MPR Current Events

How can anyone resist a Lollipop?
Winter is usually the slowest adoption season of the year, so it was no surprise that only one MPR dog went home for the holidays. Little Lollipop, (a possible pit-pug or Boston-pit?) found her dream family just in time for a visit from Santa this year. Though Lolli really worked her charm while interviewing her prospective family in early December, they had to leave town for a bit so they could not take her into their home right away. But Lolli was sure to let us know that she liked the candidates and upon their return on Christmas Eve, they promptly made arrangements to pick up their new little girl. From what we hear, all is going well with little Lollipop and family -they report that she is very intrigued by the dishwasher. So, a happy ending and a great new year beginning for this little shelter dog!

As always, if you are interested in volunteering, sponsoring an adoption event, or have any other suggestions, feel free to send them our way. Just drop us a line at email@mprgroup.net

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From Spirit's foster mom:

12/22/04: "Hey Everyone, I picked Spirit up from Mission Med Vet yesterday and there were many broken hearts. Spirit, AKA "Romeo Blue", had managed to cast a spell over the mostly female staff, including Dr. Ruddle, and they were all very sorry to see him leave :o).

Per Dr. Ruddle's instructions, Spirit will need to have practically complete bed rest for the next 2 weeks. After that, there will be 4-6 weeks of very limited activity. And, on top of all that, weekly bandage changes will be needed and his sutures will be removed in 2 weeks. After the 8 week period, they will see if he's ready to have the splint removed. When the splint's removed, Spirit will go through a Bambi period, where he will need to strengthen the tendons/muscles/bones and learn to walk on the new leg.

So, Spirit, complete with morphine patch, elizabethan collar, and splint is back at my house recovering. I can already tell, it's going to be a long 8 weeks for Spirit:o(. He doesn't seem too happy with much and I sure wish I could have a dog translator right now to tell me how I can help.

Spirit's never been a very vocal dog. He rarely barks or whines. In fact, the only time I ever heard noise from him was during his daily workouts, where he'd throw himself on the ground and bicycle leg in the air, while at the same time, moaning/groaning/growling to himself to not stop:o). Since being back from the hospital, he very often whimpers/breathes loudly-even while in someone's arms:o(. He's on a morphine patch and pain meds, so I wouldn't think it's pain-but who knows? I know he's dying to run and walk and be out of his crate-but I just can't let him per doctor's orders. I can't get him to stop whimpering, so I just try and comfort him;o(. Maybe he's just frustrated and cranky.(cause he sure doesn't whimper when he's outside or I'm allowing him to walk a few steps)

I just wish we could fast forward past all this recovery time, so he can see what it's all for. I can't wait for him to walk on his new leg and feel no pain, then watch out world, here comes Spirit!

I will keep everyone posted on his progress as much as possible and will post pictures as soon as I can. For all of Spirit's fans and supporters, thank you so much for giving this little blue guy hope, love, and a new leg just in time for Christmas!! As his foster mom, I can tell you your generosity and kindness have overwhelmed me and I am so thankful he touched the hearts of so many-like he has mine. I will make sure to give him lots of hugs and kisses this holiday from all of you and trust me, he's sending sloppy pit bull kisses right back. Have a wonderful holiday and thanks again.

-Marisol

For more information on Spirit's progress and additional photos, please visit his page. A very, very special thanks to Spirit's supporters!

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How about a nice, warm pit bull to cuddle up with on those cold, winter nights?
Sampson is a one-of-a-kind. A true gem, this guy is not only breathtakingly gorgeous, he's also full beautiful on the inside.

Sampson has been waiting for a family since last summer, when he wandered up to a nice man's yard in a not-so-good part of town. He is just an awesome dog -he's been through basic obedience, is perfectly house and crate-trained, and is extremely cuddly.

Sampson's very favorite thing in the world is to cuddle and be loved on. He easily wins over everyone he meets by plopping his butt down on your foot and leaning into your legs to accept a chest massage. This beautiful boy craves being the center of attention and will do whatever it takes to make you laugh, love and be happy you are near him. Adopt Sampson, and you will have a wonderful dog you can brag about to all of your friends!

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MPR volunteers are speaking out! Has your letter been published in a magazine, newspaper, or online site regarding BSL? If so, send us your thoughts to be included in our next newsletter!

Tuesday, December 7th, 2004
Irresponsible owners cause of dog attacks
Orangeville Banner

Dear Editor,
I recently had the pleasure of reading Doug Harkness's article regarding the McGuinty government's proposed pit bull ban legislation (On Politics, The Banner, Nov. 2).

Unfortunately I found his arguments on breed-specific legislation (BSL) to be somewhat weak and one-sided. The statistical data he used greatly lacked some necessary elaboration regardless of where he may have discovered it.

