MPR Current Events

MPR Happenings

Spring has sprung and we're gearing up for an outstanding adoption season!

MPR volunteers have been busy preparing for the annual MPR summer garage sale as well as the upcoming Pet Expo (for more information, see the events section).

Meanwhile, many of the MPR dogs are getting excited with the anticipation of finding their forever homes!

One little girl in particular is especially ready to begin her new life. As we told you last month, sweet Precious was horribly abused and neglected before joining MPR's rescue pit crew. Transferred to a foster home soon after her arrival, she's doing so good that many folks who see her "before" photo and then see her now do not even recognize her! We knew Precious was cute, but had no idea she'd blossom into such a gorgeous, perfect example of the breed with her athletic, stocky physique and glossy coat. Of course, we already knew her personality was A+ pitty when we met her, even in her sad condition. Way to go, Precious!

And there is more good news! Little Cotton slayed the parvo beast and has proven he's a feisty little guy (affectionately known as "Jack Jack" from the Incredibles) and he will be headed home soon!

MPR pup Twix has gone home this month, too! His Kansas City home is outfitted with a "Puppy Cam" so that his dedicated parents can even keep an eye on him when they are away.

Then there is Miss C. -the defiant but loveable little turkey that cast a spell on the inhabitants of one Central Missouri home who have decided to give this girl her greatest wish -a place to be forever.

Prince Charming is also in his new home, we can't wait for updates! Thanks to the Mosby family for taking him in while he searched for a forever family!

Adoptions have made it possible for MPR to squeeze in new girl Chiquita. You may think you've seen a lot of pit bull wiggles in your time, but you've seen nothing until you see this girl. She could be a hula dancer! Her whole body wiggles like a slinky whenever she sees people -she can barely contain her excitement at the prospect of meeting new friends! Chiquita is in foster care with MPR dog Sampson (who we could go on and on about how perfect he is, too, but it would take up too much room. He's that perfect.).

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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Have you been having dreams lately about adopting a stout, stocky, short-legged, funny-colored, peppy, and confident little princess that adores Chinese food and whose beauty threatens all other AmStaffs in the nation?

Well then, you've been dreaming about our Fantasia -a.k.a. little Ms. Fanny.

The laughs will never end with Fanny in your house. And not only is her personality outstanding, but she's truly one of the most unique-looking dogs we've ever seen -in the nation. Do not let her markings fool you, this girl appears to be a purebred AST, and her beautiful blue coat is absolutely breathtaking.

To meet her is to love her... she's ready to make your dreams come true!

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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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April 17, 2005
(AOL News)

SUNSET, LOUSIANA -Authorities seeking to root out dog fighting operations around the state raided one event as two pit bulls fought in the middle of a wooden, bloodstained pit. State police arrested 19 people and seized 12 pit bulls early Sunday.

An unspecified number of other spectators, gamblers and dog trainers scrambled into fields near the fighting arena during the raid.

Investigators had been working undercover to learn when and where the fight would take place.

State police spokesman Trooper Willie Williams wouldn't say if the bust was related to the March 9 arrest of nationally known pit bull breeder Floyd Boudreaux and his son, Guy Boudreaux, on dog fighting charges. Officials confiscated 59 pit bulls from the Boudreaux home near Youngsville, and 57 were later euthanized.

"Were trying to make a statement here. This is illegal. ... The law is in place and were going to enforce it," Williams said.

Sunday's fight took place in a large metal shed in a rural area south of Sunset near Chretien Point Plantation.

The two dogs fighting when police arrived were in bad shape, Williams said, with one "bleeding profusely" from the mouth. Police confiscated another 10 pit bulls from suspects vehicles at the scene. St. Landry Parish Animal Control took the animals early Sunday morning.

Police are charging 17 adults and two juveniles with a count each of dog fighting. If convicted, they could face a fine of $1,000 to $25,000 or a jail sentence of one to 10 years, or both.

