Maggie update

Update on Maggie - We are putting her on another course of antibiotic ear drops/cleaning for 14 days. Her ear canals are open despite the large amount of scarring but they will need daily monitoring for the rest of her life and weekly ear drops/cleaning to make sure they stay clean and infection free. She's going to get surgery after christmas to remove two small masses and one large skin tag and several small skin tags that are troublesome. Since one is attached to a nipple - she may loose a nipple in the process but she won't mind.

Help Steel Magnolia

She's spent her life as a breeding machine, it's our turn to make her retirement pain free and happy.  She was found running at large with Steele. She is most likely his breeding partner - or his mother, possibly both.  She has had lots of puppies.  Recurrent untreated ear infections have built up scar tissue in her ears.  She needs to have surgery to have the scars removed so she can be pain free and no longer hyper prone to painful infections.  She does not seem to have suffered permanent hearing loss.

She has now been spayed, Hw tested, on prevention, fully vaccinated and microchipped. She has a long way to go though, we need to raise money for a TECA procedure  (total ear canal ablation to remove the scar tissue).  The surgery is about 1200.00

I Am Steele

Newest addition to the ASC program. Steele is a 2-3 year old American Bully (an over done American Staffordshire Terrier...think sumo wrestler). I like to think of American Bully as the Sumo Wrestler, the American Staffordshire Terrier as the Competitive Weight lifter and the American Pit Bull Terrier as the Olympic Wrestler.

He's easy going, pretty quiet. Settles down easy and is animal friendly. He seems to do well with dogs of both sexes and is tolerant of friendly cats.  Seems a bit too curious for his own good and might get a smack from an unfriendly cat  - and then he's not so friendly.  He would chase a cat that ran but in the house he is very easy to re-direct and is living just fine with his foster cats. Live and let live is his philosophy.  He's a good eater.  Still has a lot of silly puppy in him, likes to play bow and tear off around the yard.  He does not like his crate but he is getting used to it.  Will curl up and sleep when you finally get him to go inside.  Appears to be housebroken.  He's got a small overbite otherwise he is very healthy.  Neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Hot Cars

As the summer is reaching it's "Dog Days" we still need to remember our four legged friends. It is not, here in Richmond the temperature has reached 100+ degrees. That's OUTSIDE AIR temperature. Can imagine how hot that is inside a car? Don't take your dog on trips with you if the outside air temperature is higher than 70, it's just not fair to your dog. One quick errand that takes to long and your dog is going to be suffering. This is a good resource website
http://www.mydogiscool.com/

Also remember your four legged creatures that are outside. Birds can use bird baths to make sure they are hydrated and have a place to cool off. Your outside pets need access to shade and fresh water. There's no such "just a few minutes" and not making arrangements. People get distracted and a few minutes can easily turn into 30 or an hour or maybe longer. That's too long to not have provided shelter/shade and refreshment for your pet.

Anakin needs help

http://ascpbr.chipin.com/anakin

Iris is still looking for her forever home

She is just a beautiful dog, as pretty as she is in pictures, it does nothing if you don't see her in person. She's beautiful on the outside but beautiful on the inside. Low drive, easy going and great with kids, cats, dogs and other animals.

Iris, female blue tricolor APBT (yes, she is a purebred, she was seized from a breeder), Iris is about 2 and a half years old and has had her share of puppies before she was rescued and spayed. She is a beautiful girl and is in great shape. She has a pretty blue and tan glossy coat and great muscle development. She's actually pretty masculine for a girl dog. She weighs 49-51 lbs and she needs an owner who will keep her at that weight. She loves to eat and can easily gain more weight but she should keep this weight as it is optimal for her health and physical conditioning. She is easy to train as her brain is in her stomach and will do just about anything for a treat - she is always looking for her next snack. She's tall and big boned, not a short squatty pit bull but a long legged nicely portioned one. She's not an early riser and prefers to sleep in when she can.

