MPR Current Events

We've been busy!

What a time it's been this past month! It seems every dog MPR has committed to help lately has been either very sick or seriously injured. We've had some of our largest vet bills yet, and have been actively trying to raise enough funds to cover everything.

Meet Precious. We do not know her story, but it's obvious she's been through hell. We were far too full to take in another dog when she was brought to our attention, but we could not quit thinking about her and eventually squeezed her in. Now Precious has been in our program for about a month and is flourishing. This sad, pathetic little dog has been transferred to a foster home where she is soaking up every bit of love (and food!) she can get. Despite past abuse and neglect, little Precious is a charming, outgoing, friendly, fun and social little dog who now adores sitting on everyone's lap and spending time with her brother and MPR alum, Grommit. Thanks to the folks who are sponsoring Precious, and to everyone who had a hand in her recovery! She is now available for adoption...

Then we had Paddy, such a special, special guy. We found out after pulling Paddy from deathrow, covered in fighting wounds, that this little boy suffered from a rare blood parasite called Babesia Gibsoni. Babesia is still rarely, but most often found in pit bulls, and especially those who have been fought. Keep an eye out for this nasty parasite, it's bound to be popping up in a pit bull near you...

Paddy was given a 10% chance of living at one point, before diagnosis. But thanks to help from generous supporters and a few veterinarian specialists, we were able to get Paddy's bloodwork done, reach a diagnosis, begin treatment, and are now happy to report that our little guy is doing great! Thanks to everyone who helped Paddy. We really could not have done it without you! Paddy is also currently available for adoption...

And now we have little Cotton, possibly the cutest puppy, ever, who is fighting for his life against the ugly beast known as parvo right now. At the newsletter's release, he is still hanging in there, though not out of the woods yet. We are doing all we can for Cotton, and are praying that he will make it. Expected bills for Cotton's treatment -whether he makes it or not - are expected to be in the $600-$900 range. Costs are so high as he requires around-the-clock treatment. To contribute to Cotton's fund, please go here. Any help is very appreciated.

Now for the happy stuff! Cowboy has gone home to Illinois. He has a rescued pittie sister and is charming his whole family's socks off. Go, Cowboy! Our friendly ghost Casper (now affectionately known as the "Pink Pig") went home, too. He also has a pittie sister and even has his own two-legged toddler to play with! Casper is a complete ham and has settled right in. Stunning and unique Cinderella has found her forever home, too. She has a very loving family and has proven to be as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. In fact, Cinderella's family was so smitten with her, they decided to foster for MPR and are now fostering new blue boy Prince Charming!

And we are VERY pleased to announce that our beloved Joy (MPR rescue dog for almost 2 years!) has finally gone home!!! She is a spoiled only-dog with human siblings who adore her. Just look at how happy she is! This one has made us all at MPR extremely happy, Joy had waited so long, and so patiently for this home.

New dogs to the program include Summersault, a happy-go-lucky goofball that is probably an American Bulldog, bat-eared and funny liver-and-white girl Pink, whose unique eyes are to die for and who just barely, barely missed the euthanasia needle, Maverick, a mellow, lovable guy from a Kansas shelter, Bronco, a beautiful and statuesque boy that has lost his family through no fault of his own, and of course Precious and Cotton, mentioned above.

Thanks again to all of our supporters, volunteers, and foster homes. We have quite a few first-time fosters out there right now, and they are doing great. Hang in there and keep up the great work, guys!

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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Trust us, she's not as serious as she looks.

While Aimee may look pathetic and sad, she's actually an extremely happy comedian who insists on being the center of attention!

Oozing pit bull charm and fun, she will entertain you for hours by rolling around on her back and demanding bellyrubs, begging for people food, snuggling, and dancing and prancing like a young pup. You've got to meet this pretty blue gal in person to full understand what a character she is!

Aimee will make someone an outstanding pet and friend. This girl is a catch, truly beautiful and so much fun! She is outstanding with children and has a great attitude. Her only demand? No other furry friends are allowed in Aimee's house -she wants all her humans to herself!

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Saturday, April 23rd 12-3 Jerry's of Westport 1603 West 39th St Kansas City, MO 64111 (816) 531-3474   (Outdoors, small event) Sunday, May 1st 12-3 Petco 1860 NW Chipman Road, Bldg C Lee's Summit, MO 64081 (outdoors) Friday, May 13th - Sunday, May 15th KC Pet Expo (indoors) Info Friday, June 3rd - Sunday, June 5th 7:30-2:30 Independence Garage Sale - info soon! Sunday, June 12th 12-3 Petco 2600 Burlington North Kansas City, MO 64116 816-842-1810 (indoors or outdoors)

Please note that events can be canceled because of weather or scheduling conflicts. For latest information on adoption events, see MPR's website.

