To be honest, I used to be terrified of pit bulls…not because of a bad experience, but because of all the bad press. The news loves to flood us with the negative…to instill fear in us…but that is a blog for another day!
Once upon a time…a few years ago, actually…my nephew and his wife (Jon and Ashley) moved in with us temporarily while they were transiting to new jobs and a new city…and they brought with them the most precious puppy…Gracie, a beautiful American Staffordshire Terrier. She was so cute! Now, at first, I was nervous. After all, my head was full of all the horror stories from the news. I had three pups at home and Abby. What was going to happen? Long story, short…nothing. Nothing happened, but sweet puppy kisses, pups all playing together, snuggle time on the couch…no horror story. I will have to share darling photos of that eventful time of my life on a Flashback Friday!
Now, grab a cup of coffee, sit a spell with me, and enjoy a little puppy love as I share a lovely interview with the talented, kind, and giving Aimee Shaw of Shaw Pit Bull Rescue.
1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
My husband, Kenneth, and I have owned pit bulls for over 30 years. We’ve owned many, many dogs – many more that we can count – from rescues to fosters to puppies to our own “yard” and house dogs. Before I met my husband, I had never seen nor heard of a pit bull. Maybe that was a blessing: I hadn’t heard the hype about them, so my heart was completely open.
Toby, Lexi, Sadie, and Rita looking all comfy!
They get such a bad rap – and it’s a shame, because they are some of the goofiest, most lovable, loyal and just full of character dogs you can ever be around. They are constantly doing things just to make you laugh. What actually lit the fire, so to speak, was a case here in Columbus where 13 pit bull dogs were seized and put down, immediately. I knew, in my heart, that something had to be done, or someone had to do something. We first started out hoping to house and rehabilitate 1 or 2 dogs at a time – but that went out the window, quickly!!
Look at that sweet grin!
3. What is the number one myth that you would like to debunk about Pit Bulls?
Too sweet! Lexi with baby Porkchop…Awww
4. You have four pit bulls, a pot bellied pig, and three cats living in your house. Tell us a little bit about them, how they get along, and any funny stories related to them.
Right now, we actually have 5 pit bulls, a pot bellied pig and 3 cats. We have ‘our’ 3 (Toby, Lexi & Sadie); Rita – the little girl rescue that was almost starved to death when we got her; and Buster, the rescue from Ohio. Toby & Lexi are siblings, and Sadie is their ‘aunt’. All, of course, are spayed/neutered. Rita, we decided to just keep her in the family because she had already been through so much. She was found tied to a barbed wire fence, with no food or water, and was so weak she could barely stand or hold her head up. We had to feed her a spoon full of food at a time, and pumped her full of livers and protein until she gained weight and muscle back. The muscle tone was so deteriorated that you could see her skull under her skin.
Just chilling and being lazy
Showing a little love…TJ and Lexie
5. What is your dream for Shaw Pit Bull Rescue? How can we help to fulfill that dream?
Ideally, we would like to have several acres to provide housing and care for abused, abandoned or neglected pit bulls. We get several phone calls, daily, about dogs needing our help. Unfortunately, we can not help them all. We rely solely on donations, and none of our board members or volunteers are paid. We use our own money, as well, to purchase feed, medical bills, etc. Our biggest priority right now is kennels. Tractor Supply has pit bull-proof outdoor kennels (welded wire) that are fantastic and very easy to set-up and move. We are growing every week, and the more kennels we have, the more dogs we can help. We hold dog food drives every 45-60 days, and have been blessed by the community and other facilities pitching in and donating food to us. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so any donations are tax deductible 🙂
6. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Nila playing a bit and relaxing a bit
Porkchop has no problems with the misunderstood Pit Bull…neither should we!
What a fabulous and inspiring interview with Aimee Shaw! It was such an honor getting to share good news and positive press with all of you today. Now, let us get out there and do our part to help!
Have a Blessed Day!
Chasidy