Her good points: She's crate trained and almost housebroken. Has never met a person she doesn't like. Very sweet and affectionate, leaner, snuggler, kisser. Has been fine with cats inside, but will chase squirrels in the yard so there is a potential for her to chase stray cats. Respects a baby gate. Eager to please, loving and affectionate. Food motivated, makes training easy. Very pretty, nice coat, no allergy or skin issues. Her coat is soft and shiny and doesn't seem to shed very much. Good with other dogs, plays appropriately with both sexes of dogs from puppies to adults but does seem to prefer multiple boyfriends. She can be a little forward in her greeting but has nothing but the best intentions. She's a super easy girl to manage, she is laid back and easy going.

Her points to work on: can be a little bit of a knucklehead (until food comes out), always wants to be close to her person, sometimes underfoot. Pulls on lead, counter surfer, always looking for something to eat. She's easy to correct with verbal commands but then may go right back to mis behaving once your back is turned.

She jumps on people, not hard but kind of jumps up to be close, and try to get to your face to kiss. She's not the kind of dog to "bounce off", repeatedly jumping on people but it is still something that needs work. She no longer jumps on her foster mom but with each new person - it's a training opportunity. She has a very soft disposition, positive training would be important and no physical correction. Any attention is good attention to her, even a voice correction reaches her goal of connecting with a person.

Moderate energy level - will require daily walks or a fenced yard. She plays physically with other dogs, wrestling, chase, body slamming. She will share toys with other dogs but I would recommend supervision just in case there is something especially good that she won't give up. Without regular exercise, she could easily get fat and lazy. She's not a high drive dog, she would become a couch potato with little effort.

Easy to distract around other animals because her ultimate goal is human attention. I do not know how she will do in an unfenced yard as she loves her foster home's yard and the security that a fence provides.

She's crate trained and housebroken. She is very quiet inside and outside. She is not a barker but will alert to a strange noise at night when in the yard. Inside the house she never makes a peep. She has been spayed, fully vaccinated, Hw tested, treated and now on prevention. She is also microchipped. She is a wonderful soft girl who has never met a stranger. She would love to meet you today. She's a pretty easy going dog and would make a great pet. She is a REALLY good dog.

American Family Insurance - boycott

Add to your list of pit bull UNFRIENDLY insurance companies
http://animals.change.org/blog/view/american_family_insurance_discriminates_against_dogs

Elena Welcome to ASCPBR

Welcome Elena to Annabelle's Second Chance. This sweet little dog was a seizure and she deserves a second chance at live. She is a very sweet girl. She only has one health hurdle left to face and that's Heartworm Treatment.  She is a very small pit bull with a fine bone structure. She is not all that old, probably around two years old.  She was found chained in neglectful conditions, some of the dogs were wounded and she was severely emaciated.  She still has another month or two before she is healthy enough to undergo Hw treatment. You can still feel her backbone when you rub down her spine.  She is a very happy girl, submissive and sweet with people. She loves to hear voices, her tail starts going a mile a minute.

Pit Bull Friendly Insurance and Renting

Before adopting or thinking about getting this breed, please make sure that you have pit bull friendly homeowner's insurance. If you rent, you must verify that you are allowed by asking your landlord for an approved breed list.  Making sure your pit bull is allowed wherever you go is a big responsibility and while it may seem like common sense to you if you are reading this blog, you would be surprised how many people DO NOT CHECK FIRST.  And relinquish their dogs when they are discovered. Make sure you do it before you have the dog or always take it into account wherever you plan to go.  Unfortunately, many rental agencies won’t allow pit bulls even if the dog is within the size and weight limits.  This is something to find out BEFORE the lease is signed.  Many homeowner’s insurance companies are refusing to insure those with pit bulls (safe bets are: State Farm, Farmers, Amica, USAA, Travelers, Nationwide (requires a CGC), Kemper, Chubb, Safeco and Sunny So Cal).  if you know of others let us know!  Verify ownership if you can.  Here is an insurance resource website that has more pet friendly insurance names: http://www.roadsinc.org/insurance.aspx

I’ve been recently told that FARM BUREAU is NOT PIT BULL FRIENDLY so be aware if this is your insurance company.