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Dogman Floyd Boudreaux, Arrested Mar20,2005 Credit: KATC Channel 3

It was shot by Customs agents with the Department of Homeland Security.

The Boudreaux's had come under the gaze of Customs because of their international sales of pit-bull terriers.

The Boudreauxs were arrested today at their south Lafayette parish home. 2 1/2 months of investigation ended today at this home behind me when investigators made their move.

Investigators say 70 year-old Floyd Boudreaux is one of the most notorious dog breeders in Louisiana who raises his pit bull dogs to fight, then sells them off.

This morning, state police working with local and national Humane Societies and federal agencies served a warrant and arrested Floyd and his son Guy Boudreaux.

John Goodwin, Humane Society of the United States:
Floyd Boudreaux is the fighting-dog Don. He's been breeding dogs for fighting purposes for 50 years. Some of his dogs are the foundation of some of the most prominent fighting lines in existence today.

At Boudreaux's home police found 68 pit bulls and 40 chickens and roosters. Many of the dogs had scars and bruises.

Laura Maloney, Society for the Prev. of Cruelty to Animals:
This is a historical case. If we get him, it will send ripples through the dog-fighting community and nationwide.

Some people living in this Broussard neighborhood are outraged about the alleged dog abuse.

Jess Spiehler, Broussard Resident:
I guess what bothers me the most is that they're on a 3 foot chains. Big, heavy chains. They spend their life under a chicken coop on a chain. That is not a life......that's horrible.

Boudreaux and his son were charged with 64 counts each of dog-fighting and animal cruelty. They're also facing charges for allegedly using steroids on the animals.

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Credit - Animal Rights Mobilization
How to Tackle Dogfighting in Your Community

Dogfighting is a felony already, so the problem is to educate the public and force officials to enforce the law. Unfortunately, because there is a lot of money  involved, officials are sometimes looking the other way or are too busy with other crimes.

You can start by writing letters to the editor and  if there is a local newspaper, try to identify a friendly reporter.  If you don't get published or can't find anyone to write articles, small ads in the paper will reach the community.

If you are all by herself or have a couple like-minded friends, you could start getting the word out through tabling (HSUS has a brochure you can use) and if it is a real problem locally you should make your own flyer as well. It doesn't have to be fancy - just one sheet that doesn't even have to be folded - giving local info from newspaper items, disappearing pets or wounded/dead dogs showing up in ditches or at shelters. 

Any local fairs, events usually have booths that are reasonable or free for community organizations.  You can also tie it into a "humane education" class you can give (they're pretty popular in schools now).  If you don't want to expose yourself to the public, your info sheets and brochures can be displayed in stores, businesses, etc.

HSUS also has a reward for whistleblowers and you can use that in your literature. 

Finally, the activist's life is not always a happy one.  You can even receive death threats -and dogfighters are a particularly scummy lot.  Be careful.  Don't put your home phone number or address out.  If you want to provide contact info, rent a PO box.

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A pit bull for a hero
RAISED THE ALARM WHEN OWNER COLLAPSED AT HOME
By CHRIS DOUCETTE, TORONTO SUN

February 27, 2005 - PIT BULL owner Mandy Holmes is proud as punch of her pooch and she wants everyone to know that he is her hero. The Cobourg woman said her 10-month-old puppy -- a chocolate-colored American Staffordshire terrier named Chevy -- came to her rescue recently when she fell in her home and knocked herself out.

"I passed out, smashed my head and went into convulsions," the 24-year-old said. "She ran
upstairs to get my boyfriend, then sat on my back to keep me warm and was licking my face
when I came to."

Holmes, who had been sick with the flu and hadn't been able to keep any food down leading
up to the Feb. 15 accident, said she was getting ready for work when she suddenly felt "dizzy" and collapsed at the foot of the stairs, hitting her head on the bottom step. She said she believes Chevy realized that she was in distress and ran upstairs for help.

"I was laying on the bed when she jumped up on me, barking at me and licking me to get my
attention," said Holmes' boyfriend, Jeremy Kelly, 23.

Kelly followed the dog and found Holmes lying at the bottom of the stairs. He called 911 and Holmes was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. She was released a few hours later with a big bump on her forehead and a possible concussion but no serious injuries.

"I couldn't ask for a better dog," Kelly said. Tired of all the negative news about the notorious dogs, she decided to share her tale. "Every time you read something about pit bulls it's bad, and I don't think that's fair," she said. "I want people to know that pit bulls can be good too."

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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

Ashley and Paul, along with their rescued boy, MPR alum Tango, assist MPR in many ways. A valued foster home (currently fostering gorgeous and spunky Fantasia), they also help out with dogs in boarding, and Ashley is on the fundraising team. Thanks guys!

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