I am also very sad to hear about Harkness's friend being attacked by a German Shepherd. I myself have been attacked by a dog and I can well relate to the physical and emotional pain that his friend must be going through.

I am somewhat disappointed that Harkness did not properly research breed-specific legislation before submitting his article. I realize that I will probably not be able to convince most people that a well-trained and socialized pit bull can make an excellent pet, so instead I will focus my attention on the negatives of BSL.

Vicious dog attacks are truly an escalating problem. However supporting banning a breed of dog is not the answer. There is no easy way of explaining how counter productive breed-specific legislation can be except by examining its lousy track record.

With regard to the breed bans in both Winnipeg and Kitchener and their supporting statistics, I can accept that pit bull attacks went down.

This is of course rather obvious, the municipalities instituted legislation, banned the breed, and no more bites by that breed. Simple right? Wrong.

What the flip side of these statistics will prove is that although the number of pit bull bites dropped, bites statistics soared for other breeds like rottweilers and German Shepherds. The question is, why?

What these two municipalities have either ignored or failed to realize is that dog attacks are due largely to irresponsible pet ownership and not with a breed of dog. What this means is that the same sick types of people who can no longer own a pit bull and make it vicious will simply turn their attention to another breed of dog instead.

Also, if the breed is being used for illegal activities such as dog fighting, soft laws like breed bans will probably be ignored all together.

Ontario needs to look west for its answer. The city of Calgary has some of the lowest bite statistics in our nation. They don't support BSL, but rather strictly enforce responsible ownership. Simple laws such as licensing and leashing are taken very seriously.

It is evident to me that Ontario is not strictly enforcing their more simple pet laws. So why then would they be able to fund and enforce such a costly and time consuming piece legislation like a breed ban?

I commend the McGuinty government for taking action against dog attacks. Something simply must be done to try and prevent them.

However, believing that costly knee-jerk reactions such as BSL will correct the even larger problem of irresponsible pet ownership is foolish.

-Simon Curzon, Shelburne
(MPR volunteer)

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Do you have a question for Ivy? Write her! She would love to hear from you and help with your training and obedience -and we may even publish your questions in upcoming MPR newsletters!

Ivy Misher is an active Volunteer with MPR, she can be reached at: ivysdogtraining@yahoo.com

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Taking it all in Stride: Search and Rescue Pits
Kristine Crawford and her Search and Rescue Pit Bulls aren't scared of hard work... In fact, rescue pit bulls Dakota, Cheyenne, and Tahoe welcome it! Be sure to check out this article about Kristine and her lifesaving dogs, and print it out to show anyone you know who still beleives the media hype about our breed! Some day, they may be very happy to have a Crawford pit bull rescue them, too!

For the complete article, go here.

We are Accepting Submissions!
We want to hear from you! Send us your positive pit bull press, artwork, poems, stories, games, etc. for possible publication in upcoming MPR Newsletters! All entries or suggestions for future newsletter features are welcome, just send to: mel@pbrc.net

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If you would like to help a wonderful dog while she/he waits for a forever home, consider fostering a pit bull. They require very responsible foster moms and dads, but they will provide you with hours of laughter and enjoyment. They will also be forever grateful to have had a second chance at a happy life, thanks to you! For more information on foster home requirements, go here.

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Ways To Help MPR
If you love pit bulls and want to make a difference for them you can help MPR in many ways. We hope you can join our team of volunteers and supporters!

Volunteer Support
Donate your time helping MPR by fostering homeless pit bulls, helping care for dogs in boarding, assist with adoption events, printing materials, etc. If you would like to volunteer, please fill out our form HERE.

Financial Support
Donate cash or supplies for saving more pit bulls, assisting with medical expenses and veterinary treatment, boarding costs for dogs without foster homes, food and toys, crates and kennels, adoption events and printed materials, all donations are tax deductible!

*You may donate via PayPal on MPR’s website or checks can be sent to:

Missouri Pit Bull Rescue
PO Box 520043
Independence, MO 64052

Community Support
Educate your neighbors, friends and family on the plight of pit bulls. Encourage responsible pet ownership, spay/neuter your pets, and contact your local representatives to voice your opinions about BSL in your area. Report abuse, neglect or abandonment of animals to local authorities, including any suspected dog-fighting!

Sponsorship Programs
Our Sponsorship programs offer several different ways you can help each dog. If you are interested sponsoring one of our dogs, please go HERE.

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Volunteer of the Month

Aaron joined MPR in the summer of 2004 and has been active since taking care of MPR dogs in boarding, helping out at adoption events, and assisting with garage sales. Aaron frequently works to better the breed's image and always goes the extra mile to help any dog in need. Thanks, Aaron, for your hard work and dedication!

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