The unwanted Black and Tan

Sadly, the black and tan pit bull and all of it’s variations seem to be just as the big hairy black dog is to shelter rescue - the pariah, the unwanted, the just plain passed over.  A Tricolor is a black and tan dog with the addition of white.  I see these lovely dogs passed over again and again in rescue because people think they are weird, mixy, ugly, “not purebred” while the breeders pump out more and more yet seem to have no trouble selling their “rare” pups.  Any google search on tricolor pit bull will come up with tons of puppy mill backyard breeders pushing “rare” tricolors, blue tris, purple (really?) tricolor. Whatever they can do to push the sell for hundreds of dollars.  

The pictures with this blog post are pictures of dogs bred by J.P. Colby in the early to mid 1900s, circa 1910-1945 (sepia side pictures taken from Colby’s Book of the American Pit Bull Terrier c1997).  You didn’t see them that often, a sometimes combination of breeding a brindle to a black (in the text from Colby)  but I’ve seen tricolors appear in a red/fawn to red/fawn breeding. What causes tricolor genetics? I’m not sure but they aren’t mixed breeds based on their color.  Black and Tan or Tricolor is a viable color pattern in the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Though it is a fault for the two AKC  breeds and they aren’t considered “show quality”.  The ADBA and UKC have no such regulation on color with the exception of “Merle” (interesting to note that Merles do not seem to have the same stigma though they are clearly mixes as Merle is a relatively new coat coloration.  It began in the south with crosses of catahoula leopard dogs back to pit bulls.

http://www.apbtconformation.com/merle.htm).

The BlackNTan debate is not a new one and I will refer to this blog post (posted by prettyboy?) from a tricolor genetics piece originally written by Ed Farron (http://caldw3l.blogspot.com/2009/02/tricolor-genetics.html) of The Complete Gamedog and Wildsides Kennels.   The original article is called:  An explanation of the tan-point pattern sometimes seen in the American Pit Bull Terrier
-by Ed & Chris Faron 

I have noted that it seems to be only the Black/Tan & Black Tri, Blue & Tan or Blue Tri, (blue is a dilute of black) that are affected. The chocolate/tan pointed dogs don’t seem to suffer the same prejudice.  The tan points can also contain some brindle further muddying the waters.  

Did you know that Tan pointed dogs can show up in Labrador Retrievers?  These dogs aren’t mixed either, just a discouraged coat variation.   They aren’t show quality and responsible breeders typically remove them from a breeding program.

http://www.guidingeyes-md.org/Misc%20Files/Black%20and%20Tan%20LabradorsBCWEB.htm

http://www.blueknightlabs.com/color/coatcolor.html 

So when someone says “That dawg don’t look purebred”, you have some information to share.  These dogs are just as deserving as every other color of pit bull terrier.

http://www.apbtconformation.com/colors.htm

A tricolored or black and tan dog can certainly be a mixed dog, color alone however is not an indicator of purity.

Traditionally though APBT breeders have not paid much attention to those attributes beyond physical performance.  Therefore you are more likely to see Tricolors in APBTs than American Staffordshire Terriers (though I did see quite a few blue tri and black and tans in a red to red AKC breeding so it does happen). Some bloodlines tend to throw tricolors more often, like Sorrels. A quick look at Tatonka Kennels in florida will show quite a few black/tan and tricolors in their pedigrees as well as current dogs.

Not all brindle dogs are pit mixes just as not all black and tan are mixed with something other than pit bull.  Black and Tan/Tri is not new, it’s been around in this breed for a long time.

Iris is still needy

Trying out the name Iris for our resident blue tricolor who has been looking for a home for months now and not a single email of interest. I am beginning to think that being black/tan and any of it's derivatives in the pit bull world of rescue are just as unwanted as the big black, hairy shelter dog.  She's a wonderful girl though a big girl at over 50 lbs.  She's kind of an old fashioned dog, just a dog, likes to hang out by your feet. She's not drivey or athletic, she's just a good girl.  Maybe a little slow on the uptake but sweet, loving, good with kids, cats and other dogs.  Just exactly like she is supposed to be having been a mother for so many puppies.

Deputies bust up Pitt County dog fighting ring | WNCT

Deputies bust up Pitt County dog fighting ring | WNCT

Our hearts go out to Rich and Sammie

Sammie, an ASC alum from 2000 was diagnosed with terminal cancer last week. Our hearts go out to Sammie and his owner Rich as they work through this trying time.

