Homeless animals food drive this Friday, Dec. 30th!

Sticky Rice 50% off voucher campaign going on now!

Ring Dog Rescue Needs Your Help from LOVE RVA on Vimeo.

Love RVA is a local marketing company that offers up a phenomenal deal each week in Richmond. They use the “daily deal” model to facilitate positive change in our city.

Click here to see the Sticky Rice 50% deal!

Jingling is meant for bells, not collar tags!

While tags are very important to keep on your companions at all times, many of us just can not stand the constant jingle jangle of all those tags. A fantastic RDR adopter has located the answer. Below is the link to purchase a heavy duty, velcro tag bag. You place all the tags inside the velcro sack (still connected to collar) this way your companion has his/her required I.D., Rabies and License tag, while not have the irritation of all that noise.

http://www.valleyvet.biz/ct_detail.html?pgguid=a2b40729-f2e0-448c-9969-4f8ef33c4aa5

The ASPCA awarded us with a generous grant!

Ring Dog has just received a grant, from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, to provide proper care for dogs seized from puppy mills, fighting raids and cruelty cases — we are EXTREMELY grateful!!! Without these critical funds, our ability to continue operating, as we have over the past 6 years, was threatened. This year alone we've taken on 30 cases of heartworms, 5 orthopedic surgeries, 12 dog fighting case dogs, plus countless emergency and regular vet visits.

Thank you, ASPCA, for awarding these urgently needed funds to our organization.

Public Meeting on Animal Welfare

Animal Welfare Institute Announces 2011 Schweitzer Awards

This is an extremely prestigious award, and it has been awarded to Richmond, Virginia's own Michelle Welch. Without her continued work in animal welfare, the Commonwealth of Virginia would not be one of the leading states on animal welfare issues, laws and prosecutions of animal abusers! Ring Dog Rescue wants to officially congratulate Michelle on this most deserved award! 


Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Washington, D.C. -- On Monday, November 14, 2011, U.S. Assistant Attorney General Laurie Robinson, who heads the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, will present the Animal Welfare institute’s (AWI) Albert Schweitzer Award to three outstanding prosecutors. Michelle Welch, Assistant Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Raj Prasad and Amy Slameka from the Wayne County (MI) Prosecutor’s Office, are leaders - indeed, pioneers - in aggressively pursuing animal cruelty and animal fighting cases and raising awareness about the need to take such cases seriously.

In 1951, Dr. Albert Schweitzer gave his permission to AWI to strike a medal in his honor to be presented for outstanding achievement in the advancement of animal welfare. In granting his permission, Dr. Schweitzer wrote, "I would never have believed that my philosophy, which incorporates in our ethics a compassionate attitude toward all creatures, would be noticed and recognized in my lifetime."

This is the first time that AWI has honored members from this branch of law enforcement. The first honoree from law enforcement, in 1964, was, interestingly, also from Detroit: Patrolman John Mobley of the Detroit police department, who was recognized for his prompt reporting of the suffering and neglect of animals in an experimental laboratory, which led to improvements in their care. In 1965, Associate Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas received the award for his previous work as author of the first bill requiring the humane treatment of animals in research.

Pit Bull dies after being shot

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) – A beloved family dog was shot and killed in his own backyard. His owners said four and a half-year old Cooper was shot four times on Saturday night. The pit bull's injuries were so devastating; they had to put him down.

Just before midnight Saturday, Richmond Police officers got a call for random gunfire. When they got to the scene, they found a woman clinging to her dying dog.

It is a loss almost too difficult to bear.

"He was a real big part of the family," explained Kaitlen Roane. "I feel like I'm mourning the death of my child."

Roane's description of the yard where Cooper was shot and the path he took to reach safety in the home is gruesome.

"The whole entire house looked like a massacre had happened," she said. "Everything was covered in blood."

Read more...

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Halloween can be fun and festive for people, but for pets it can also be dangerous. Here are some tips from the AVMA to help you ensure that your pet has a happy and safe Halloween...

• Don't leave your pet outside unattended on Halloween (or on the days preceding or following this holiday). Halloween pranks committed against pets can be vicious, and black cats are particularly at risk.
• Halloween treats are for people, not pets. Candy wrappers and lollipop sticks can be hazardous if swallowed and chocolate can be poisonous for some types of pets.
• Keep pumpkins out of reach of curious noses and paws. Pets may knock over a lit pumpkin and cause a fire.
• Despite how much fun it is for people, many pets don't enjoy getting dressed up for Halloween. If you do dress your pet, be sure that its costume doesn't interfere with the pet's ability to breathe, see, hear, move, or bark.
• Consider keeping your pet in a separate room, away from the door, when trick-or-treaters arrive. Strange people in even stranger clothes can frighten some pets.
• When you do answer the door for visitors, make sure that your pet doesn't suddenly head for the great outdoors. In case your pet does escape, make sure that it is wearing proper identification. Pets with identification are much more likely to be returned to their owners.

http://www.avma.org/animal_health/pawsforpets/halloween.asp

FREE Pit bull spay or neuter!

** Scentsy fundraiser going on NOW! **

Never heard of Scentsy? Please visit my table at National Pit Bull Awareness Day!

As a participant in a Scentsy Fundraising program for RING DOG RESCUE you will have the opportunity to buy exceptional fragrant warmers and help Ring Dog Rescue achieve its fundraising goals. Scentsy products are simple, beautiful and a SAFE alternative to candles. Scentsy is an authentic wickless candle that is soot free, smokeless, flameless and most importantly SAFE!