"We do expect more charges to be levied, but we also expect more people to be arrested," Williams said.

Spectators paid $50 to get in. Police don't know exactly how many people ran away from the scene, but they expect to learn more from the vehicles they left behind. One suspect who fled apparently tried to cover his tracks. He reported his car stolen about an hour after state police ran a check on his license plate.

Williams said some of the suspects may also be charged with drug possession or illegal gun possession. Police found some guns at the scene, though no shots were fired during the raid.

Investigators say charges of dog fighting are difficult to prove when police don't catch people in the act.

"We know that it's happening, but the biggest thing is were trying to catch them in the act," Williams said.

There was evidence of previous fights at the shed, investigators said. At the sheds entrance was a wash tub, where the dogs were cleaned before entering the ring to make sure they had no chemicals or other substances that might interfere with the fight.

A wire hung from the ceiling that attached to a scale, where dogs were hung by their collars to be weighed. And the 20-foot by 20-foot wooden fighting pit was stained with blood.

Lt. Rhett Trahan, an investigator with the Casino Gaming Division, said he doesn't think the dogs were fighting to the death. He said they were likely fighting by "Cajun rules" found on dog fighting Web sites. Those rules specify the size and type of fighting pit, as well as what the referee and handlers do during the fight.

04/17/05 21:44 EDT

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• North Carolina
  Fought dog's mission to heal
  Gypsy was found near death in a ditch by a nice elderly woman. Warning: photos are very graphic.
  
• Mississippi
  Dog forced to wear 6lb. weight around neck
  Two Ferriday men were arrested this week after deputies saw them leading a pit bull terrier down Louisiana 568 with the six-pound weight around its neck.
  
• Nebraska
  Animals Rescued
  Owners facing charges
  April 21 2005
  
  The Humane Society has rescued several animals from a metro home and officials tell Channel 6 News that this is a house with a history. Animal control officers have been called to the home near 42nd and Maple
  before.
  
  The Humane Society's Mark Langan says, "This was an anonymous tip to the Nebraska Humane Society regarding cruelty to two pit bulls at this
  location."
  
  The dogs were living outside in small, filthy makeshift pens. "So the dog basically has no room to navigate in whatsoever," Langan said. They had no food or water and they had chains around their necks that had to
  be cut to free them.
  
  The owners, 40-year-old Lori Plowman and 36-year-old Petro Hernandez, looked on. They were cooperative but far from happy about the animals being removed. They told Channel 6 they thought the action was wrong and they would try to get their animals back.
  
  That could prove difficult. They already face two counts of animal cruelty
  and injuries to one dog could lead to more charges. Langan says, "No fresh wounds but old wounds. But very serious wounds and we are taking this very seriously. So, we are also going to actively investigate whether these dogs were meant to be fight dogs or, or if those are old wounds."
  
• Chicago
  Police Bust Alleged Dogfight On West Side
  Man Accused Of Supervising Dogfight
  POSTED: 7:58 am CDT April 27, 2005
  
  A 20-year-old man was expected to appear for a bond hearing Wednesday accused of supervising a dogfight at a West Side home where five pit bulls were found Tuesday.
  
  Laroy Franklin was charged with felony breeding, owning, training, and fighting of dogs, an Austin District officer said early Wednesday.
  
  Four Austin District tactical unit officers on patrol found a dogfight in progress in the backyard of a home, at 900 N. Parkside Ave., at around 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to a police official.
  
  A group of spectators at the Parkside Avenue scattered when they saw the officers coming, the tactical unit officer said. Two of the dogs' handlers let go of their dogs' leashes and were able to escape on foot. Three other pit bulls were tied to a fence, waiting their turn to fight, when the officers arrived, said the tactical unit officer. He added that the city Commission on Animal Care and Control picked up the five pit bulls. One dog was wearing a barbed collar so its opponent would not be able to bite its throat, police said. The collar increased the length of the fight for the people watching who also placed bets on the dogs.
  