The dog blog for Deva

Deva Dog is doing Ok, she's sluggish with spurts of activity. 5 days on panacur and her stools are finally thickening up so yay for healthy worm free intestines. Her hair is falling out all over the place and I hope that means healthy hair is on it's way. Her nagging cough is not going to go away though until we can get her heartworms treated. She's on limited activity for the next month until she feels good enough to undergo treatment.

She's learning the crate but she doesn't like it. She has a good appetite. She's pretty submissive and wants affection but she's big girl and jumps on you, even if you are kneeling down. She doesn't know her size and is jumping as an appeasement gesture of her submission. It's hard to correct it. She's got bad manners but she's improving.

Dogfighting bust in Wilson NC

Sunday, March 28, 2010 11:49 PM  
This is just bad'  
Vet rushes to save dogs; 5 charged with dog fighting  
By Gina Childress | Times Staff Writer  


The young, female pit bull was sedated so the veterinarian could repair numerous bite wounds sustained, officials said, in a bloody dog fight in Lucama. She was one of five dogs surrendered to Animal Enforcement officers after they received a report of a possible dog fight in progress Sunday morning. She didn't survive. 


Richard Wayne Pearson, 41, of 6465 Alton Road, Lucama; James Milton Wade, 38, of 1194 Browntown Road, Snow Hill; Tony Maurice Hall, 34, of 1225 Fred Harrison Road, Snow Hill; Keefe Decarlos Mchail, 37, of 1924 Edwin Drive, Raleigh and Jerontae Jenair Johnson, 29, of 168 School Street, Pantego were all arrested and charged with dog fighting.  


Frantic scene EC VETS (East Carolina Veterinary Emergency Treatment Services) in Wilson became a frantic scene as animal enforcement officers brought in each dog. Dr. Jennifer Hummel first evaluated, then treated each pit bull. Hummel was especially concerned with the female who was almost took weak to walk on its own. She also needed stitches to repair the damage. Based on her condition, the vet determined this wasn't the first time the dog had been involved in a fight. There were a lot of old scars along with new wounds," she said. "There was also some blood in her urine, which means she probably had some internal injuries as well." Hummel, along with two assistants, worked to clean the female's wounds and provide immediate medical treatment. But in the end, the dog was just too weak to survive her injuries. She never awoke from the anesthesia.  


Four dogs survive  


Hummel said the other four dogs were expected to recover from their injuries. They will be housed at the animal shelter until arrangements can be made for their placement, officials said. 


This is just bad," said Major Mickey Wilson, head of the Animal Enforcement Division of the Wilson County Sheriff's Office, who assisted in the investigation. Wilson said they were tipped off by a passing motorist who saw a group of vehicles at a horse stable and heard dog barking coming from the building. Deputy E. Smith was dispatched to the Alton Road residence of Richard "Ricky" Pearson," Wilson said. 


"When he arrived, he did not see anything. But as he was leaving, he saw the cars across the street at the (horse) stable, heard the barking and went to investigate. Pearson owns and operates a pit bull kennel on his property, according to the sheriff's office.  


At one time, Wilson said Pearson had over 50 dogs, but has since downsized his operation. Ricky's place is very clean," Wilson said. "We check it randomly and have never had to cite him for any kennel violations. Wilson said when Smith arrived at the horse stable, also owned by Pearson, he was greeted by five men attempting to leave. He said Smith could see some of the dogs had fresh puncture wounds and were bleeding. He also noticed scars from previous injuries. "One of the dogs was even being transported in the trunk of a car," Wilson said. "A lot of times dogs that are being fought are placed in the trunk of a car to be transported so they won't be noticed by law enforcement. 

 When questioned, the men said they weren't fighting the dogs; they were trying to breed them. When Deputy Smith looked at the dogs he could see all of the wounds and inquired about them. He was told they were trying to breed the dogs when they got into a fight," Wilson said. It is not uncommon for pit bulls to fight when they are being bred, Wilson said. So, in an effort to confirm the men's account, officials called for medical assistance. Hummel performed blood work on the two female dogs and determined neither was in heat. 