I will be giving back to the Ring Dog Rescue 100% of my commission earned, that can be anywhere from 25% to 30% of the total party sales. In addition anyone spending $75.00 or more will be entered into a drawing to win a Patch the Dog Scentsy Buddy. (2 will be given away).

ALL orders will be shipped directly to the customer, please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. The fundraising event will end on Sunday, October 30th at 9pm.

https://annalisaprevite.scentsy.us/Buy?partyId=54977414

Canine Good Citizen & Natl Pit Bull Awareness Day

Started in 1989, the Canine Good Citizen Program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/program.cfm

Ring Dog Rescue is working to promote responsible pet ownersip and basic good manners for dogs in Richmond and the surrounding communities by offering Canine Good Citizen Testing on Sat. Oct. 22, 2011 at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds for $25 ($10 for approved "foster" dogs). Ring Dog Rescue is doing this in celebration of National Pit bull Awareness Day which was established as a day to educate and foster positive communications and experiences in the communities in which we and our dogs live. It is a day to focus on these incredible dogs and their devoted, responsible owners. A day to change perceptions and stereotypes as well as challenge all dogs owners to be responsible owners! http://www.blessthebullys.com/national_pit_bull_awareness_day.html

Heartworm Treatment Drug Shortage

A shortage of Immiticide will cause the heartworm drug to be unavailable for several weeks to several months, according to Merial, the company that sells Immiticide.

Merial said in a statement that the company that manufactures Immiticide (melarsomine dihydrochloride) is "experiencing technical issues in their plant that will temporarily affect their ability to provide finished product to us." The company said its inventory of Immiticide is depleted, but that it is working to identify a possible alternate source of supply.

Continue reading...

No leash, no responsibility?

So what part of this sign is it that people don't seem to understand? Well, I guess it's not actually a lack of  understanding, but more of a "you can't or won't make me" attitude. I just had this very conversation, with an older gentleman, outside my office building yesterday. He said both dogs were under vocal control and therefore, didn't need to be leashed. Really??? So when you're on the phone, and your dogs are nowhere in sight, is that still okay for using vocal recall? I think not! And of course, the guy wasn't picking up after them, which is even more frustrating for those of us unfortunate enough to be the poop finders! Can anything be done about this? How about rewarding people for their good behavior? Seems kind of silly, but we do the same thing with our dogs, so why not? If anyone has some thoughts on this, I'd love to hear them!

One reason we do what we do!

I would just like to take a moment to update you about Boz' new life!  He has had a very hectic and exciting couple of months! 

         We brought him to our home in early May and it was immediately evident that he was going to settle into his new life in no time.  He sniffed around the house for a couple hours, explored, napped, explored some more, snuggled on the couch, napped again, etc.  He was a little bit wary of using the bathroom at our house, but after one small accident IN the house, he caught on to using the bathroom outside and hasn't had another mess-up since!!  It probably took him less than a week to amass a very large collection of toys and he goes through his "toy box" daily to make sure they're all still there and give them a good shake and squeak.  He LOVES his new fenced in yard!  He loves to roll around in the grass, chase tennis balls for hours and run run run.  He thinks it is hilarious to play "chicken" with us - he runs at us a very high rates of speed and at the last second, darts around our legs to avoid a collision.  He has discovered a love for ice cubes.  Any time the freezer door is opened he sticks his head right in and hopes that a couple cubes will be accidentally knocked out - almost every time he walks away with an icy cool treat!

        We entertain friends at our house usually about once a week or so and he has been great with meeting new people. He is usually very friendly and sociable with females immediately.  He is a little more wary of new men, until they start playing with him, then he is their new best friend!  He is beginning to remember the friends who come over more frequently and he gets so excited to see them!  Two friends of ours have a 9 month old baby and he LOVED her!  He would lick her little toes and she would shriek with laughter and you could just see the happiness on his sweet face.  He was so gentle around her and so sweet!  He took his first weekend trip with us last weekend when we spent some time at my boyfriend's family's lake house on South Holston Lake in Abingdon, VA.  He spent about an hour exploring the house and the yard, decided it was suitable, then decided it was time for a nap.  (He naps all the time!  We are nap-friendly people, so he fits in great with us!)  The attached photo is of me and Boz on the lake's shore, and there is one of him hanging out on the dock.  It was actually kind of difficult to get the pictures of him - he was astounded by the world's largest water bowl!  He didn't take the plunge into the lake, but I have a suspicion that if a tennis ball was tossed in, he would jump in in a heartbeat. 

        Boz has settled in perfectly and we really couldn't ask for a better dog.  He knows his basic commands and we are working on some fancier ones, and he will also start his intermediate training soon.  It took him no time to adapt to our lifestyle and our schedules and he seems to love being in our family.  As I mentioned before, he only had one accident in the house!! ONLY ONE! I could hardly believe it.  I have had dogs all my life and it has never been so easy training one to do their business outside!  He is very quiet (even with our new neighbors and their very, very vocal Irish Setters, he just stands in the yard and looks at them, never answers back to them!) and calm (except during playtime) and he sleeps ALL night long.  In fact, when I wake up in the morning to take him outside I have to coax him to get out of my bed - I think he would probably sleep until noon everyday if I would let him.  Speaking of sleeping, I do have one minor complaint - Boz is a terrible bed hog!  How he pushes me to the edge of the bed throughout the night without waking me, I'll never know, but I wouldn't have it any other way!  He's a great little snuggler and we love him very much! 