  The search for the other men who were at the fight would likely continue Wednesday, police said. The tactical unit officer said dogfights had been a problem in the past, but they were usually held in the basements of neighborhood houses. Information provided by City News Service.
  

(source: Internet)
Dear Friends,

Seldom do we have a chance to educate a radio  person about our dogs. Seldom do we find one as ill-informed and downright  stupid as this one. I so strongly encourage you to write to her and see if you cannot help her see the light...

Below is an email to a radio DJ in Muskegon, MI  who decided to voice her
thoughts on the breed to her morning listeners:

Quote:

"Even though I am an animal  lover, they should go through and kill all the pit bulls."

Here  is one woman's email to the radio host:

Quote:

"Good Morning  Pam,

This is Barb ***** with Pound Buddies Rescue in Muskegon.  Our organization took over the adoption program at Muskegon Vector Control (formerly Muskegon Animal Control). Driving to work this morning I  was listening to you talk about the article on Pit Bulls that was featured in the Muskegon Chronicle. I do agree with your opinion of the  picture printed, I do NOT agree with your other comments.

ALL Pit Bulls  do not kill people. That was a very careless remark. In fact most of the  pit bulls that we encounter at Vector Control are nice dogs. What you  are overlooking is the fact that these dogs are kept on chains, tied to  trees or if they are very lucky (they have) a dog house. This is how they live their life. Any dog will be more aggressive if forced to live its life in this fashion -labs, rotts, poodles.

Also, you forgot to mention the other fact printed in this article that most reported dog bites  are from labs and lab mixes followed by shepherds and shepherd mixes.  Should we go through Muskegon and kill all of them too?

Most Pits from the Heights are kept for four reasons:
1. Dog Fighting
2. Breeding for profit
3. Guard dogs
4. Status symbols

These dogs are trained to guard and trained to fight. We should be placing the responsibility on the OWNERS who create these dogs. The dogs are not born being aggressive or vicious. They are made to be that way. You should really do some research on how this is accomplished. (Just make sure you haven't eaten dinner yet).  The responsibility lies with the citizens and the police department to enforce the city ordinances.

I just feel that since you are on radio and talking to a  lot of people you should first get your facts straight before making the careless comments like you did this morning.

Thank You,
Barb  *****
Pound Buddies Rescue Muskegon"

Here is Pam's response:

Quote:

From: "Roberts, Pam"  <PamRoberts@ClearChannel.com>
Date: Fri Apr 22 12:37:57 CDT  2005
To: Barb
Cc: "Dixon, Mark"  <MarkDixon@ClearChannel.com>
Subject: RE: Pitt Bull Remarks

"My  facts are straight and my opinion...MY OPINION remains, any dog who's jaws lock to the point that they cannot be opened from whatever they're latching  on to can be destroyed - breed and all. There are hundreds of breeds more  reliable than the Pit Bull. (ed. note - She's so ill-informed she actually believes the old 'locking jaws' myth! Anyway, let's continue...)

While human aggression is considered a "serious fault" in the breed, it is aggressive. The problem with the Pit is that it  is a horrible guard dog because of this aggression. It unfortunately can  see ANY stranger as a potential threat to its owner(s) and lash out  accordingly, and therein lies the problem. You simply cannot make the dog  into something he is not. You cannot "train away" genetics. In fact, the American Pit Bull (which is crossed with a terrier) was selectively bred specifically with the idea of making it the ultimate canine gladiato (sic) because of its
aggressiveness. (ed. note - Again, she's clueless. Pit bulls were bred to fight other dogs -but to love people, even strangers...)

Most people do not have the time,  patience, or knowledge to train the Pit puppy, let alone the adult (in that case, it's too late anyway), which means the dog is a hazard, and while  that may be ultimately our fault, it doesn't change the fact that they kill, that they have locking jaws, that they are an overly-aggressive  breed, and that they IN MY OPINION should be done away with. (ed. note - she mentions the incorrect 'locking jaws' again? Sigh...)