 Once that determination was made, we took all of the suspects in custody and charged them," Wilson said. Pearson, Mchail, Hall and Wade were all charged with one count of felony dog fighting and one count of felony cruelty to animals. 

They were placed in the Wilson County Jail under a $5,000 secured bond. Johnson, accused of transporting a dog in his trunk, was given an additional charge of attempting to elude a law enforcement officer. He was placed in jail under a $7,500 secured bond. 

As of late Sunday afternoon, all were still in custody. The five men are scheduled to make their first appearances in court this morning at 9.

Heartworm treatment for Mama/Deva Dog

Freedom

Her first day in a fenced yard enjoying the freedom.  She gets lots of attention with those gold eyes.

Tricolors are not unusual in the APBT/AST breeds but are disqualifications for showing and discouraged. They are not rare, just not often seen. She won't be ready for a home until late April/May and we will continuously update her pictures as her body gets back in shape. She's gonna be gorgeous! She's got a nice personality, she's "just a real good dog". Very mild mannered, eager to please, makes good eye contact, tends to worry about pleasing and making sure she's doing the right thing. Really loves to take off in a pit bull joyous butt tucked run, so happy to be off a chain and in a fenced yard. Her ears were left natural and they are a really nice half prick/rose shape and are very expressive. Beautiful gold eyes. Soft dog, accepts all handling and grooming, even the not so comfortable stuff.

She's a dominant female, a little large for a girl in this breed at about 55 lbs. She's got longer legs but is well proportioned. Love to eat so she will need someone to watch her figure. Doesn't mind giving up her treats or bones to her foster mom. She is fairly mild with other pets and likes to play with her male dog foster brother. She and her foster sister do not spend much time together, as both dominant females, they give each other a wide berth.

Being picked up in Roanoke Rapids. Thank you Wilson Co HS for pulling her and getting her vaccinated and ready for transport.

Welcome Diamond to Rescue

We will be changing her name but Diamond was seized from her owner and she has been a neglected dog. She is a really sweet dog though and we are happy to be able to provide her with a second chance.

This wonderful dog has suffered in her short life and we are hoping to get her in touch with her inner goddess. In her last home she was chained out in the elements and bred every heat. She has produced 4 litters of puppies in her two years she's been alive. Poor girl is a little out of shape but we have put her on an exercise program and had her spayed so her skirts will draw up and she will be back in glorious condition. She is a striking dog with very alert posture.

Congrats to Sacchi

Congratulations to Sacchi for finding her new home this weekend. After 5 months in foster care, our little three legged girl has found a place to call her own. Complete with an American Bulldog brother and a little girl to love.

21 dogs seized at North Richmond home | Richmond Times-Dispatch

21 dogs seized at North Richmond home | Richmond Times-Dispatch

Skye is gone

Sadly, Skye had a seizure and passed away tonight. She was 10 weeks old/10lbs and had been doing so well. The vet thought that her initial hydro diagnosis may have been a mistake. She was active and happy in her last few weeks. The trouble with backyard breeders is that they don't care who gets hurt in their quest for money.  She deserved much better than the few weeks of life she got.

An Adoptable Dog Profile - Sacchi

Sacchi (aka SOX) is our sweet little three legged puppy. She didn't start out on three, but four. She was found injured in Petersburg VA and her leg was too badly broken to be saved. It had to be amputated when she was three and a half months old.  She's now 7 months old as of 1/25/10 and about 35 lbs. She's 17.5-18" at the top of her shoulder and very petite in bone structure. She will not weigh more than 40 lbs.  She has a pretty face.

What a wonderful little wiggle monster. Her tail is always going and with only one back leg, she kind of pivots like crazy.  She's such a happy girl!  She's getting comfortable in her own skin and adjusting to a body with only three legs. It doesn't seem to bother her at all or slow her down.  She can be a little clumsy in snow or on ice or rushing down stairs.   She is very people focused and accepts correction well. She's submissive with people but leans a little on the dominant side with other dogs.  She interacts well with both males and females (dogs) provided they are appropriate and polite. She doesn't like to be crowded or pawed at by other dogs - it may push her off balance and on the defensive. She seems to get along better with older dogs or those dogs that are less interested boisterous play.  She seems to have a moderate exercise requirement - one nice walk a day is just about all she needs.  She loves to cuddle with her foster brother Riley and snuggle in a cuddler bed together.