       Thank you for helping Boz prior to my adopting him (I'm secretly glad his home in Maryland didn't work out!) and thank you for helping all the other bullies (and others) that Ring Dog helps everyday!  My hope for Bozzy, as I call him, is that with his good nature and precious personality, he can help bully breeds everywhere by changing opinions held by people who have believed the media and haven't given some of the best dogs out there a chance. 

Thank you again!

Stephany Campbell

$5 off Flagstop Carwash & Quick Lube gift cards!

Flagstop Carwash & Quick Lube has partnered with Ring Dog Rescue for a great fundraiser! We are selling Gift Cards for Flagstop that have a value of $25.00 and the cost to buy is only $20.00! At the end Flagstop will give RDR 50% of the money earned.

If you are interested in helping us by buying a gift card please email embowes2@verizon.net.

Thank you for your support!!

Locations:
-2500 West Hundred Rd
Chester, Va 23831

-11031 Ironbridge Rd
Chester, Va 23831

-610 Boulevard
Colonial Heights, Va 23834

-8833 Staples Mill Rd
Richmond, Va 23228

-7821 Parham Rd
Richmond, Va 23294

Canine Good Citizen challenge!

This year's National Pit Bull Awareness Day (NPBAD) 10/22/11 we've decided to break the world record for having the most CGC certified dogs at a single event! But we need your help, so please visit the page on our main website (www.ringdogrescue.org/cgc.php) that is dedicated to this event. Check back soon to see our successful certificate holders, plus more details about the upcoming event!

*** EVENT CANCELLATION ***

Tomorrow's adoption stand has been canceled because of the extreme heat.

Stay cool!

YOUR Dog Could Be Fuzzy Nation's Next SUPER MODEL!

Win $10K for your favorite shelter (RDR, of course! :), get your pooch recreated in plush, and more!

The Petfinder.com Foundation is partnering with Fuzzy Nation to bring you the SUPER MODEL Photo Contest. Through 11:59 P.M. EDT on August 1, contestants may submit a picture of their adopted dog along with their adoption story to the SUPER MODEL Photo Contest app on the Fuzzy Nation Facebook page. The top 50 stories will be chosen by the Petfinder.com Foundation and Fuzzy Nation based on the quality and uniqueness of the story and photo. The shelter or rescue group from which the pet was adopted must be a Petfinder.com member to be eligible.

Fredericksburg.com - Animal control is right not to adopt out pits

NOTE: Ring Dog Rescue is in direct opposition to PETA and we feel that this is an ignorant statement! Read at your own risk...

Fredericksburg.com - Animal control is right not to adopt out pits

Fourth of July safety tips

Take a moment to think about all the different, seemingly imperceptible sounds your pet can hear. Not only can they hear within a larger range, the shape of their ears also helps them to pick up sounds that often escape our senses. Think then how loud a firework might be to your best friend, the same dog that can hear the shaking of a cookie jar 2 floors away or the mailman dropping off a package 20 doors down. Not surprisingly, dogs and fireworks can often be a frightful, anxious experience for your pet.

Shelters and animals rescues report taking in more strays during the 4th of July holiday than any other time of year. This statistic makes sense when you consider the way dogs react to fear and/or confusion. While some may choose to cower, hide and shake, others may attempt to flee – searching for their owners or simply attempting to escape the loud noises outside. A good indicator of how your dog may behave during a fireworks display is to gauge their behavior during a thunderstorm. If your dog typically paces or hides, it is likely they will do the same during a fireworks event.

However, there is always the possibility bizarre behaviors to appear. Some, otherwise calm dogs, may turn destructive or aggressive when confronted with loud, unfamiliar sounds. It's best to make your dog's fireworks safety a priority to help ensure they will remain cool, calm and collected while everyone else revels in the streets.

In an effort to keep our pets safe and comfortable at home while we celebrate July 4th, here's a short list of tips to provide help an anxious dog during fireworks.

• Be sure your pet has a collar with current ID tag. Having your pet microchipped is always a good idea. I don't want to start off the list so "doom and gloom", but it's better to be safe than sorry.
• Do not take your pets with you to events where there will be fireworks – unless you are 100% certain they will be non-reactive.
• Find a secure, quiet place in your home for your pet to relax. If your pet is crate trained, crating is a good idea – you may want to move the crate to the quietest part of the house. I would also suggest keeping the room dark, leaving some chew toys with your pet and playing ambient noise from either a radio, TV or other device.
• Pets should not be left outside during fireworks. Dogs have amazing abilities to scale fences and walls when scared, and your dog should be kept in a quiet, confined area in the home during fireworks.
• Do not cuddle or reassure a dog that is scared. This will only reinforce the behavior for your pet and could make them more anxious. A better technique to deal with dog frightened by fireworks is to distract the dog with physical activity such as a game of tug or fetch. A chew toy can also be effective in the situation of an anxious pet – what you're really looking for is something for them to be able to exert energy and calm themselves down.
• Yelling at or reprimanding a frightened, anxious dog will not help the situation – in fact, it will most likely cause confusion. As the pack leader it is your responsibility to show your dog the "proper" way to behave. The best way for the pack leader to do this in the case of fireworks is to remain calm and as if you do not notice the noise outside.
• Be mindful of the way you are handling your pet if they are frightened. Petting your dog and showing them affection while they are anxious or scared will most likely reinforce negative behaviors. A better strategy here is to give your dog a short, gentle massage or place your hand on their head as reassurance.
• Going out of town? Make sure to leave your pets with a trustworthy, proven individual that understands the unique nature of this time of year. Even better – leave your dogs in the care of someone who will agree to stay home with your pets while the fireworks are going on if your dog has historically had a difficult time.
• In the case of an escaped pet, contact your veterinarian/local veterinarian, emergency animal hospitals, shelters and animal control.
• If you have found a stray pet, please also contact these resources above instead of attempting to track down an owner by yourself. Remember – not everyone checks Craigslist for a lost pet, nor would they see a "Found" poster in your neighborhood if they live more than a few towns over.