I'll  gladly use your email next week, but I won't change my opinion. And for what it's worth... I think my knowledge of the breed is pretty darned good, thank you.
(ed. note - Uh, yeah. You know so much about the breed, that's obvious. NOT!)

We appreciate your email! Please keep in touch."

So there you have it. Please educate the ignorant. Here is her
email:  pamroberts@clearchannel.com

Do be polite and use only clean language when writing Pammy. And let's see if we cannot stir some action in her daft noodle! There is power in numbers!

(credit: Internet. If you know of the author, please send for proper credit)

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Great Billboard
It looks as if our friends north of the border aren't giving up on BSL any time soon. Check out this billboard poster that went up in Toronto recently!

Write your congressman!

Hello Everyone,

Well your help is needed once again... and I want everyone to know it's most definitely appreciated. I wrote my senator back in December 2004, and I asked if he would look into proposing the Ryan Armstrong Law at the federal level. I did receive a call last week from Senator Durbin's staff, first off thanking me for bringing this matter to his attention, and secondly, for telling him about what had happened to Ryan, and the new law that is named after my son in Illinois.

Senator Durbin's aid also told me that the legislative staff is looking into Senator Durbin possibly proposing the "Ryan Armstrong Law" at the federal level. There aren't any promises yet, but it is still a good thing that they are at least looking into this. So this is excellent news and, I hope this will be something that Senator Durbin wishes to propose.

Now with all of that said I need your help again... Please contact your senator first off, and secondly your congressman. Please voice your concerns as to why the Ryan Armstrong Law would be an excellent law to have on the books at the federal level. It is non breed-specific, fair to the responsible dog owner, yet very strict if and when a dog causes harm at the hands of an irresponsible dog owner.

Information on the Ryan Armstrong Law in Illinois:
Illinois General Assembly Public Act 93-0548

How to contact your congressional leaders:
Contacting the Congress

Thank you for your time,

Jeff Armstrong
PAIDO
Parents Against Irresponsible Dog Owners

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Dog's wakeup call comes just in time

FREMONT, Neb. (AP) -J.J. Fritz got a wonderful wakeup call from a pit bull. Fritz, 25, lives in Fremont with 3-year-old Jessie, an 85-pound pit bull. Jessie showed what a fine pal she could be recently after Fritz had surgery.

After having a piece of bone removed from his right elbow, Fritz was told that
he might have a little bleeding and to keep an eye on it. Fritz was at home asleep the night after his surgery when Jessie began whining, pulling on his left sleeve and nosing his arm.

Normally, Jessie doesn't get up at night, but Fritz thought the dog might have to go outside. "Then I could feel how warm my arm was from the blood," Fritz said. His large bandage was soaked.

So Fritz went to the Fremont Area Medical Center. Dr. Richard Ward, the emergency room physician, said he discovered that a small artery had been nicked during surgery. It had taken awhile for blood to soak through the bandage.

Fritz thinks he might have bled to death had the dog not awakened him. Ward isn't quite sure that's the case. But he said that Fritz might have lost a significant amount of blood had it not been for Jessie.

"It's really great what his dog did," Ward said. "Those dogs (pit bulls) get a bad rap. At least they should get a good rap for doing the right thing."

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How to use the head halter for training and control of undesirable behavior

Pets tend to oppose or pull against pressure. Dogs that walk or lunge ahead of their owners are therefore more likely to pull even harder if the owner pulls back on the leash. There are three basic ways of pulling on the head halter to achieve most goals. If the dog is walking at your side or slightly behind you with a minimum of slack on the leash, all you have to do is pull forward to get the dog to back up (heel, follow).

A pull upward will close the mouth (barking, nipping) while continuing to pull up and forward will back the dog into a sit. With the leash attached to the head halter, you can immediately turn the head to achieve eye contact. A continuous pull rather than a tug or jerk should be used until the desired behavior is achieved.

