Saving Pit Bulls Is Saving Me

I’m going to be honest with you. I feel like I’ve spent much of my life just drifting along, without much of a purpose. I did the things most people do. I got married, became a mom, went to work. I took pride in raising my son, and I tried to be a good employee. But it just never felt like I was making much of an impact on the world.

Many people have heard me say that I missed my calling when I didn’t become a veterinarian. And you’ve probably also heard me say that at my age {somewhere in my 40’s}, I can’t see myself going back to school for multiple years to learn a new trade. So working with animals seemed out of reach for me.

But then I learned how desperately shelters and rescues need volunteers, often for tasks as simple as walking dogs and feeding cats. Heck, I’ve been doing those things at home for years, and I knew I could probably find a couple of hours a week in my schedule to do this in a shelter.

 

So I became a volunteer.

And over time, I learned that shelters are filled with Pit Bulls, and that most of them won’t make it out alive because rumors, myths, and misinformation make people fearful to adopt them. I also learned that Pit Bulls are the most euthanized dog in the United States.

I knew I wanted to help them, but how? The shelter where I volunteer is a no-kill shelter, so the dogs there are safe while they wait for their forever homes. They’re warm and dry and fed. They’re loved by volunteers. They’re not fighting for their lives every day. They’re not on Death Row.

But that’s not the case with all shelters.

The high-kill shelters in New York City are overflowing with Pit Bulls, and for months I was seeing their pictures on the Bruised Not Broken Facebook page, and feeling helpless that I couldn’t do anything for them.

But then I saw that by people simply networking these dogs on Facebook, Twitter, and other forms of social media, lives were being saved. Not all of them were saved, but a lot of them were making it out of the shelters and into loving homes.

That’s when I created The Lazy Pit Bull Facebook page, and soon after it, this blog. I recognized that by helping to network these dogs and educating people about the sweetness that is Pit Bull-type dogs, I could make a difference.

And this might sound silly to you, but for the first time in my life, I feel focused. I feel like I’m doing something good. I’m making a difference, even if it’s only to a handful of dogs. I realize we can’t save them all, but each time we save one, my day is made.

And so I ask you to join with me. Follow this blog in your favorite reader, or subscribe to have posts sent directly to your email inbox.

Like” my Facebook page, where you’ll see links to all the dogs available for adoption at the NYC shelters. No, you don’t have to live there to help out. Just share the dogs’ pictures and stories on your own FB wall {it’s as simple as clicking the “share” button!}, and make the world aware that these dogs are out there waiting.

Still wondering if it really works? Just look at these faces we’ve saved already! 

Kelly, 2 years old and beautiful!

Baby Babel, just 6 months old and so adorable!

Sweet Glenwood, who’s so happy with his new family!

Baby Sprite, just 6 months old and now safe and loved!

Making a difference takes only a few minutes of your time and a little space on your Facebook wall or Twitter feed. There’s strength in numbers, and when we all work together, we can do great things. Won’t you join me today? Be a champion for Pit Bulls and save lives when you follow our Facebook page!

The truth is, not only am I changing the lives of these sweet dogs with the work I’m doing on my blog and Facebook page, but I’m also changing my own life. Making a difference feels good. Changing the world is rewarding. I like knowing I’m having a positive impact.

Are YOU changing the world today? It’s a good day to get started, don’tcha think?