Source http://saveabull.com/2011/dogs-and-fireworks-help/

Summer kick-off party & cornhole tournament this Sunday!

Pampered Chef FUNdraiser - Online this week!

Email all your friends and family about the FUNd-raiser. They can go on-line to look at our catalog and order. Website: www.pamperedchef.biz/kellicooks4u Enter “Ring Dog Rescue” for the organization or Melanie Benware for the contact person.

Show the catalog and collect orders from family and friends everywhere you go. Everyone loves Pampered Chef!

The June Guest Special entitles each person to a FREE Savory Sauce with an order of $60 or more in products. They normally cost $12, so that’s quite a free gift! There are 8 delicious flavors from which to choose, and they can be basted onto meats, used as sandwich spreads or dips or just pour some of the sweeter ones over cream cheese or warm brie for an easy and tasty appetizer!

Orders can be shipped directly for an additional charge (call or email me for direct shipping cost) or customers can have their order shipped to Melanie for a flat $4.50 shipping charge for each order. She will organize the orders and give them to you to deliver.

To tally orders:

• Add products
• Then add 5% tax to that sub-total (yes, VA charges tax on shipping and handling) to get the Product Total
• Add pantry items, if any
• Add 2.5% food tax to get Pantry Total
• Add Pantry Total to Product Total to get Grand Total

You can use copies of the outside order forms I have provided to Melanie, scratch paper (then just call or email me) or my website. It all goes into my software, so do what’s easiest for you!

Payment must be included with the order. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express and checks. For credit cards we need the number, expiration date and name on the card. Checks should be made to you; you can write one check to Melanie. She will write me one for everyone or cover the charges on a debit/credit card.

Orders are due by June 24th. You can turn orders in earlier that aren’t put through on my website. Email me the orders (ckdalseide@gmail.com - please put Ring Dog Rescue Fundraiser in the subject line) or turn your orders in to Melanie.

Anyone wanting to book a show will get the organization an additional $3!

If you have questions, call or email! Thank you for letting me be your Pampered Chef Consultant!

Kelli Dalseide (804)467-6316 ckdalseide@gmail.com

Keep your pet safe this summer

By: Dr. Fiona Caldwell

For Pets Best Insurance

It’s summertime! With rising temperatures and time off school come vacations, fun in the sun and time with family. The heat, sun and summer activities can also bring some perils, especially to the furry members of your family. While there are a number of things you can do to keep your pets healthy, like ensuring they have pet insurance, knowing the following things can help keep your pets safe this summer.

Heat stroke is a very deadly threat to pets. Heat stroke is defined as severe hyperthermia, with temperatures sometimes over 105 degrees. The animal can suffer severe internal damage to important organs, especially the brain. Dogs don’t sweat like we do, and their only means of cooling themselves is by panting. While in the right combination of circumstances any dog could potentially suffer from heat stroke, the dogs most at risk are those that have difficulty breathing, such as older dogs with underlying respiratory disease and ‘brachycephalic’ (short snout) breeds.

Signs of heat stroke include rapid breathing and heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and depression. As heat stroke progresses, severe respiratory distress, gray or purple gum, seizures, and eventually collapse can be seen. NEVER douse your pet in water if you believe they are suffering heat stroke, lowering the body temperature too quickly can be lethal. Immediate veterinary attention is paramount.

Pints for Pits - Thursday, June 23rd @ Longshots in Chesapeake

Good Morning and Happy Friday!!!

As many of you already know, I am very passionate about animals; more specifically, Pit Bulls!  Unfortunately, because of a select few, Pit Bulls get an undeserved bad rap.  Their courage, devotion, strength and loyalty make them as easy target for those who choose to use that for their own personal gain. 

Ring Dog Rescue is a local, non-profit organization devoted to making life better for Pit Bulls and other "Bullies" (dogs of bulldog lineage) though education, rescue, placement in foster homes, training and finding a “furever” home!  I've been a friend, supporter and foster home for Ring Dog Rescue for 4+ years now and have 4 recues of my own! Please join us in support of Rind Dog Rescue, this Thursday, June 23rd, 7pm at Longshots in Chesapeake for cheap beer, raffles and a good time!


View Larger Map

If you're unable to attend but would still like to donate please visit http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/cori-chapp/ringdogrescue  All donations are tax deductable!!