Immediately releasing tension as soon as the pet complies indicates to the dog that it is now responding acceptably. With the second hand, the dog's head can be cradled into position by gently cupping the hand under the jaw.

Training should begin in calm environments with minimal distractions. The dog is given the command and if it responds appropriately, a reward is given. A lure reward or closed hand target can be used to help guide the pet into the correct response. Rewards for training might include something the pet values (food, walk, or play toy) along with praise and stroking. After a few successful responses, the special treat can be phased out and given intermittently, but the praise and stroking should continue. Clicker training would be another option.

If the command is given and the desired response cannot be achieved, an immediate pull on the head halter can be used to guide the pet into the
desired position and ensure success. The tension is then released and the dog rewarded.

There are five key elements to successful head halter training.

1. Ensure proper fit Be certain to review the manual or video or have a demonstration on fitting. If the strap around the neck is not high and snug enough and the nose strap adjusted properly, the head halter may either be too tight around the nose or so loose that the dog may pull it over the nose. To ensure that the pet adapts quickly to the head halter, it can be helpful to offer food treats as the dog slips its nose through the nose loop and as the collar is fitted. The dog can then be taken for a walk or played with to keep it distracted while getting used to the head device.

2. Be prepared for immediate action. If the dog does not instantaneously respond to a command, then the owner must immediately ensure success. This means that the head halter should be on, there should be minimal (perhaps 1 to 2 inches) of slack on the leash, and it should be pulled instantaneously to get the desired response. A pull up and forward can get eye contact (for target training, control, and calming), close the mouth, and get the dog to back up, follow, or heel. Continuing to place tension on the leash should get the dog to sit. Using the second hand to guide or support the head can help the dog to respond faster and calm quicker.

3. Motivate. Although the halter gives the owner the physical control to get the desired response, an encouraging voice, holding up a target (e.g., closed hand with food inside), appealing eye contact, and rewards are critical for motivating the pet to respond. Of course the rewards (stroking, clicker, food, toy) are not given until the dog responds appropriately.

4. Release tension as soon as the desired behavior is exhibited. The owner gives the command and pulls quickly to achieve the desired response (sit, heel, quiet) if the pet does not immediately obey. Just as quickly, the owner begins to release as soon as the pet obeys.

5. Repeat or reward. As the owner releases (a very small amount of slack is given), the dog will either respond appropriately (at which point the reward can be given) or will resume the undesirable response (e.g., tries to stand, lunge ahead, bark). If the latter is the case, the owner should immediately take up the slack and pull to achieve the desired response. The pet is then again released and the sequence repeated as often as necessary until the desired behavior can be maintained without pulling.

While it may take numerous repetitions of the pull and release to get the desired response, the total time to achieve success might range from a few seconds to a few minutes. Remember that by releasing only a small amount of slack, it will require only a slight pull to regain control. A hand can be used to help support and guide the pet into position. It is important to understand that the pulling is a prompt to get the desired behavior while a release indicates that the desired behavior has been achieved. The reward (food, clicker, toy, praise, stroking) is intended to mark and acknowledge the correct response so that future success is ultimately driven by rewards.

Once these steps are accomplished, the owner can proceed to more complex tasks or more difficult environments. For example, the dog can be taught to
sit and stay for gradually longer periods of time before the reward is given. The owner can gradually move farther from the dog (still maintaining only an inch or two of slack) to train the dog to stay and not to follow or lunge forward. The dog can be trained to quiet down at the front door. Once the dog will walk by the owner's side, the heel or follow command can be given at times when the dog might lunge forward on a walk or jump up at visitors at the door or bark.

Credit: Landsberg G, Hunthausen W, Ackerman L 2003 Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. Saunders, Edinburgh #2003, Elsevier Science Limited.

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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

Vehicle Donations
Did you know you can help Kansas City pit bulls by donating a vehicle, RV, or boat to MPR? All donations are tax deductible! For more information, go here.

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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Thank You!

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