Waylon, along with the rest of their abandoned puppies. If not for the incredible strength and bravery of Charlotte and Waylon, Millie wouldn't be here. Without MPR, none of us would have had the blessings we received in adopting this family. She is doing great and continues to be one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Best,

Lisa