Or….even better yet, if you're interested in opening your home to dog in need, please check out http://www.ringdogrescue.org

Cori Chapp

From breed to behavior: Cleveland City Council revises vicious dog ordinance

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) -

Cleveland City Council voted to amend part of the City's vicious dog ordinance (Ord. 712-11) during its Monday night meeting. Major changes to the law include two classifications for threat dogs: Level I – Dangerous & Level II – Vicious. Emphasis on the classification is based upon evidence of behavior of the dog, not the breed. The pit bull breed will no longer be considered vicious.



Read more

Metro Richmond Pet Savers Adopt-A-Thon this Saturday!

Fundraiser event this Sunday @ River City Diner on Huguenot!

Harley needs surgery!

My name is Harley. I am a 3 year old petite, red haired smooth dachshund Diva girl. I was walking around one day and my back starting hurting me. My previous owner said I just stopped walking. They took me to their vet and I had x-rays done. The vet said I had 3 slipped discs. My previous owner left me at their vet's office for two weeks so they could find another home for me. They could not take care of me. I became depressed. I was used to running with my playmate, a black lab. I loved snuggling with my big buddy. I missed my family. My owner decided to have me put to sleep at the end of 2 weeks since they could not find anyone to take me. A lady from Ring Dog Rescue's Low Riding Crew called about me on the morning I was supposed to cross The Rainbow Bridge. There was a lot of activity-I was going to fly and not to The Rainbow Bridge. I was going to North Carolina from California! I flew to North Carolina on a stormy plane ride and met my new Foster Mommy and Daddy. They were cool and gave me lots of kisses and let me ride shotgun. At my Foster Family's home, they had a wheelchair for me and lots of other dachshunds for me to get to know. They found out that I love to give lots of kisses and don't mind being on crate rest. I also let them know that the cat of the house smells really good. Ring Dog Rescue had me go on another trip to Richmond, VA to see a surgeon. He examined me and said "She is a great candidate for surgery! She may walk again!" I now have back surgery scheduled for the end of June. But the surgery is going to cost around $2900. Everyone at Ring Dog Rescue is trying to raise the money within a month to give me the opportunity to walk again. I know I can walk, my legs just won't cooperate and that's frustrating to me. Please help Ring Dog Rescue to raise the money for my surgery. I would love very much to run in my foster family's backyard with the rest of The Low Riding Crew. And maybe one day I will find my FOREVER HOME. Please help me....

Program would place advocates at abuse trials

MANATEE -- Animal advocates in the county are working to create a program that would give abused animals representation in court in animal abuse cases.

The animal representative would be responsible for investigating what happened to an animal when abuse is suspected and would advocate on behalf of the animal.

The idea is still in its formative stages but got its first test recently after a Palmetto police officer rescued a 2-year-old pit bull treading water with just his nose above the water line.

Read more: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/05/24/3218278/animals-to-get-guardians-in-court.html#ixzz1NzGsClQf

Why 6th grader Brian Berry rocks!

On occasion we receive unsolicited donations, and when money is raised by a 12-year old, there is definitely cause for some public applause!

"Dear Ring Dog Rescue,
Hello my name is Brian Berry and I am a sixth grade student at Canton Intermediate School. I am doing a social action project for school and choose Dog Fighting because I think it is one of if not the most barbaric sports ever made. I have already sent a letter to President Barack Obama demanding the stop of dog fighting be implemented immediately. I think what you're doing is amazing. I have two dogs of my own, both rescued and it's great to hear that the people  at your organzation all have rescue dogs. Thank you for doing what you're doing and I would love to donate again. I raised this money by doing a swim-a-thon. I swam 4.5 miles (300 laps) at the Farmington Valley YMCA, and asked my friends and family to sponsor me. I hope this money helps you and goes to a good cause. Enclosed are checks totaling $443.00.
Sincerely,
Brian Berry"


And here is the email we got from Brian's mom:

"Hi Ring Dog Rescue –

Last week we sent a donation from my son, Brian Berry, along with a letter from him. He studied dog fighting as his sixth grade “Social Action Project,” and wanted to raise some money. Since he is a swimmer with our local YMCA, he decided on a swim-a-thon. He asked his buddies to sponsor him at a penny a lap, and swam 300 laps (approx. 4-1/2 miles), to raise the money, with a goal of raising $150. Many of his classmates, along with family and friends, sponsored him to raise the money he sent last week.We are very proud of him!

Congratulations on the work you do!
Brian’s mom
Peg Berry"



When I spoke to his mom last week, I found out he chose us randomly, through a Google search, using the terms dog fighting and rescue. The project was done in 3 parts, and one being an oral class presentation, to which he proudly wore his RDR "Don't hate, EDUCATE!" t-shirt. 

From all of us at Ring Dog Rescue, we want to say THANK YOU for a job better than well done. In fact, it's downright exemplary! Your hard work on this project and desire to end dog fighting, not to mention tripling your monetary goal, are HUGE accomplishments - we were all taken aback and are extremely grateful!  :)


Clementine's Munchies Special fundraiser kick off!

Clementine's Munchies has officially begun their Monthly Special fundraiser & what better way to kick it off than with Ring Dog Rescue?! For every order over $25 placed through their website from now through June, Clementine's Munchies will donate 20% of proceeds to RDR & they will include an exclusive RDR specialty treat to say "thanks" for helping to support such a great organization! Woof Woof Bully Love!!!

www.clementinesmunchies.com

Advocacy group aims to ‘End Dogfighting’

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Pet Day Cruise-In @ Bill's BBQ is tomorrow!