She cat tests as "Okay".  Her original cat test was done with a cat that was unfamiliar with dogs and she will chase a cat that is afraid and runs.  When her cat testing was done (dogsitting for several hours in a home with dog sensitized cats) with adult cats who are familiar with dogs - she did great.  She appears to be little afraid of the cats and not quite sure what to do with them. She appears curious but not so curious as to risk getting close.  When the cat makes eye contact, she turns her head to look the other way.  Expresses interest from across the room but not up close, this may change with age or as she becomes more comfortable exploring what they are.  A home with young cats/kittens that wrestle and dash around may be too stimulating unless she received further training.  She could certainly live in a home with a cat that was used to the presence of dogs but perhaps not the best choice for a home with a cat with no dog experience.  She's very treat focused so additional cat training should be fairly easy.

The only problems she experiences with other dogs are when meeting rude dogs. She does not appreciate unfamiliar dogs that crowd her or rush her, putting their paws on her back, trying to hump - she will not put up with that - as no dog should have to to be honest. So, going to the dogpark is not recommended (but it is not recommended with many dogs). She will not start trouble but she will not allow herself to be picked on or bullied by another dog.

The only thing quirky to notice with her is that she does not appear to be sensitized to "suburban" noises. People banging their trash seems to startle her and she is fascinated by the squirrels. But she's grown up during the winter and there hasn't been much opportunity for "city noises" in her socialization as of yet.

Anyone with access to Facebook can look up a photo album on ASCPBR's facebook page. There are also other video links.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Annabelles-Second-Chance/115240381202

She dreams on four legs which is funny, her stump will twitch and run right along with the other one. She's one sweet little puppy and would make a great pet.  We will place her in a home with a dog appropriate cat and/or a male dog or as a single pet.

Animal Planet

Animal Planet Investigates: Dog Fighting

Attention, animal lovers! Tune in to Animal Planet on Monday, January 25, at 10:00 P.M. (ET/PT) for the world premiere of a documentary about organized dog fighting. In this special edition of Animal Planet Investigates, two undercover agents take you deep inside the disturbing subculture of dog fighting's hardcore criminals and their four-legged victims. Using undercover and investigative footage, the show examines specific cases in Ohio, Texas, Georgia, Michigan and New York to demonstrate the diversity and depravity of this cruel blood sport.

Two of the ASPCA's experts in animal cruelty, Dr. Melinda Merck and Dr. Randall Lockwood, who were instrumental in the conviction of a certain high profile dog fighter—NFL quarterback Michael Vick—are also featured in the show. Dr. Merck joined the ASPCA in 2007 as a forensic veterinarian, and now serves as Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics in Anti-Cruelty. She frequently testifies as a forensic veterinary expert for animal cruelty cases across the country. Dr. Lockwood is currently Senior Vice President of ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Field Services. For more than 25 years, he has worked with humane societies and law-enforcement agencies, serving as an expert on the interactions between people and animals. He has testified in numerous trials involving cruelty to animals, including dog fighting, child abuse, domestic violence and homicide.

Dog fighting is now banned throughout the United States—in fact, it is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Those convicted of federal animal fighting charges face up to five years in prison. For more information about dog fighting, please visit ASPCA.org, and don't forget to tune in to Animal Planet on Monday night!

PIT BOSS : Programs : Animal Planet : Discovery Press Web

PIT BOSS : Programs : Animal Planet : Discovery Press Web

Memorable Shorty quote: "If we can save one pit bull, that's good, but if we can save one person from breeding pit bulls, that's even better."

Congratulations Leo

Congratulations Leo on getting a new home. We know you will be successful in your new life. A sweet dog deserving of a fresh start.

Angus - RIP

Very sad to hear that Angus, a former ASC alum has passed away from heart disease brought on by an enlarged heart. He had five wonderful years with his adoptive dad Corey in North Eastern NC. Thank you for providing this dog with a second chance. Rest in Peace sweet boy.