High School Teacher Pushes Breedism and Hate

Assigns “People Should Not Own Pit Bulls” Paper – CALL TO ACTION

Apparently breedism, the canine equivalent to racism is alive and well at Osbourne Park High in Virgina. A teacher there has assigned their students to write a paper entitled “People Should NOT own Pit Bulls”. The students have asked repeatedly to write on a different subject and have been denied.

The teacher’s response: “Yes, this is the paper asking students to use the topic “People Should Not Own Pit Bulls.” When we began this project, several students mentioned that they owned pit bulls. I said that they didn’t have to BELIEVE people should not own pit bulls, but for the sake of this four paragraph research experience, I wanted them to use the four articles/sources I had provided to discuss two reasons why owning pit bulls could be dangerous.”

This is Assistant Principal David Cassady Jr.’s response to the teacher’s assignment being called into question: “It is an approved topic and there is nothing wrong with it”.

Call to Action – Please contact the school and voice your opinion
Osbourne Park High
8909 Euclid Ave,Manassas,VA20111
phone 703.365.6500

Asst. Principal David Cassady Jr. - CASSADDJ@PWCS.edu
The Principal’s Advisory Council, Neil Beech beechna@pwcs.edu
The Principal’s Advisory Council, Tamara Zimmerman zimmertj@pwcs.edu

School Board
MJOHNS@pwcs.edu; BCOVINGTON@pwcs.edu; LBELL@pwcs.edu; GTRENUM@pwcs.edu; GLATTIN@pwcs.edu; MOTAIGBE@pwcs.edu; DRAMIREZ@pwcs.edu; DRICHARDSON@pwcs.edu;

Every day in shelters across our country, countless dogs suffer and die as a result of being unjustly judged by their looks alone. These innocent animals are publicly demonized and condemned for the bad acts of a few; they are stereotyped as “vicious”, “killers”, and “dangerous” based on a very loose appearance-based definition of breed, not their individual behavior.

Stories about pit bull attacks are tragic, but isolated incidents. Those stories are blasted all over the news, but it’s stories like these that people never hear about. These are the stories of pit bull heroes – the dogs who selflessly defend their families from heinous crimes, save other animals from certain death, and pull their human guardians to safety in times of danger.

http://bslnews.org/2011/05/06/high-school-teacher-pushes-breedism-and-hate-assigns-people-should-not-own-pit-bulls-paper-call-to-action/

Nacho Mama's fundraiser is tomorrow, May 10th!

Click the image below to view and print this flier!

Surgeries, treatments and boarding, OH MY!

Every time we get caught up with our bills, it's never long before another injured/sick dog, or three, comes into the program, putting us back in a financial bind. And as frustrating as that is, we never refuse necessary treatments because our funds are lacking. In fact, many RDR volunteers use their own credit cards and money when things are tight, in hopes of getting reimbursed. Sometimes we do, and sometimes we don't, but that doesn't matter when a dogs life is on the line.

Please consider making a donation today and help us save even more lives!

Thank you,
Ring Dog Rescue

http://ringdogrescue.chipin.com/hw-treatmentvet-bills

Our Sophie wins "Cutest Dog" photo contest!

Hair of the Dog fundraiser this Saturday 11-5pm!

Transitioning your dog to new food

A breakfast burrito, lunchtime pizza and then Sushi for dinner? Not for pets! Unlike humans, our pets' digestive systems can't easily handle changes in food.

That's why when you switch your dog to a new food—whether it's canned or dry and no matter the brand—you need to do it gradually. Otherwise, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation could be part of your furry friend's new menu.
Here's a 10-day schedule to follow that will serve you—and your pets—well:
Day 1-3     Mix 75% old food with 25% new food
Day 4-6     Mix 50% old food with 50% new food
Day 7-9     Mix 75% new food with 25% old food
Day 10      Feed 100% of the new food
Remember: you know your pet best, so watch for signs of discomfort while switching and adjust this guideline if necessary. And talk to your veterinarian if any problems arise while transitioning to new food.

---

Don't Let Congress Strip Animal Protection Spending!

Federal Budget for Fiscal Year 2012

Action Needed: We need your help to make sure that as Congress focuses on reducing spending, it doesn't undercut enforcement of vital federal laws such as the Animal Welfare Act, the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act and the Horse Protection Act.

We need more members of Congress to sign the Smith-Blumenauer letter by April 13. We're particularly in need of more Republican signatories. Please let your U.S. representative know that this is important to you by sending the email today!

Click here to sign the letter online today!

---

New partnership with the Charlottesville SPCA

March 14, 2011
Ring Dog Rescue and the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA announce a new partnership to promote Pit Bull adoptions. Beginning March 27, 2011, one Sunday a month, Ring Dog Rescue and the SPCA will hold a Pit Bull adoption event in front of Blue Ridge Mountain Sports at the Barracks Road Shopping Center in Charlottesville from 1-4 PM. Potential adopters will have the opportunity to meet and interact with Pit Bull type dogs from both Ring Dog Rescue and the SPCA and learn more about this often misunderstood breed.

Pit Bulls can make very loyal family pets in the right home. These adoption events will showcase the great, and often silly, personalities of this breed and bring more awareness to the Charlottesville community about the friendly, loving nature of Pit Bulls. They also will allow dogs, which might be overlooked at the SPCA or in foster homes, a chance to shine, giving them another opportunity to find their new home.

If you are in the Charlottesville area, please stop by and meet the adoptable dogs and learn more about Pit Bulls on:

Sunday, March 27th
Sunday, April 17th
Sunday, June 26th
Sunday, July 24th
Sunday, August 28th
Sunday September 25th
Sunday, October 23rd
Sunday, November 20th

Blue Ridge Mountain Sports is located at 1125 Emmet Street, Barracks Road Shopping Center in Charlottesville.

For more information on Ring Dog Rescue or the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA visit our websites at http://www.ringdogrescue.org/ or http://www.caspca.org/. If you are interested in volunteering please e-mail ringdog@ringdogrescue.org.

Dine2Donate tonight @ Baker's Crust

---

Introducing Spot-On Spot Dog Training

Introducing Spot-On Spot Dog Training! Brandy Schofield, of S.O.S. Dog Training, has been a dedicated volunteer and supporter of Ring Dog Rescue since it's inception. In that time she has given countless hours of help and training to bullies in need and to the wonderful families that have opened their homes to these extraordinary dogs. Brandy's knowledge and vast experience, combined with her innate ability to understand dogs makes her an invaluable asset to our organization as well as the dog training community. Please visit www.spotonspot.com to learn more about Brandy and to seek training advice.

I think my back yard neighbor is afraid of me...

Or could it possibly be the 5 dogs??? Hmmm...

I am adamant that very little barking ever goes on in the back yard. All of my neighbors are pretty close to me, and I know they appreciate it being quiet as much as I do. Especially the elderly ones, unless they're deaf, and then they don't even know. Right? But I digress. Okay, so out of the fur-kids, the only barker is my oldest, Pinkie. The others just look over at whoever is going by. No big deal. But miss Pinkie is full on barking with a huge Mohawk all down her back- even a good part of the tail! Yep. Like she's in "attack" mode, whatever that is. All she really wants to do is knock the people over and lick them down. You'd never know by the whole display there, but that's just her and she has done that from day one. So whenever we hear her outside, we get out there, quiet her down and get her inside.

Today was a gorgeous afternoon, so when I came home for lunch, I played with the kids outside for a while. Just as I noticed the back yard neighbor had clothes hanging out, it sounded like his door started to open. But out of the corner of my eye, I see the curtains moving around and the door closes. Being the Leo I am, I immediately thought he didn't want to be neighborly with me. What?!?! Once sanity and reason entered the picture, I realized there were also 3 dogs out there and maybe that was it. Even though I know who is the barker, he doesn't remember and most likely wanted to avoid barking altogether. So I guess it is them after all and not me. Damn...

How can you not love these faces?

Understanding Different Dog Tolerance Levels

Source: http://www.badrap.org/rescue/dogdog.html

A Normal Trait that is as Flexible as it is Manageable

This page is designed to help demystify the common trait of dog-dog aggression. Dog aggression shows up in numerous breeds, and it's generally "no big deal"...unless you deny it, misunderstand it or exploit it. Like so many dog owners, we expect that our dogs have the potential to show some degree of dog aggression in select situations. Our job as responsible stewards is to keep our pets out of those situations by reading their body signals and understanding their individual limits. At the same time, we work to improve the tolerance of each dog through appropriate socializing opportunities. Because dog aggression is not a "one size fits all" trait, outlined below are four very common levels of dog-tolerance that we've come to recognize in our work with the dogs.

Typical Dog Tolerance Levels in a Group of BAD RAP Ambassadogs:

Read more...

The Life of Rescue...

Did you know that in 2010 RDR took in 288 dogs!!! That averages out to 24 dogs a month or 6 dogs a week! AMAZING! We could not have done it without you - THANK YOU!

We adopted out 207 and began 2011 with 81 dogs! Yes, 81 dogs!

There is a lot more to saving a dog than just pulling it from the shelter. Below is just a brief checklist of what goes into "saving" a dog once it has been pulled, and quite honestly sometimes even pulling a dog can take a lot of time and involve many steps.

• Including being "approved" to pull from a shelter, which involves a lot of paperwork.
• Temp testing the dog, a huge thank you to Brandy and Ariela, Kathy,Melanie and anyone else that has temp tested for us!
• Coordinating a foster or boarding arrangement, includes multiple emails, phone calls, posting, and begging
• Screening foster applications includes hours of phone calls emails and coordination (home inspection, reference check, etc) Thank you Karen and everyone else that helps in this process!
• Coordinating the drop off, dog/cat/house intro, making sure they have a crate, martingale, leash, and RDR tag
• Coordinating a vet visit for vaccinations and spay/neuter, which includes hours of phone calls/emails to fosters, clinics, etc.
• Making sure the dog is integrated into the foster or boarding and ready for adoption. We are spending between $200-$500 a month on boarding alone!

And the fun doesn't stop there...we then have to manage the placement whether it be behavioral, medical, etc. which is never ending.

Eventually we get to that final adoption which will make all of this work worth it!

I really don't think many people realize all that goes in to rescue...they give us a hard time for not taking the dog they want us to take...

Let me just give you an example of a day in the life of a rescuer...today we had a dog bleeding from his neuter this morning and started getting panicked calls at 7:45 am. This involved having to find a volunteer to get the dog (Kim, you are a lifesaver), making a vet appointment, getting the dog there and taken care of, paying for the bill, and then getting the dog back. This all by 9am.

The day went on from there...a potential foster was driving from out of the area to meet one of the shelter dogs we were trying to get full. He is on the road when I get a message that the dog has been adopted. I have to tell him and ask to to look at someone else. Not sure if he took someone..on my to-do list for tonight. The kennel calls looking for an owner surrender form for a dog we're taking from another rescue that wants him to live in an outside pen. Again, on my to-do list for tonight. We find out a dog was taken into one of our foster homes via another foster that we aren't totally cool with. Have to address that ASAP..on my To-Do list for tonight. One of our dogs on a trial adoption "attacked" the cat...not really sure that stands but need to address it ASAP..on my To-Do list tonight. Help a previous adopter whose dog is marking and has submissive urination. Call another friend of a friend that is inheriting some dogs and needs training help.

So now I'm home after working 9 hours and get to start my To-Do list not including the emails (we get about 200 emails a day) and checking the Facebook page and responding there (thanks Martha for helping with the postings). Oh, and I get to pay bills, check the bank account and update, log donations and send thank you letters (thank you Karen and Nicole for helping with this!). I get to process all the merch orders and mail them, update Petpoint with any news dogs, foster home locations, and medical. Adoptions, trials, and fosters to follow up with and check on. State Vet Report was submitted and need to print papers from the SCC to update our new director, Nicole ;) Oh, and speaking of Nicole, the hours she puts into the website and her various other RDR activities is thankless.

Oh, and find some time to spend time with my family, watch TV, or relax...what is that anyway?

No matter how many we save and all that we do it seems like it's never enough. there is always some asshole that wants to make you feel bad for not taking their dog they no longer wish to be responsible for. I will never understand how people can expect us to save every unwanted pit bull there is. We simply can't save them all and having to pick and choose is the worst part about it! Do people really think we like responding and telling them we cannot help?! Why are you mad at me because you moved some where that wouldn't allow your dog and you cannot keep it? Why are you mad at me because you picked up that stray you didn't want to go to animal control but you're unwilling to foster it? Why are you asking me to take your pit bulls because the jurisdiction you work for won't adopt them out to the public! Change your policy!

Why are we always cleaning up other peoples messes??! I guess because that it what we do and we do it for the dogs, but sometimes I'd really like to quit or maybe even have a vacation, but who is going to keep all of my dogs (I cannot afford a vacation and a huge boarding bill)? Who would put out all the fires and deal with all the BS while I was away?

Please be considerate and cognisant of your fellow rescuer. This life is not glamorous or exciting. On the contrary it is very hard and depressing. It is busy and overwhelming. Please work with us and not against us. Let's do it for the dogs!

Two surgeries later, I learned a lesson the hard way.

Meet Slade. He is a sweet and wonderful dog, who was rescued by RDR a couple years ago. This boy is truly a breed ambassador and I've never had an ounce of trouble with him whatsoever. That is, until I was rudely awakened by a second foreign object removal surgery.

In my 10+ years of pit bull experience, I've seen all kinds of destructive behavior, but it's always been taken out, so to speak, on another object. But in Slade's case, the damage he does is internal, and there is no way for me to make him understand. Often times, I catch him with a little piece of something off of the carpet, and typically take it out. I shudder to think of the times I don't see him snarfing down who-knows-what else!

So what's the bottom line here? I got comfortable and wasn't paying enough attention to his treat-eating and chewing habits. Since I realize he'll have this tendency the rest of his life, the only thing I can do is prevent another situation. As much as I wish he could "get it", I am entirely responsible for keeping him safe and must do better. His life depends on it!

Take Action -- HB 2482 Weakens protection for animals

Under H.B. 2482 it would be more difficult to seize animals trapped in inhumane conditions by breeders, dealers or pet stores. Under the bill animals could only be seized if they are "(i) under a direct and immediate threat or (ii) the owner or custodian is unable to or does not provide adequate impoundment." Otherwise, the breeder, dealer or pet shop could be ordered to impound animals under a directive or order. Yes, the abuser would "impound" their own abused or neglected animals. Regardless, upon conviction, the breeder, dealer or pet shop could obtain return of the animals "at the discretion of the court."

Emergency veterinary care requirements for all owners and keepers would be limited under the bill. Emergency veterinary treatment would no longer include treatment to prevent further progression of a disease but only that necessary "to stabilize a life-threatening condition, alleviate suffering, or prevent further transmission of a serious disease".

The bill would repeal provisions requiring owners to pay the costs associated with seizure of animals. Even if the animal is found to have been abandoned, cruelly treated, or deprived of adequate care, the court would not be obligated to require the owner to pay for costs of caring for the animal following seizure.

The bill would also allow courts to return animals to owners who are convicted of depriving them of adequate care and even if the animals were abandoned or cruelly treated.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
This bill will repeal or weaken some hard won protections for animals. H.B. 2482 has been assigned to the Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources. Find committee members here and your Virginia legislators here. Call or write (faxes or letters are best) and urge them to vote NO on  H.B. 2482.

---

Benefit concert at Cary Street Cafe 1/22/11 @ 8pm

---

Pups gone missing Friday have been found

BIG thanks to everyone who helped with the search effort to find these puppies!

---